4 Versatile Houseplants for Every Home

My wife and I had no problem taking care of more than 100 houseplants in our tiny apartment, but becoming both parents and homeowners practically overnight forced us to adapt in ways we had never imagined.

Even my easiest houseplants became neglected as we struggled to adjust, and they coped with new light levels and a crawling, small-object-devouring infant. If my houseplants didn't fit into our new lifestyle, they were quickly adopted by the warm embrace of friends, or failing that, the compost heap.

For a plant to be versatile, it must tolerate or even embrace change. When you're busy with a move, breakup, or illness, that plant should say, “It's okay, bro. I'll be here for you, even if you forget to water me.”

But that's not enough. A truly versatile plant can be made smaller in a pinch, or transformed into new plants by rooting cuttings and divisions.

The following four plants are easy to grow, but they don't just sit there and survive the chaos of your life. They adapt and thrive.

Dracaena

Kicking off this list is a houseplant so common you can hardly visit a doctor's office without one reading a Highlights magazine over your shoulder in the waiting room. Since they're usually grown as tall floor plants and kept in a corner, the Dracaena might not seem very adaptable. But to the contrary!

 

When your plant gets too tall or outgrows its pot, cut back those canes and dip the trimmed ends in rooting hormone. Put 4-inch-long canes in a bag of coir/sphagnum moss, place them in bright, indirect light, and pot them once roots have begun to branch out.

Ta da! Your original Dracaena will re-sprout as a shorter and fuller plant, and you'll have new baby Dracaena plants to pot up.

Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis species)

True story: I gave out Rhipsalis cuttings as wedding favors, and even used cut stems in the flower arrangements. A year after the wedding, the stems that my mother kept in the vase had rooted and thrived in nothing more than water, and the leftover cuttings that I casually tossed in my ficus pot were doing just as well.

These rainforest cacti look a lot like green spaghetti to the uninitiated, but the next time you see some for sale in a hanging basket or among the succulents, buy one immediately.

Rhipsalis species readily adapt to light levels ranging from those of a dimly lit room to a sunny porch. They handle anything from drought to moist soil, but will rot if left in waterlogged soil.

Stems are easily rooted in anything from potting mix to perlite, or even in nothing more than a glass of water. Eventually, they will treat you to delicate little white or creamy flowers, followed by decorative berries.

Air plants (Tillandsia species)

You can't ask for a more versatile plant than a tillandsia. Care instructions differ depending on species, but generally speaking, they require no soil and only need to be watered (via misting, faucet or dunking) two or three times a week.

I kept some in my shower along with an orchid for almost two years, where they received nothing more than shower steam and occasional sprays of water. By the time the whole shower caddy collapsed under their weight, my orchid and air plants were thriving.

Other small bromeliads (Neoregelia 'Fireball', Aechmea gamosepala and Vriesea carinata, to name a few) are just as versatile, though they usually need to sink their roots into some coir or orchid bark. Fill the cups with water whenever they dry out, letting water spill over to wet the roots.

Divide established clumps of Tillandsia or other bromeliads by twisting off the stems at their bases, and repotting.

Haworthia

These southern African aloe relatives have yet to catch on with the general public, but it's only a matter of time. The majority of Haworthia (and Gasteria) species are relatively shade-tolerant as far as succulents go, they survive just about everything but waterlogged soil, and established clumps are very easy to divide into new plants.

Provided they get enough light, they also make an excellent “groundcover” planting beneath taller plants such as Dracaena or Ficus. I've tucked them into many of my containers and have planted them in protected spots all over my zone 9a Florida garden, where they survive toddler tramplings on a regular basis.

Related:

• Air Plants and Succulents: A Perfect Pair
• The 5-Step Plan for Refreshing Tired Houseplants
• Turn Your Home Into a Tropical Oasis with Easy-Care Palm Plants

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/versatile-houseplants-193149/
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Best City for the Urban Parent: San Francisco or Seattle?

