Pride of Ownership in Crazy Times

Feeling stressed that your home is worth less than it was a year ago?  You’re certainly not alone.  While many people out there are facing very serious stresses relating to their homes, if you are secure enough to be able to ride this crazy real estate wave out, Jennifer Openshaw of MarketWatch offers an interesting approach to put a positive spin on a negative situation: Take more pride in ownership.

In this homeowners article, Openshaw reminds us all that while times may be tough, those of us who have a roof over our heads should be very thankful. Your home is just that — yours. Why not enjoy it?

She has some unique ideas for making your home feel a little more special even as home values drop, such as naming it (hmm … I suppose “Money Pit” defeats the purpose?) and celebrating home “holidays” (move-in anniversaries, year-built anniversaries, etc.) with parties. She also suggests making a photo and document scrapbook to mark special home events, improvements, and important purchases.

Another way to take pride in home ownership is by claiming your home on Zillow. (More than 1.3 million owners have already done it!) Once you claim your home, you can add home photos, edit your home facts to reflect any improvements you’ve made, and answer questions about your home in Home Q&A.

So what are you waiting for?  Take a good look around and appreciate your home for all that it is!