A recent survey conducted by the NAHB Research Center found that individuals who are renting perceive homeownership as a preference. In fact, 68% of individuals currently paying rent for their residences said they would prefer to own their own houses. Although previous releases issued about this study have discussed the feeling among consumers about the cost of owning a home, this information demonstrates that regardless of concerns, the general perception among those surveyed is that they prefer to own a home. The complete study reported opinions from consumers and builders on various topics related to home building.

Approximately one-third of households in the United States live in rental housing. The majority of renters displayed a perception of being concerned with their costs – 60% said they were concerned about the cost to rent, while 52% said they were concerned about the cost of electric and gas bills.

According to the survey, another factor when it comes to homeownership is the perceived safety. Of all renter respondents, 44% said they had not taken any action to increase the safety of their households in the past 6-12 months. Other respondents said they undertook minor safety precaution projects such as installing a lock on a door (32%) and putting in a smoke alarm (31%).

Besides owning their own houses, other desired changes that renters indicated they would like included having a backyard (39%), the ability to decorate (38%), upgrading appliances (36%) and increasing home eco-efficiency (31%).

Homeownership can also improve health, physical safety and security, and can help educational and job prospects increase. Homeownership is also an important means of wealth accumulation, and it can improve and stabilize neighborhoods and communities.

If you’d like to speak with an experienced Frederick Maryland real estate agent who has your best interest in mind, please contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage questions toll Free, 24/7, at 1-800-395-9636 x7 or E-mail me at bill@homes2price.com. My Office number at Real Estate Teams, LLC is 301-695-3020 x2793

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