Fog City or the Emerald City? Both known as major Pacific ports, booming with tech companies and start-ups, these cities offer residents urban living with an intimate suburban feel. Though the two cities are often pinned against each other, it can be difficult to determine which better suits your family. And choosing to move with a family is not a decision made lightly.

As a parent, if you're looking to move to either San Francisco or Seattle, discovering the best fit for your family is key. Check out what the locals had to say about being an urban parent in their areas.

1. Why did you choose to live in your city?

Baker Beach in San Francisco. Source: Kristianne Hannemann of My San Francisco Kitchen

“I chose to live in San Francisco because it has all of the perks of living in a big city without feeling like living in a big city. It has many diverse restaurants, shops and endless things to do, but it is only 7 square miles. It also has a lot of great outdoor recreation!” — Kristianne Hannemann of My San Francisco Kitchen (San Francisco)

“We wanted to move near a major metropolitan city that also offered a variety of activities. Living in Seattle means you can take a day trip to the ocean, or to the mountains. Plus we wanted to be close to the Canadian border in order to easily travel to visit our family that lives in western Canada.” — Kimberly of Stuffed Suitcase (Seattle)

2. Is your city kid-friendly? Where would you recommend people live if they have kids?

“Yes, there are great kid-friendly areas in San Francisco. Some of my favorites are the Marina District, Pacific Heights and Sunset District. They feel safe, and I love the suburban feeling. And you can find great playground areas for the kids.” — Elba Valverde of Live Colorful (San Francisco)

Gasworks Park in Seattle. Source: Terumi Pong of An Emerald City Life

“Yes! Seattle has wonderful amenities for all families. I love how Seattle offers so many free opportunities for families, so everyone can enjoy the beauty of the city. There are beautiful parks, free museum days and many great community programs throughout the year that families on any budget can enjoy. One [neighborhood] that I love is West Seattle. You can access the downtown area via a short drive or public transportation, or via a water taxi. Yet, there are still affordable housing options and fun parks nearby (as well as Alki Beach).” — Sia of Thrifty Northwest Mom (Seattle)

3. How is the traffic and what mode of transportation do you most often use?

“I used to live in Southern California and am glad to be back in Northern California. I take BART or MUNI to go around the city, especially on the weekends where parking is unbelievably hard to find and expensive. Our family enjoys hiking, having outdoor picnics, as well as biking; hence we love strolling around San Francisco because it offers the best scenery.” — Linda Kurniadi of Brunch-n-Bites (San Francisco)

“Seattle took longer than many metropolitan cities to get on top of great public transportation options, so we are a bit behind in this regard. Many people still drive their cars, but growing transportation options are providing more options these days.” — Sia of Thrifty Northwest Mom (Seattle)

4. Does your city have good parks and outdoor activities for both children and adults?

View from the Marin Headlands. Source: Matt Fuller of the JacksonFuller team

“The city's best outdoor spot, in my opinion, is Crissy Field. Views of the Golden Gate Bridge, dog- and kid-friendly beaches, cafes. … Unfortunately, it's so cold in San Francisco most of the time that it's not a great place for sun bathing or swimming (except for dogs). Golden Gate Park's Stow Lake is one of my favorite spots. You can rent a foot-paddle boat or a canoe and cruise around the lake. For the best outdoor activities, though, a short trip over the Golden Gate Bridge will take you to Marin County, which has many more options.” — Susan Dyer Reynolds of Marina Times (San Francisco)

“Yes, there are many! Discovery Park has to be the best park in my opinion to see the true jewel of Seattle. It contains beautiful, lush forest trails and has one of my favorite views of the surrounding mountains and water. And the International Fountain inside the Seattle Center park is a favorite for kids on a sunny day, plus grown-ups can get some great shots of the Space Needle with the fountain.” — Kimberly of Stuffed Suitcase (Seattle)

