This past Saturday was interesting for a number of prospective homebuyers in California. Century 21 New Millennium held their first-ever “American Dream” tent event promoting the idea that even in today’s tough mortgage climate and difficult economy, the American Dream is still alive and well.

June is traditionally the month that reinforces the pledge by Realtors® and lenders to increase efforts to rural families and to explore ways to increase access to homeownership for people residing in communities such as Southern Maryland.

2008 marks the 40th Anniversary of the historic 1968 Fair Housing Act. On April 11, 1968 President Lyndon Johnson persuaded the approval of the Fair Housing Act one week after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a demonstration of the country’s dedication to better civil rights for all peoples and as a tribute to Dr. King.

The Act's main objective is to prevent discrimination when it comes to the sale or rental of housing. Since its implementation, the Act has empowered people from all races and ethnicities to pursue the dream of homeownership.

In 2002 President George W. Bush designated June as National Homeownership Month. His objective is doing so was to provide the impetus for increasing minority homeownership in America by 5.5 million by the end of the decade.

Today, Realtors® such as The Bay Net partner Century 21 New Millennium, work hard to facilitate access to affordable housing and homeownership year-round. Using Fair Housing Month in April and National Homeownership Month as June as lynch pins, Century 21 New Millennium makes a concerted effort to focus on the education of consumers in areas such as homeownership counseling, new FHA and conforming loan limit programs, avoiding predatory lending pitfalls, workforce housing initiatives, diversity and smart growth initiatives.

According to Century 21 New Millennium President, Mary Lynn Stone, The Dream of Homeownership event on Saturday turned out to be fun for all in addition to furthering the goals of the initiative. Attendees had an opportunity to win door prizes while third party vendors such as Lowes’ Burch Oil, TankSure, ServPro and more provided helpful hints to prospective homeowners.

C21NM Regional Vice President stated that the company was committed to continuing educating opportunities for the public. The company will be holding more fun educational events in the future.