Less Q1 Optimism on Homebuying

Mar 26, 2018

Optimism related to potential homeownership waned during the first quarter, according to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) latest Housing Opportunities and Market Experience (HOME) survey.

In a poll of roughly 2,700 households, 68 percent of homeowner respondents during the first quarter felt that now is a good time to buy a home, down from 72 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017. The first quarter level is the lowest share in the past two years. Among renters, 55 percent felt strongly about homebuying at this time, down from 60 percent in the previous quarter.

However, the share of homeowners who believe now is a good time to sell increased to 74 percent in the first quarter from 71 percent in the previous quarter. The first quarter response is the second highest since the HOME survey began in December 2015.

Among non-homeowners, the main factors preventing them from saving for a down payment were limited income (47 percent), student loan debt (30 percent), rising rents (28 percent) and health and medical costs (14 percent); 14 percent said that nothing was holding them back from saving for a down payment. Also, 29 percent said they lacked the financial knowledge or did not know the first step needed to qualify for a mortgage.

“It’s never too early for those wanting to own a home in the future to sit down with a lender to discuss their current financial situation,” said NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall, who is also CEO of RE/MAX Boone Realty in Columbia, Mo. “Homeownership could be a more attainable goal once an interested buyer finds out how much they can afford to buy, as well as what steps, if any, are needed to improve their chances of obtaining a mortgage.”

About the author

Phil Hall

Link copied

Published

Mar 26, 2018

Analysis and Data

One-Third Of Homeowners Expect To Refinance Despite Elevated Mortgage Rates

Many prospective refinancers carry mortgage rates above 5%, suggesting demand could accelerate if borrowing costs decline

One-third of homeowners say they are either currently refinancing or likely to refinance within the next two years, despite mortgage rates remaining well above pandemic-era lows, according to new survey data released by Refi.com.The findings challenge a common industry narra...

C-Suite Strategies

Two Harbors Reaffirms August Closing Timeline For CrossCountry Deal

MSR-focused REIT says it will continue regular dividends through closing as the proposed sale advances following UWM's decision not to submit a revised bid

Two Harbors Investment Corp. used its latest dividend announcement to reaffirm expectations that its pending sale to CrossCountry Mortgage remains on track for an August closing.The mortgage servicing rights (MSR)-focused real estate investment trust said it plans to continu...

Oct

Denver, CO

More from

Industry News

Commercial, Multifamily Mortgage Debt Tops $5 Trillion In Q1

MBA says outstanding debt grew by $26.3 billion in the first quarter, led by multifamily lending and increased holdings from banks, agencies, and life insurers

Industry News

Jun 18, 2026

Fed Holds Rates Steady, But Outlook Dims For Mortgage Rate Relief

The Federal Reserve left rates unchanged but updated projections show more policymakers expecting additional hikes

Industry News

Jun 18, 2026

Congress Nears Final Vote On 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

Senate voted 87-8 to advance House-amended package, with final votes expected in coming days

Industry News

Jun 17, 2026

Florida Pending Sales Signal Strong Summer Housing Market

Closed sales rise for a ninth straight month as inventory gives buyers more negotiating power