5. Is it affordable to raise a family in your city?

“Housing in San Francisco is incredibly expensive. Unfortunately, our city government has consistently chosen to restrict supply, so demand has continued to drive up prices. Private schools, if you choose that route, are also incredibly expensive and competitive. Parking is tough and food isn't really cheap either.” — Matt Fuller of the JacksonFuller team (San Francisco)

“Compared to the small town I grew up in, Seattle is very expensive, both as far as housing prices and childcare costs. But wages in Seattle are higher, too, so it does balance out. Overall, it’s certainly not cheap to raise a family in Seattle, but it is doable.” — Aileen Allen of At Home In Love (Seattle)

6. Does your city have good schools within city limits?

“For good public schools, you have to live in the better (read: expensive) neighborhoods — like Marina or Pacific Heights. Otherwise you're limited to private schools or taking your chances with a terrible public school system.” — Susan Dyer Reynolds of Marina Times (San Francisco)

“Like any large city, Seattle schools suffer from a lot the inner-city school woes. The neighborhoods in Seattle range from multi-million dollar homes to public housing, all within just a few blocks of each other. Private schools of every type are available throughout the city as well.” — Connie Ott of Baby to Boomer (Seattle)

7. Does your city have ample free attractions and activities?

Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco. Source: Linda Kurniadi of Brunch n Bites

“Oh yes, from Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street in the Spring and Summer, Pier 39, Coit Tower, and even downtown San Francisco has its own attractions. Go to the Ferry Building on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday for some fresh veggies and fruits, or enjoy a bike ride at Golden Gate Park. And some museums often offer free admission so you and your family can enjoy a day of fun on them.” — Linda Kurniadi of Brunch-n-Bites (San Francisco)

“There are monthly free days at the museums. And there is a community lunch in Pike Place Market every month that is free as well. There is a great kids’ area in the Seattle Art Museum that is not in the paid area, so technically it's ‘free’ too. The playground at Seattle Center is also free and amazing. And the Seattle Library has free passes to many local attractions that you can check out if you plan ahead of your visit.” — Terumi Pong of An Emerald City Life (Seattle)

8. What are the biggest challenges of raising a family in your city?

“Affordability, small spaces and crime. The cost of living in San Francisco is very high, which makes raising a family difficult. Most of the real estate does not offer large backyards for children to play. Like most cities, there is a higher rate of crime than smaller towns that parents need to be aware of.” — Kristianne Hannemann of My San Francisco Kitchen (San Francisco)

“The cost. Houses are expensive. The closer you live to the city, the pricier the home. To afford more house for their money, many families move out to the Seattle suburbs. That leads to hour-long commutes and the cost of paying for it as well.” — Connie Ott of Baby to Boomer (Seattle)

9. What are the biggest benefits of raising a family in your city?

“Variety. San Francisco, as most of the big cities, is well known for being home to many cultures from around the world. I love being able to expose my kid to this melting pot where you can learn and share with others.” — Elba Valverde of Live Colorful (San Francisco)

Seattle Center. Source: Terumi Pong of An Emerald City Life

“There is a PEPS [Program for Early Parent Support] group that supports new families and connects you with parents with kids the same age when your baby is born. There are tons of family-friendly activities that don’t feel like they are just made for kids.” — Terumi Pong of An Emerald City Life (Seattle)

10. What advice would you give to families moving to your city?

“Jump in. Take advantage of transit, get museum memberships and explore. Many people find Northern Californians, and San Franciscans in particular, to be an aloof bunch. While we are very much a live-and-let-live tribe, kids make a natural icebreaker. Whatever you do, don't take your kids to the ocean without wetsuits and windbreakers. The water really is cold, no matter how optimistic you are.” — Matt Fuller of the JacksonFuller team (San Francisco)

Kingston Ferry Terminal. Source: Aileen Allen of At Home in Love

“Enjoy Seattle itself, but definitely get outside of the city on weekends too! Go on some hikes, get out on the water and take advantage of the outdoors — especially on sunny days.” — Aileen Allen of At Home In Love (Seattle)

Related:

• Locals Share Their Spokane Secrets
• What It’s Really Like to Live in Los Angeles
• 15 Chicago Questions Answered

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/urban-parent-san-francisco-seattle-193089/
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Time Your Listing in the Magic Window to Sell Faster and for More Money

Homes sell fastest and for more money in early May, the magic listing window in all of the country’s 25 biggest metro areas.

