During the month of June, people across America will celebrate the pride of owning a home as part of National Homeownership Month. To support that effort, Realtors from throughout the nation have pledged to work together with other public and private entities to boost minority homeownership through a variety of activities.

"Owning a home gives everyone a feeling of stability and is a symbol of personal success in life. We refer to it as 'the pride of ownership,'" said Realtor John Leslie of Alain Pinel Realtors in Los Gatos. "The pride homeowners have is expressed in every house we see. Most homeowners spend thousands of dollars on their homes to tell the world 'this is our home and we are proud of it.'"

Homes also express the different personalities and tastes of the homeowners. As Leslie tours homes or takes clients to open houses, he notices that people live and decorate the interiors of their homes in different styles.

"I love finding the trophies or collections of salt and pepper shakers proudly displayed in the family rooms or hallways. Almost every home has a gallery or dedicated wall of family photos showing the history of the homeowners," Leslie said.

Realtors understand there is a certain psychology behind homeownership that is often more important than the home's appraised value. Homes and the objects inside them are a reflection of life's experiences. Most people view their homes as a comfort zone where they can unwind and be themselves. Owning a home also cements the concept of finding a place in the world.

That's why Realtors are dedicated to helping people attain homeownership and are working to spearhead community service projects and housing initiatives across the nation.

"If there is something to be done to strengthen the community, from promoting legislations to pushing a broom, you can be sure a Realtor is right there," said Walt McDonald, president of the National Association of Realtors. "Realtors are especially adept at finding ways to bring homeownership to minority families, women-headed households, new American families and other communities where homeownership rates are below 50 percent."

The theme for the association's National Homeownership Month is "It's Good to Get Home." As the strength of the housing market increases, McDonald said Realtors have a responsibility in making their communities better places in which to live. The National Association of Realtors just reached the million-member mark, making the organization a strong force in addressing homeownership and other issues.

In an effort to promote homeownership, the association provides opportunities for recognition through the Home Ownership Participation for Everyone awards and the Good Neighbor awards. The HOPE awards recognize organizations that make outstanding contributions to increase minority homeownership, and the Good Neighbor awards honor the ongoing efforts of Realtors who make exceptional contributions to improve the qualify of life in their communities.

In addition, the association's Housing Opportunity Program and American Dream Downpayment Initiatives are also designed to raise homeownership rates and provide assistance to first-time homebuyers as well as address affordable-housing issues. Realtor associations throughout the United States also partner with Habitat for Humanity and participate in the At Home with Diversity program.

Locally, Realtors and affiliate members of Silicon Valley Association of Realtors were literally pushing brooms around during the recent Realtor Service Volunteer program that assists seniors with repairs and other safety tasks to help keep them in their homes longer. In the fall, Realtors in Los Gatos and Saratoga host a fundraising event called Home for the Holidays to benefit the Housing Industry Foundation that serves those threatened with homelessness. And, the local Realtor association also provides monetary support through donations by its members to the California Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Fund.

For Leslie, one of the most gratifying moments in selling real estate revolves around making his clients happy.

"Helping a young family or any first-time buyer get their first home sticks with you your whole career. So do the times you get to call your clients and tell them 'you've got your home' or the relief or anticipation you hear from your sellers when you call and tell them 'we got an offer on your house,'" said Leslie.

"Another great moment occurs after all the escrow papers are signed and your clients turn to you and express how grateful and happy they are that you helped sell their home," he said. "Those thank-yous make the whole thing worth it in the end."

During the month of June, Realtors in communities around the nation, as well as in the local community, will be helping people achieve the American dream of homeownership so they can discover for themselves there really is no place like home.