2013 Survey Shows Improved Perception of Housing Market

NAR’s tenth Housing Pulse Survey shows a stronger environment for home sales and home ownership and less concern about jobs and foreclosures than in 2011. While economic uncertainties remain, it’s clear that Americans are more upbeat about real estate sales and home ownership.

The survey, which measures consumers’ attitudes and concerns about affordable housing issues, found that people overwhelmingly believe that buying a home is a good financial decision. Further, home ownership remains one of the top life priorities for people who currently rent.

The telephone survey of 2,000 adults nationwide was conducted for NAR by American strategies and Myers Research & Strategic Services for NAR”s Housing Opportunity Program.
Some key findings from the year’s survey include:

• Eight-in-ten Americans believe buying a home is a good financial decision, up 8 points since 2011.
• Half of renters now say that eventually owning a home is one of their highest personal priorities, up 9 points from 2011.
• Respondents expect to see continued improvement, as 37 percent expect real estate sales to increase in the year ahead.

Source: National Association of Realtors