NAHB Survey Confirms Value of Homeownership to Voters

Results of a major NAHB-commissioned survey clearly show the high priority that Americans continue to place on homeownership and housing choice, even amidst the turmoil in today's housing market.

The survey, which polled 2,000 likely 2012 voters during the week of May 3-9, was conducted by two of the most highly regarded polling firms in the country. Initial findings were officially released in an NAHB media teleconference that was held on June 7, with further details set for release within the next few days — in fact, a special edition of Nation's Building News to be published on Tuesday, June 14, will contain details from the full array of findings.

The bottom line is this: Americans see beyond the immediate housing market to the enduring value of homeownership, with an overwhelming 75% of those surveyed saying that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market and 95% of current home owners saying they are happy with their decision to purchase a home. Meanwhile, almost three-quarters of those who do not currently own a home said that homeownership is one of their goals. And among younger voters who are most likely to be in the market for a home in the next few years, the percentages are even higher.

Among the other survey results:

• Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best investments.
• 80% of home owners would advise a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home.
• Saving for a downpayment and closing costs is the biggest barrier to homeownership.
• Americans believe that owning their own home is as important as being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member's education.

These are powerful findings that confirm just how out of touch some policymakers in Washington have become with the American public in their pursuit of measures that would make it much more difficult for the average consumer to purchase a home. And, they are exactly what we need to counter these measures in the halls of Congress, in the Administration and in the media.

Stay tuned for further details in this report, Nation's Building News, and other communications channels. In the meantime, read the NAHB press release, check out the survey results for yourself at www.nahb.org/VoterPoll, and view favorable coverage of our poll by Charlie Cook in the National Journal and on The Wall Street Journal's blog.

To listen to the presentation of the survey by the pollsters at NAHB.org, click here.