What does “Homeownership for All” mean?

By Jeanene Dunn

The American Dream of home ownership is alive and well. Demand for housing is strong despite higher home prices for buyers.  People still want a place to call home.

 

“As a mission-driven organization, KCHBA seeks to help more people become homeowners. We know people want to own more of where they live,” says Will Ruder, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA).

 

Consisting of home-building related companies, what the KCHBA does as an organization is promote more, diverse housing options.

 

“We need housing options for first-time buyers, last-time home buyers and everyone in between,” Ruder says. “We want more people to be able to choose homeownership.”

 

Why?

There is an economic and cultural benefit that comes with owning a home. Not only are you creating long-term generational wealth for yourself and your family, but you are also making a long-term investment in your community. More owner-occupied homes in neighborhoods creates more stability and promotes a stronger sense of community.

 

Ruder concedes that current home prices are leaving first-time home buyers feeling they either can’t afford a home or they can’t find the product they want to suit their needs.

 

“The solution is to continue to develop a diverse housing mix to deliver what various segments of the home-buying market are demanding.”

 

KCHBA’s 2024 President Dennis Shriver agrees, but notes that higher costs are affecting builders like him as well. His company, Hearthside Homes, builds homes and creates communities in the Northland.

 

“There are a lot of contributors to high costs that buyers may not be aware of,” he says. “There are fees we are required to pay in order to build our projects and material costs — even the labor shortage in the industry impacts the bottom line.”

 

Recruiting the next generation

 

The KCHBA’s Workforce Development Committee and its Home Builders Charitable Foundation assist students interested in careers in construction by supporting the implementation and continuation of the Home Builders Institute (HBI) curriculum in area high schools and technical centers. This curriculum teaches students the different trades that go into building a home by providing hands-on experiences.

 

Shriver says there are opportunities for students to learn on the job and earn a livable wage at the same time. “We need electricians, plumbers, HVAC professionals and more.”

 

Schools currently using the HBI curriculum are Olathe Advanced Technical Center, Paola High School, Gardner-Edgerton High School.

 

Unlock the Door will dive deeper into the labor shortage and other contributors to the high cost of housing in the future, so stay tuned!

 

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