Survey Finds Continued Confusion on Homebuying Process – NMP Skip to main content

Survey Finds Continued Confusion on Homebuying Process

Sep 26, 2017

Thousands of potential homeowners fail to pursue the American Dream due to confusion over the homebuying process, according to the fifth annual America at Home survey from NeighborWorks America.

The new survey found that the average Millennial believed that the minimum required down payment is 21 percent, while 70 percent of adult respondents believed they lacked the necessary funds for a down payment. Seventy-four percent of adults and 84 percent of Millennials found the homebuying process complicated, while 29 percent of respondents said they knew someone who delayed homeownership because of student loan debt.
 
Furthermore, nearly 73 percent of all consumers and 62 percent of Millennials were either unaware or unsure about down payment assistance programs in their communities for middle-income homebuyers. Among those familiar with these programs, 53 percent reported receiving “not much information” or “nothing at all” about them.
 
However, there was still reason to be optimistic despite the mostly negative data: 93 percent of adults believed owning a home is part of the American Dream, while 81 percent of adults and 72 percent of Millennials felt homeownership increases financial stability.
 
About the author
Published
Sep 26, 2017
Strong Jobs Report Threatens Mortgage Rate Rally

October hiring more than doubled expectations, pushing Treasury yields higher

Nov 06, 2026
Fed Holds Rates, But Pricing Pressures Persist

Rising Treasury yields and fresh inflation data complicate rate locks, borrower qualification, and lender margins as markets anticipate another hike in December

Oct 29, 2026
Zippy Adds Capital For Manufactured-Home Lending Push

The $20 million investment from Saluda Grade will support expansion beyond 27 states and new loan products across wholesale, retail, and community channels

Oct 16, 2026
Inflation Hits 3.7%, Putting Mortgage Rate Relief At Risk

September’s inflation pickup puts recent rate improvements at risk, potentially eroding affordability gains from lower home prices and seller concessions

Oct 14, 2026
PLACE Acquires Ardley, Expanding Push To Turn Existing Borrowers Into New Loans

The latest deal connects borrower retention technology with Maxwell's origination platform and PLACE's real estate network, creating new opportunities for lenders

Oct 09, 2026
Equifax, TransUnion Launch New Tools To Cut Credit Report Costs

Both bureaus introduce ways to purchase credit scores separately from reports, while Equifax reports growing VantageScore adoption and extends $1 pricing through 2028

Oct 09, 2026