Homebuyers Worry Most About Cost and Competition in Latest Survey

Homebuyers Worry Most About Cost and Competition in Latest Survey

 One in Four Buyers Looking to Flee Expensive Rental Market

Affordability is the main concern keeping homebuyers up at night, according to a survey of 975 buyers conducted this month by Redfin, the next-generation real estate brokerage.

One in four respondents cited affordability as their top concern in buying a home, making it the most common response. Competition was the next-most common worry, cited by one in five homebuyers, a number that has increased from one in 10 in November. These concerns are justified: last month home prices were up 5 percent from a year ago, and 60 percent of Redfin offers have faced competition thus far in May.

Many of those looking to buy are fleeing an expensive rental market. About one in four homebuyers surveyed this month cited high rent as their reason for house hunting, a significant jump since last summer.

The change is attributable to first-time buyers. In the most recent survey, more than fifty percent said high rent led them to the market, as compared to only 25 percent of first-timers in August.

“Though enticed by high rents and low mortgage rates to begin a home search, first-time buyers face a number of obstacles in todays competitive market,” said Redfin chief economist Nela Richardson. “In many cities, starter homes have seen the largest price increases because the supply of affordable homes on the market is so low and the demand for these homes is so high.”

Buyers were asked to choose up to three of the most important factors in a home, beyond square footage and price. Three choices rose to the top: the layout, finishes and design were most important (46%), followed by school quality (41%) and a yard or green space (39%). Ease of commute came in fourth, checked off by 32 percent of respondents.

I read this article at: http://press.redfin.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=252734&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=217296

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