The question is from the book "The latehomecomer : a Hmong family memoir" by Yang, Kao Kalia which is based on her family's journey form a refuge camp to America.
Explanation:
Buying a house is a sign of success and also has a strong sentimental value!
Yang's parents worked tirelessly day and night to provide a better life for their children, they wanted to provide quality education and other amenities to their children. Yang's family believed that buying a house with their hard earned money is a sign of success and also it has a sense of emotional attachment to a place.