Weather and housing market dynamics affect the exact best window to sell in different areas, and this year, a low supply of homes on the market has pushed the window later in the spring. With increased competition and limited selection, shoppers who start looking for a home in early spring may need to look at several homes and will often still be shopping a few months later. By May, some buyers may be anxious to get settled into a new home before the next school year — and will be more willing to pay a premium to close the deal.

For sellers hoping to sell quickly and get the maximum sale price for your home, the time to list is right in the first half of May. Nationally, homes sold May 1-15 sell about 18.5 days faster and for 1 percent more than the average listing. That means an average premium of $1,700 for the seller of a median home.

Today, Zillow has launched a new tool to personalize this data for individual sellers. The new Best Time to List feature estimates how much more money a seller can make by changing the listing date on their individual home. The methodology for the analysis, originally featured in “Zillow Talk: Rewriting the Rules of Real Estate,” is detailed on Zillow Research.

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/magic-window-to-sell-faster-193229/
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6 Ways Home Automation Tools Can Make Your Life Easier

By 2019, the number of North American households with smart home systems is predicted to reach 38.2 million, up from just over 10 million in 2014. (Facebook founder Mark Zuckerburg is even devoting 2016 to creating his own home automation system.)

Home automation essentially helps you control or manage your home via devices or applications. You may be familiar with the phrase "smart home." Think of home automation as Internet-connected devices that help make your home life more efficient - or smarter.

Try not to let home automation intimidate you, though. Truly, anyone can turn their humble abode into a smart home, one device at a time - and you don’t even have to hire anyone to do it for you.

So whether you're ready to go all in and automate everything under your roof, or you're just curious about how you can begin to incorporate some home automation elements, read on to learn a few easy ways to start.

The possibilities really are endless

You've probably already heard about tech gadgets that help keep your home secure, control your thermostat, or program your lights.

These are some of the most discussed uses of home automation, but they're really only the beginning. There are quite a few not-so-common home automation options out there worth a look.

Check on your pet from the office

From Piper to Motorola Pet Scout to Misafes, there are many products focused on keeping your pet safe and happy, while giving you peace of mind.

You can find wireless camera devices that let you see what your pup is up to all day, while also allowing for two-way audio - so not only can you hear if Fido is barking, but you can talk to him, too.

Some devices, like the Belkin NetCam, can even email you after detecting motion in a designated area, so you'll know every time your pet goes in and out of a typically off-limits room, or you can simply check how often your pup uses the doggy door.

You can try just about any wireless security camera of your choice, or opt for products specifically for monitoring pets.

Clean your home

The iRobot Roomba 980 Vacuum Cleaning Robot will put an end to your vacuum chore days and make cleaning your home smarter than ever. Its internal camera allows this cleaning robot to map out the layout of your home, so it knows where it's been and where it still needs to go. It’s also wirelessly connected to its own app, so you can schedule it to clean when you're at the office, running errands, or just out with friends - all with just one tap to the app.

Other automatic cleaning devices include the Samsung POWERbot, the bObsweep bObi, and the Miele Scout.

Gain a personal assistant

Perhaps the most well-known personal assistant on the home automation market is the Amazon Echo. The Echo is activated by your voice, and allows you to listen to your favorite Pandora station or Amazon Prime music on command; get the latest news, weather, or traffic reports; and control other smart home devices.

As an alternative to Echo, keep tabs on ivee, available for pre-order now with estimated shipping in April 2016.

Water your plants

Sure, you can set reminders to water your plants, but you don't have to with Tableau. With a smart watering system, your plants will be good to go while you're away.

