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June 2024 » thefivestar.com 67 June 2024 J O U R N A L who say their household income is sig- nificantly lower remained unchanged at 12%. The percentage who believes their household income is about the same increased from 68% to 70%. As a result, the net share of those who say their household income is significant- ly higher than it was 12 months ago decreased 2 percentage points month- over-month. "While only 20% of consumers think it's a good time to buy a home, 67% think it's a good time to sell one, a share that's moved steadily upward since the start of the year. We think consumers' generally improved sense of home-selling condi- tions bodes well for listings and housing activity, particularly for the segment of the population who may need to move for lifestyle reasons and have already begun adjusting their financial expec- tations to the current mortgage rate and price environment. However, for potential homebuyers in less of a rush to transact, ongoing affordability challenges may continue to keep many of them on the sidelines—one reason why we expect home sales to tick up only gradually over the course of the year." BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION AWARDS MILLIONS TO EXPAND HOUSING COUNSELING FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES R ecently, VP Kamala Harris and HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman announced that the Biden-Harris administration will provide approximately $40 million to extend comprehensive housing counseling ser- vices for homebuyers, homeowners, and renters across the country. These grants, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Office of Housing Counseling, will provide counseling services that pro- vide individuals and families with critical education and tools to help them make informed decisions about their housing needs and prospects. The VP and Acting Secretary will highlight the increased funds while in Milwaukee for the third stop on the Vice President's statewide Economic Opportunity Tour. "Homeownership represents more than just a roof over our heads; it rep- resents financial security, the opportuni- ty to build wealth and equity, and a foun- dation for a better future for ourselves, our children, and future generations," VP Harris said. "That is why President Biden, and I are continuing to address barriers to housing by announcing $40 million to expand housing counseling services in communities across the country. This new funding to more than 165 housing counseling agencies will build economic opportunity while helping homebuy- ers throughout America improve their credit, find down payment assistance programs, understand loan terms and types of mortgages, navigate the appli- cation process, and identify housing discrimination." HUD intends to provide funding to more than 165 housing counseling agencies and intermediary organizations. Fourteen grantees will also collaborate with 60 Historically Black Colleges