Americans still believe in home ownership

The Fannie Mae National Housing Survey, fourth quarter 2010 shows that Americans are still generally committed to owning a home.

• 96% of all homeowners said homeownership has been a positive experience.

• 84% of Americans still believe that owning a home makes more sense than renting.

• 68% of renters believe owning makes more sense.

• 64% consider buying a home as a safe investment.

• Buying a home was considered safer than buying stocks by over three times the number of people (64% vs 17%).

• 2 in 3 Americans believe that lifestyle benefits of homeownership (65%) are superior to the financial benefits (32%

“Consumers are still committed to owning a home, but are showing increased cautiousness, regardless of whether they rent, own their homes outright or have a mortgage. They are rebalancing their attitudes toward housing and homeownership by adopting a more realistic, longterm approach, and are less willing to take risks. This focus on sustainable housing is better for the economy, better for the housing market and better for America’s families.”

– Doug Duncan, Vice President and Chief Economist, Fannie Mae