With the ups and downs in the market Americans are increasingly looking towards home ownership.

Though most people purchase a home for non-financial reasons, everyone realizes there is a money component to homeownership. Here is what they said on this issue:

• 65% of the general population (and 67% of homeowners) believe that homeownership is a 'safe' investment.

• 56% believe that homeownership has more potential as an investment than any other traditional asset class.

• 69% think that now is a good time to buy a home (this number has increased in each of the last two quarters)

To read the entire blog post click here: http://kcmblog.com/2011/08/16/homeownershipstill-the-american-dream/

Grand Rapids ROCKS! Check out some of the latest updates on what others are saying about Grand Rapids:

"Last week the National Association of Realtors came out with its second quarter Metro Area report that showed that 27% of the surveyed 151 metros studied saw price increases over last year at this time.  And four markets showed a double-digit increase in prices.  And fourth on the list?  Yup, Grand Rapids!  The “little engine that could!”

1. Cape Coral/Fort Meyers – 17.9% increase to $110,900 median average sales price

1. Elmira, NY – 16.1% increase to $115,200 median average sales price

1. Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlingon – 12.5% increase to $151,500 median average sales price

1. Grand Rapids, MI – 10.9% increase to $103,100 median average sales price

The home of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library continues to amaze!    Relocate America just ranked Grand Rapids as the nation’s second best place to relocate!"

Read the full post here: http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/the-great-american-comeback-of-grand-rapids-michigan/