In NAR’s own words:
Buying a home is a great way to build long-term wealth. There are some other important dividends, too.

To counter recent negative housing reports in the media, NAR is helping local REALTOR® associations across the country explain the real facts behind the real estate market in their area.

NAR has created a print ad that targets potential home buyers, educating them about the long-term value of housing and providing insight into local real estate markets to help buyers make informed decisions about what can be the biggest investment opportunity of their lives.

A full-page version of the ad will run in USA Today on November 2 and November 9, 2007. Local versions of the ad will run in select markets nationwide on November 4 and November 11, 2007.
www.realtor.org/pac.nsf/pages/marketfacts
The Ad itself:
www.realtor.org/pac.nsf/pages/marketfacts
In the category of "someone should have thought deeper about it first", one of the benefits that the NAR is touting is that:
"Sixty percent of the average homeowner’s wealth is their home equity"
Let us think about that. .  . .

Why does the word "mendacious" always pop into my head when someone mentions NAR?

Is the NAR licensed to provide investment advice?  I thought investment advertisement were regulated?
That add isn’t about home ownership, it’s selling an investment, touting historical returns, talking about building wealth.

NSR, you’re right.  They don’t even offer a fine print "past performance is no guarantee of future results" disclaimer.
Seems foolishly bold, even for the NAR, to be making claims of this level.
SCHB

It has me convinced.  I am ready to buy.  Where do I sign?

"Sixty percent of the average homeowner’s wealth is their home equity"

homeowners own homes.  wow, that blew my mind.  what’s implied is that homeowners are successful and wealthier than the avg schmoe so we should be emulating their investment strategies.

"75% of the avg dotcom millionaire’s wealth came from equity in Internet ventures.  Invest in tech today!"

Ugh.  100% buyers and negatively amortizing loan debtors are NOT in it for the long haul.
What a slap at renters.  You folks are so clearly inferior!!, I think you should sue NAR for slander.

I love the picture of the kid on a swing - not so good for Irvine - how many houses here could I have a swingset for my kids in my backyard! 

When kids use swings in irvine they end up hitting the brick walls….......