June 8, 2026
Claire Brenneman
June is a month of color, community, and celebration. It is National Homeownership Month AND Pride Month, and here at NMAR, we think that is a beautiful combination. Because when we talk about homeownership, we are talking about belonging. And belonging is something everyone deserves.
Why Homeownership Matters
There is a reason owning a home has long been called the "American Dream." A home is more than four walls and a roof. It is stability. It is a place to put down roots. It is one of the most powerful tools available for building long-term wealth and creating a legacy for your family.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, June is a time to raise awareness about the benefits of owning a home and to work toward making homeownership more attainable for all Americans. Every family deserves the opportunity to experience those benefits, from building generational wealth to building memories for years to come.
That mission hits close to home for us here in Northwest Montana. Whether you are in Kalispell, Whitefish, Libby, or Polson, this region is a place people genuinely want to call home. Our REALTORS® are proud to help make that happen every single day.
Juneteenth and the Homeownership Gap
June 19th is Juneteenth, a federal holiday marking the end of slavery in America. It is a day about freedom. And freedom, in a real and practical sense, includes the freedom to own a place to call home.
That is why the data matters. According to NAR's 2025 Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America, the gap between Black and White homeownership rates has actually widened over the past decade, growing from 27% in 2013 to 28% in 2023. Black homeownership saw its largest year-over-year increase in 2023, which is encouraging. But the gap remains significant.
Barriers like higher mortgage denial rates, rising insurance costs, and less generational wealth make the path to homeownership harder for many Black Americans. These are real challenges, not abstract ones.
Juneteenth is a good moment to name that honestly, and to recommit to what fair housing is supposed to mean: equal access, equal opportunity, and equal support. NAR is actively working to change these numbers through advocacy, research, and bipartisan policy solutions. See what NAR is doing to increase homeownership opportunities. NMAR members are trained in fair housing principles and take that responsibility seriously. Every buyer deserves the same dedication, the same expertise, and the same shot at finding a place they can truly call home.
Home is for Everyone
Pride Month is a reminder that every person, regardless of who they are or who they love, deserves to feel safe, seen, and at home.
Homeownership is part of that. Having a place that is truly yours, where you can live authentically, matters deeply. REALTORS® are bound by a strict Code of Ethics and the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. Many states and localities extend those protections further.
At NMAR, we believe every buyer deserves an equal shot at finding the right home, and every seller deserves to be treated with professionalism and respect. Full stop.
What Realtors® Do For You
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. It can also feel overwhelming. That is where your REALTOR® comes in.
NMAR members are part of a three-way membership: local, state (Montana Association of REALTORS®), and national (NAR, with 1.4 million members). That means your local REALTOR® is backed by an enormous network of resources, research, and advocacy working on your behalf.
Here is what REALTORS® bring to the table:
- Local expertise. They know this market. Inventory, pricing, neighborhoods, what is coming up for sale before it hits the MLS.
- Negotiation skills. They advocate for your best interests, not the deal.
- Trusted guidance. They walk you through every step, from pre-approval to closing day.
- Ongoing support. The relationship does not end at the closing table.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you are a first-time buyer curious about where to start, or you have been thinking about making a move for a while, now is a great time to have a conversation.
Connect with an NMAR member REALTOR® at nmar.com/realtor-members.
This June, we celebrate everyone's right to find a place to call home. Happy Homeownership Month. Happy Pride Month. Happy Juneteenth.
You belong here.