Tableau tracks how much water your plants get, and can care for up to three plants for up to one full month.

Cook dinner remotely

Have you ever heard of a Wi-Fi slow cooker? Yep, it's a real thing. The Crock-Pot WeMo Smart Slow Cooker lets you decide when to start cooking dinner, all from a free WeMo app.

And if you get stuck away from home longer than planned, you can adjust the timer to continue warming to avoid an overcooked or cold meal.

Monitor water leaks

Water leaks are common, but home automation can help monitor the situation and prevent the much-feared basement flood.

The Fibaro Flood Sensor can be installed in any hard-to-reach space, and will alert you if it detects movement, water, or a change in temperature. Everspring's Wireless Flood Detector works similarly, in that it sounds an alarm if it comes in contact with water. And the SmartSense Moisture Sensor alerts your phone via text or push notification if it ever detects a leak.

Home automation for anyone

Whether you're living in a dorm, just bought your first home, or you're a senior wanting to try out home automation, there’s a device on the market for you.

While there are home automation devices for every space in and out of your home, don't let that overwhelm you. Which tasks frustrate you most? What do you want more help with around the house? What "just for fun" activities do you wish you could do from anywhere?

Consider what you care most about and start there. Add a home automation device one at a time, and you'll be a smart home guru in no time.

Related:

• 7 Safety Upgrades and Tech Tools for Seniors Living Alone
• How to Deal With a Roommate Who Hogs the Wi-Fi
• Why You Need to Get Serious About Going Solar

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/home-automation-make-life-easier-193123/
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How 'Home Was a Safe House' for This Refugee and Cancer Survivor

Like many couples, Bao and Lillian have their own ideas about what home is supposed to be.

“He'll try to scatter things throughout where we live and I’m like, ‘That doesn't go there’ or ‘No, I don’t think that’s great there,'” Lillian says smiling. “[And] he’s Mr. Safety at home. Seriously, there’s a … smoke alarm like every five steps it feels like.”

But for Bao, collecting things and obsessing over smoke alarms is rooted in something deeper.

Fleeing home

“I grew up in a poor country. We don't let things go too much,” he explains.

Born in Vietnam, Bao learned at a young age that home isn’t permanent. In 1975, his family tried to escape before the Fall of Saigon.

“I still remember vividly waters up to their neck as they crossed this jungle into a swamp trying to escape from a small boat to the big boat,” he says. “It wasn't successful because we got - the communists caught us. Me and my sister and my mom got caught, and we were in jail, handcuffed. [I was] 8 years old.”

After saving enough money, Bao’s family successfully fled in 1979.

“I can’t imagine what was going on in my parents' heads when they said, ‘OK, we’re going to leave everything behind. We’re going to go to a country where we don't speak the language, we don't know the culture and we’re going to start all over.’ But they did it for me and my sister. I mean, they left everything behind. They were in their 30s. I can’t imagine that,” he says.

Building home

But he’s never forgotten. Bao served in the Army because he felt like he needed to repay the U.S. government for letting his family immigrate. Then he became a firefighter and bought a house in Fremont, CA.

“One of the things my dad always said, ‘You know, you’re not a true American yet until you buy a home or at least have an address where somebody can send you a letter.’ So that’s what’s kind of important to me,” he explains.

When Bao married Lillian, home meant even more.

“Home was a safe house where she could recover and just be her,” Bao explains. Just 15 months after their son was born, Lillian was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.

“When the doctors don't look you in the eye, you know it's not good,” Lillian says. Practically overnight, their lives changed drastically. Lillian stopped breast feeding. Chemo and radiation became the routine.

Loving home

But in the midst of life’s biggest curve ball, the silver lining was home. Home became a refuge.

“When I went out, I had to put on a wig, I had no hair. And it was like I was hiding something,” Lillian recalls. “But when I got home, I got to take everything off. I got to lie in bed and just rest up and be us without having anyone judging or looking at me differently.”

