Since the beginning of time, humanity has learned how to navigate society with tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First there was the stone and sticks for digging and opening. Then came choppers, scrapers to build, followed by the abacus to count. We ultimately graduated to digital tools like calculators, computers, and yes \u2026 the internet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to the journey to homeownership, understanding what tools are available at every point and juncture of the process is mandatory in order to enjoy the fruits of one\u2019s labor and largest personal investment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From understanding how interest rates and first-time homebuyer programs work and learning how to budget for a monthly mortgage, to getting ahead of home maintenance and unexpected repairs, or contemplating renovations and turning a home into a rental property, staying on top of the latest in the housing industry is dire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every June, The Washington Informer is dedicated to providing readers with updates, tips, resources and expert insight on how to become\u2013and stay\u2013a homeowner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the DMV, the nation, and the world are in the midst of charting a different course under a new U.S. presidential administration that brings some uncertainty around quality of life, we are here to provide a guide to inspire, educate and steer readers in the direction of not giving up on the property pursuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Brookings Institution researcher Dr. Andre Perry stated during a Washington Informer convening this spring, homes in Black neighborhoods are underpriced by 23%, about $48,000 per home cumulatively, a loss of about $156 billion in equity. With civic and federal advocacy, partnership with community organizations, and effective tools to better understand the intricacies of property ownership, DMV homeowners can\u2013 and will\u2013 regain that equity and create long-term stability and intergenerational wealth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This 2025 Homeownership Month edition includes insights on foreclosure prevention, investing in a community land trust, purchasing during uncertain times, condo buying dos and don\u2019ts, in addition to news about the nation\u2019s first senior housing for LGBTQ+ SGL in Washington, D.C. and a listing of numerous free events tailored for DMV residents to attend throughout the month and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter what phase of owning a home you\u2019re in, make sure you\u2019re in control by using the right tools. And remember, knowledge is power.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Washington Informer has provided a guide to inspire, educate and steer readers in the direction of property ownership, offering insights on foreclosure prevention, investing in community land trusts, condo buying, and more, to help DMV residents create long-term stability and intergenerational wealth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4427,"featured_media":1231481,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"_primary_brand":0,"_newspack_byline_active":false,"_newspack_byline":"","nota_seo_page_title":"Understanding Homeownership: Tools for DMV Residents in 2025","nota_seo_page_description":"Discover expert insights and resources for homeownership in the DMV. From equity and foreclosure prevention to condo buying tips and senior housing.","newspack_featured_image_position":"small","newspack_post_subtitle":"A Guide to Equity, Protection and Intergenerational Wealth","newspack_article_summary_title":"Overview:","newspack_article_summary":"","newspack_hide_updated_date":false,"newspack_show_updated_date":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33755,30834,30854],"tags":[43758,83463,34722,83462,83461,55949,4126,29295,45950],"brand":[],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"nota":[],"coauthors":[72486],"class_list":["post-1231480","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-ownership","category-homeownership","category-supplements","tag-brookings-institution","tag-community-land-trust","tag-dmv","tag-dr-andre-perry","tag-first-time-homebuyer-programs","tag-humanity","tag-interest-rates","tag-the-washington-informer","tag-wi-supplements","entry"],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\n