Most Americans have no regrets about buying a home. In fact, it’s made them happier, a new survey shows.

Ninety-three percent of Americans say they are happier after buying a home, and 83% would never go back to renting, according to Bank of America’s latest Homebuyer Insights Report, based on a survey of nearly 2,000 consumers. Most owners say they have an emotional attachment to their home, and ownership also has improved their lifestyle and variety of hobbies.

“We know how much ownership means, and we see examples every day of how owning a home gives our clients the power to build personal wealth and make memories,” says D. Steve Boland, head of consumer lending at Bank of America. “They’ve told us very clearly that homeownership is invaluable, and that’s why we’re actively providing assistance with down payment and closing costs to help people buy homes and create a new lifestyle.”

Eighty-eight percent of survey respondents say that buying a home is the best decision they’ve ever made. Seventy-nine percent say that owning a home has changed them for the better. Three out of four homeowners surveyed say they pursued new hobbies after buying a home, including:

• Landscaping/gardening: 47%
• Cooking/baking/grilling: 45%
• Interior design/remodeling: 33%

Further, two-thirds of respondents say their relationships with family and loved ones has changed for the better since purchasing a home. They credited homeownership as improving their relationships in the following ways:

• Given families a sense of pride: 47%
• Allowed homeowners to entertain more: 49%
• Enabled homeowners to bring the entire family under one roof: 24%

The National Association of REALTORS® and other real estate groups commended the White House’s efforts to move the ball forward on reform of the nation’s housing finance system. Proposals released by the Department of Housing & Urban Development and the Treasury Department on Thursday suggest steps for modernizing FHA and ending the federal government’s decade-long conservatorship of the government-sponsored enterprises. The proposals were in response to a March 27 memo from President Donald Trump, directing the agencies to propose meaningful reform to reduce the risk to taxpayers in future economic downturns.

The government took control of Fannie and Freddie during the 2008 financial crisis, putting it under the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and investing $191 billion in the agencies. Since then, the companies have returned to profitability and paid nearly $300 million back into the U.S. Treasury, according to Pro Publica’s Bailout Tracker.

The White House proposal suggests dozens of reforms aimed at protecting Fannie and Freddie, including expanding private markets and creating new competitors in the home loan arena. The timeline remains vague, and full details of the proposal are still coming to light. “We look forward to reviewing the proposal in more detail and are optimistic that, at a minimum, the White House’s efforts will shed light on the remaining mile markers on the path to reform, along with the critical role GSEs and the Federal Housing Administration play in America’s housing market,” NAR President John Smaby said in a statement.

Ahead of Thursday’s announcement, NAR posted an FAQ on the White House’s GSE reform proposal.

Smaby said the association remains committed to working with the White House and Congress to secure “pragmatic improvements to our housing finance system” and will be vigilant in negotiating provisions to protect the housing market and the important role government plays in ensuring the flow of capital for housing. NAR has proposed its own blueprint for GSE reform, which “highlights competition, protects taxpayers, and remedies the failures of the pre-crisis system while ensuring equal access for responsible, mortgage-ready Americans in every community—safeguarding the role the GSEs were intended to play in our housing market,” Smaby said.

The Obama Administration also released a housing finance reform proposal in 2011. Like that proposal, the new White House proposals face high regulatory and legislative hurdles, and NAR analysts say you can expect no change in the near term.

A newer color palette with jewel tones is taking hold in landscaping, and it’s among the hotter trends for this fall, according to the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Seventy-seven percent of Americans report relaxing in their yards at least once a month, according to a survey from Engine’s Caravan, conducted on behalf of the NALP. Carving out an inviting outdoor space is becoming increasingly important for homeowners.

The NALP recently released a list of its top outdoor fall staples for the coming season, including:

Jewel tones: The classic fall colors of orange, yellow, and red are getting competition from a newer palette this year with jewel tones, the NALP notes. “Sapphire blue, emerald green, amethyst purple, ruby red, and citrine yellow all bring warmth to fall landscape design,” the NALP notes. Landscapers recommend adding jewel tones to outdoor spaces through unique container gardens, decorative furnishings, and accessories. Also, seasonal plantings like pansies, celosia, dianthus, and black-eyed Susan also draw from the trendy hues.

Cozy outdoor living: Create an inviting outdoor space that you can still enjoy in the fall. Fire features continue to remain popular, whether one-touch natural gas, propane ignition, or traditional wood-burning options. Also, pergolas are gaining popularity, along with retractable canopies and heating systems that can extend their use in colder climates. “Signature features, like fire features and pergolas, complemented by comfortable seating and attractive and aromatic plantings and jewel tones, will bring resort-like comfort to homes,” the NALP notes.

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