A poll of likely voters conducted by the National Association of Home Builders and polling firms Public Opinion Strategies and Lake Research Partners found an overwhelming number of Americans value homeownership and support policies that help qualified buyers obtain affordable 30-year mortgages. Neil Newhouse, co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies, said the American electorate is sending a clear message that owning a home remains a cornerstone of the American dream. The survey found 96 percent of homeowners are happy with their decision to own and 84 percent of owners who are underwater on their mortgages said the same. Also, 74 percent of respondents said owning a home is the best long-term investment they can make, despite the ups and downs in the housing market. Bob Nielsen, president of the National Association of Home Builders, said homeownership remains a core American value and a vast majority of citizens who do not own a home say they’d like to buy one. The survey found nearly seven out of 10 voters who do not currently own said it was a goal of theirs to eventually buy a home. More here and here.