Bao also did his part to lighten the mood at home.

“I told her that only one of us could be bald in this house,” he says. “I had pretty much, you know, a Bozo the Clown haircut for a year until she had her last chemo treatment.”

Lillian laughs remembering the infamous hairdo. “I couldn’t take it any longer. I was like, ‘Please get rid of it.’ He goes, ‘No, I’m anti-cancer. I’m going the opposite direction of you.'”

Now cancer-free for almost a year, she treasures family time in their safe house - even with Bao’s collections and smoke alarms everywhere.

“As long as we have each other, we’re having fun, everyone's healthy, everyone's good - that’s all that matters,” she says.

“We cook at home, we just hang out and enjoy each other. And our boy. I mean, our boy is our life now,” Bao adds.

Lillian’s dream is to have a big yard so their son can run around and play. Bao dreams of a big outdoor kitchen where they can cook together.

“After her survival and after what my parents went through, I don’t think anything - knock on wood - could knock us down,” Bao says. “[I mean] it would knock us down; we [would] just get back on our feet because we have our family.”

Bao and Lillian were interviewed for Zillow’s latest advertising campaign. Watch the TV commercials here.

Related:

• Introducing ‘Stories of Home’
• ‘There’s a Story in Every House’ … How Film Director Errol Morris Finds It

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/bao-and-lillian-192883/
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Are You Shelling Out Too Much for Renters Insurance?

By Shannon Ireland

We live in a fast-paced world. These days, people are packing up their belongings and moving to new cities to chase their dreams, and waiting longer to start families. With the culture shifts in the lifestyles of younger generations, more people are renting space rather than buying homes.

More than 43 million American households rent homes, apartments, condos or townhomes, according to Zillow research, and many of them don't have renters insurance.

Some forego purchasing policies because they believe their landlords' coverage will protect their belongings. Spoiler alert: The landlord’s coverage only protects the structure of the building itself, not the tenant's possessions.

Other renters choose not to buy policies because they believe coverage is too pricey or an unnecessary expense. But on average, renters insurance costs $15 a month, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

If your renters insurance payment exceeds the average, it could be because of a few factors. The following are some potential reasons, as well as advice for lowering the cost of your coverage.

The single life

Let's say you were previously living with a roommate, but decided to move out and get your own place. If your roommate's name was never removed from your policy, you could be overpaying, as it was likely covering their possessions, too.

When a roommate moves out, the first thing you should do is call your insurance provider. An agent can remove your former roommate's name from your policy, and help adjust your coverage to protect only your belongings.

Keeping your coverage as-is after the move could mean that you're still paying to insure your roommate's expensive flat screen TV, jewelry collection or rare art that decorated his or her bedroom walls - especially if you purchased a floater policy to protect high-value items.

Do a little spring cleaning

With spring cleaning just around the corner, you may be inspired to pare down your possessions. If this is the case, your contents coverage needs to be adjusted to reflect your decluttered residence. A reduced amount of coverage could mean lower premium payments.

Now is the perfect time for you to make a home inventory. A home inventory is a list of everything you own, including receipts to document values, photos and video, if available. This list should be kept in a safe spot outside your rented residence, such as a safety deposit box, and can help you file a claim quickly and efficiently if disaster strikes.

Movin' on up

Did you know that living on the ground floor of an apartment complex could result in your renters insurance costs being higher than your upstairs neighbor’s? It's true. Being on the ground or first floor of a complex puts your space at a higher risk of being targeted by burglars.

If you purchased renters insurance while living on the lower level of an apartment building and have since moved up to a higher floor, you may be paying more for your policy than is necessary. Moving up a few stories reduces your risk of filing a theft claim, which can, in turn, reduce the amount you pay for coverage.

Wiggle room

When you purchase insurance policies, you agree to a certain deductible - the amount you pay toward a claim before your provider swoops in to pay for the remainder of the damage.

