Owning a home: Opening the door to security, stability, satisfaction

Purchasing a home is one of the most important decisions in a person’s life, and being a homeowner is more than just having a roof over your head.

Home ownership instills feelings of comfort, security, stability and pride, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. There can be substantial social benefits for families, communities and the country as a whole if you own a home.

Several studies show that there is direct correlation between home ownership and educational achievement. Better social outcomes arise as parents provide a more supportive environment for their children. Homeowners tend to stay in their homes longer than renters, and also spend more money to make improvements to their house. They are also more engaged in their communities (which in turn reflects reduced crime rates), volunteering at schools, coaching athletic teams, and becoming a scout or troop leader One study found that people who recently became homeowners reported higher life satisfaction, higher self esteem, and higher perceived control over their lives.

How is the real estate market looking in Baldwin?

Real estate professionals from two local agencies had similar things to say about Baldwin’s housing market: there are plenty of people looking to buy homes in the area, but there are many homes currently for sale.

Frank Pignataro, an owner of Sailing Home Realty on Atlantic Avenue, said now is a good time for people to sell their homes. “The inventory is very low,” he said. “The demand is there. I wouldn’t say ultra high demand, but high enough where homes are coming on the market and they’re moving if they’re priced fairly.” Pignataro said that he’s seen homes recently sell within a few weeks of hitting the market.

Broker of Baldwin Realty on Merrick Road in Oceanside Marilyn Mensching Sandroni said the heavy snow this winter might have caused less people to put their homes up for sale. But now that the weather is getting, she expects more homes to be available.

“There are buyers out there,” she said. “The weather just put everything in slow motion.”