Most home buyers have yet to be turned off by Trump's war in Iran, according to an Ipsos poll commissioned by the Redfin realty firm.
Just one in four Americans has put off big-ticket purchases like houses and cars, the survey found. October's government shutdown had a similar impact. But the hostilities have had a smaller effect than the tariffs or worries about job security.
The Iran conflict has driven up oil prices and caused volatility in the financial markets. But as of the first week in March, mortgage rates have remained steady — up a tad one week and down a tad the next. But rates have yet to be a deterrent.
The overall economy could make people more cautious about major financial commitments, but so far, so good on that front, too, the survey found.
Even in places with major military populations, such as San Diego and San Antonio, the war has yet to come up in discussions with buyers and sellers, many Redfin agents report. Still, a few say their buyers are pulling back.
In Washington, D.C., one agent said his buyer is pausing his plans due to uneasiness about tensions in the Middle East. Another agent, this one in San Diego, said two buyers are stepping back because they have family in Iran and are unsure about future plans.
In Chicago, a third Redfin agent reported a general air of unease, especially among first-time buyers, because of the conflict and its economic tailwinds.
Otherwise, it seems to be full-steam ahead — at least for now.
The war's impact is similar to that of the federal government shutdown in October. Back then, a Redfin survey found that 22% of Americans were canceling or delaying plans for a major purchase while 65% said it had no impact.
Other economic concerns from the last year have affected buyers' mindsets much more than the conflict. In April, more than half of Americans said they were cancelling big-ticket buys because of the tariffs. And in August, 42% of American workers said they were delaying the same because they were worried about their jobs.