The higher you set your deductible, the less you pay for premiums, and vice versa. You should never set your deductible higher than you'd be comfortable paying in the event of a disaster, because doing so could cause you financial hardships if you don’t have plenty of cash in reserves.

Setting a low deductible could mean you're paying more for your renters coverage than necessary. If you have some wiggle room with your finances, consider a higher deductible to see more cash in your pocket each year.

Shop ’til you drop

Your premium payments may be higher if you went with the first insurance quote you received, rather than putting in the time to shop around for a policy.

It's imperative to comparison shop for renters insurance. It's typically affordable, but different insurance companies offer varying coverage and discount options, meaning that you must compare quotes to find the lowest cost.

Give credit where credit's due

Finally, if your credit is less than favorable, it could be the reason that your renters insurance payments are higher than other renters’.

Insurance carriers often use credit scores to determine the likelihood that you'll file a claim. The assumption is that the higher your credit score, the less likely you’ll be to file a claim as a policyholder, and vice versa.

To help lower your premiums, work to raise your credit score by paying down any debts and making payments on time.

Many other factors, such as owning a dog, could contribute to higher renters insurance costs, but tackling the issues described above is a great way to start working toward lower payments.

Related:

• Safety Upgrades That Save You Money on Renters Insurance
• How to File a Renters Insurance Claim Without the Headache
• The Inside Scoop on Renters Insurance and Roommates

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/renters-insurance-too-high-193182/
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Many Hispanics View Homeownership as Key to the American Dream

Although Hispanics were hit harder than most during the Great Recession - and predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods have been the slowest to bounce back - they are more likely than whites, blacks or Asians to associate homeownership with the American Dream, according to Zillow’s latest Housing Confidence Index.

Of Hispanic respondents surveyed, 70 percent said owning a home is necessary to live “the good life” and the American Dream, compared with 64 percent of Asian respondents, 63 percent of black respondents and 60 percent of white respondents.

Hispanics also are more likely than the general public to say you can succeed if you work hard, that a college degree is necessary to be successful in the United States, and that the future is brighter for their children than it has been for them, said Mark Hugo Lopez, the Pew Research Center’s Director of Hispanic Research.

He and others trace such optimism to the way new immigrants perceive this country.

“It’s true of immigrants today and in the past. While the majority of Latinos may be U.S. born, half of all adult Hispanics are immigrants, so the immigrant experience looms large for many Hispanic families,” Lopez said.

Thomas Thibodeau, a professor of real estate at the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business, agrees that recent immigrants tend to arrive in the United States believing that homeownership is critical - and achievable - in the United States.

“Homeownership has been promoted by the government as well as by trade associations as part of the American Dream,” said Thibodeau.

The idea has deep roots. Franklin Roosevelt said in the ’30s that a nation of homeowners was “unconquerable.” And in 2003, Congress unanimously passed the American Dream Down Payment Act.

Tying homeownership to economic well-being for everyone, however, is a myth, Thibodeau said, and he doesn’t like to see it perpetuated. “Homeownership makes a great deal of sense if people expect to be in their homes for a number of years,” he said.

Using Zillow data, the professor found that home value volatility is about twice as high in low-income neighborhoods as middle-income neighborhoods.

When the economy goes sour, equity in low-income areas is “wiped out a lot faster,” he said.

Some evidence indicates that’s because they lose their jobs first, leading to foreclosures, which can snowball into lower values across neighborhoods.

Zillow’s latest survey, co-sponsored by Pulsenomics LLC, also found that 65 percent of millennials associate homeownership with the American Dream - more than any other generation. They also expect home values to appreciate 5 percent annually over the next decade, more than any other age group.

Related:

• The Attainable American Dream? Not in These Major Tech Hubs
• Black-White Mortgage Divide Starts Before People Even Apply
• Undocumented Immigration May Affect the Housing Market

from Zillow Porchlight | Real Estate News, Advice and Inspiration http://www.zillow.com/blog/homeowning-american-dream-193128/
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