Harris Interactive, a market research firm’s bi-annual survey on purchasing a home found the following from a recent online survey:
Among renters, 59% said they aspired to own a home, but of those, 51% said saving enough for a down payment was their biggest obstacle.
Those in the 18-34 age group cited the following concerns: 62% saving down payment, 36% qualifying for a mortgage, 34% having poor credit, 31% in ability to pay off existing debt, 29% not having a stable job and 13% declining home values.
Both the 18-34 and over 55+ age groups expressed preferences that indicate they prefer to live in urban centers: The younger group preferred short commutes to work and the older group preferred the proximity to restaurants and shops.
The majority, 70% of respondents said owing a home is part of their American dream. This attitude toward homeownership rose with age, from 65% of 18-34 year olds to 76% of those 55 +.
Among current homeowners, 80% said they plan to buy another home in the future and 57% said owning a home is among the best long term investments.
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