July reminds us of homes of our funding Fathers.  Their homes were more than shelter, but places of reflection & inspiration.  George Washington inherited Mount Vernon when he was 20 years old.  John Adams was born in a home that remained in his family for 4 generations.  “HOMEOWNERSHIP IS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE,  but also a gateway to our past”.   The homes of our country’s founders offer insights into their characters & values & reflects their spirits, just as our homes for us today.  1/5 th of women are now homebuyers  & it is a way to express their independence.  The founding Fathers lived close to where they were born & that is still true according to the National Assoc. of Realtors.  The typical buyers only moves 12 miles from his or her previous residence.  Thomas Jefferson said “I am as happy nowhere else & in no other society, & all my wishes end, where I hope my days will end, at Monticello”.