Each month, Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey polls more than 1,000 Americans to assess their attitudes toward homeownership, renting, the economy, household finances, mortgage rates, and overall consumer confidence. In May, the survey found Americans hopeful about the housing market and national economy, though somewhat pessimistic about their personal finances. According to the results, 72 percent of respondents say now is a good time to buy a home and 34 percent believe home prices will rise over the next 12 months. Americans expect prices to rise by 1.4 percent, which is the highest value yet recorded. The percentage of participants who said the economy is on the right track also hit an all-time high in May, reaching 38 percent. But despite continued positivity in consumer attitudes toward broader economic conditions, nearly half of respondents said they believe their personal financial situation will remain the same over the next 12 months and 32 percent said their expenses have increased significantly over the past year. More here and here.
