This recent article from the National Association of Home Builders confirms what most believe when it comes to homeownership – owning a home is an integral part of the American Dream. While there are many obstacles to attaining that dream, it’s still something most people believe in achieving.

(NAHB),  As the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) celebrates National Homeownership Month in June, more than two-thirds of Americans believe that owning a home is an essential part of the American Dream.

“Americans continue to place a high priority on homeownership and work hard to achieve this goal for their families,” said NAHB Chairman Granger MacDonald, a home builder and developer from Kerrville, Texas.  “Our members are committed to providing high-quality homes that meet the diverse needs of Americans across the country.”

A key component in the ability of families of all income levels to become home owners is the mortgage interest deduction, which has been a cornerstone of American housing policy since the inception of the tax code more than 100 years ago. The deduction primarily benefits middle-class taxpayers, according to data from the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.

NAHB supports this tax incentive, as well as provisions that encourage development of affordable housing. Yet, with the national homeownership rate stalled near 64 percent, NAHB must continue working to address the obstacles for many potential home buyers.

“We have long fought for sensible reforms to burdensome regulations that needlessly increase the cost of homes for low- and middle-income families,” said MacDonald, noting NAHB research that shows government regulations add about 24 percent to the cost of housing.

During National Homeownership Month and throughout the year, NAHB and its 700 state and local affiliates work hard to make affordable housing a reality and that it continues to be a priority to our nation’s leadership.

NAHB commissioned a nationwide survey by the polling firm Morning Consult of more than 11,300 registered voters earlier this year that found more than 70 percent of these respondents place a high value on homeownership.

“We must support the dream of homeownership and not create barriers through unnecessary federal regulations or tax code changes,” MacDonald said.