A recent survey by Houselogic.com, the consumer website from the National Association of REALTORS®, finds that jobs and the housing market will be two of the most important issues for voters in the 2012 election. Nearly one-third of respondents said housing will be the top issue on their mind when they head to the polls next November.
"We need to keep housing first on the nation's public policy agenda, because housing and home ownership issues affect all Americans," said Moe Veissi, 2012 president of the national REALTOR® group. "The results of this survey show that many Americans understand that."
Respondents were asked, "What issue area will have the greatest impact on your vote in 2012?" Jobs/unemployment and housing were on top, with national security, healthcare, and energy/environment trailing by wide margins. Fifty-four percent of respondents listed jobs/unemployment as the top issue; 27 percent listed housing; 8 percent national security; 4 percent health care; 2 percent energy/environment; and 4 percent, others.
"It's not surprising that many Americans are concerned about the job market. The unemployment rate has improved, but it is still not where it should be. Those who have jobs are concerned about job security. A housing recovery is key to economic growth. Employment and housing are linked to each other," explained Gene Lentz, president of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®.
Housing accounts for more than 15 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – it's a key driver of the national economy. Home sales generate jobs. The national REALTOR® association estimates for every two homes sold, one job is created. New spending on homebuilding products, furniture, and other residential investments also have a significant economic impact.
A rise in pending sales in October in California and nationwide indicates the economy might be starting to rebound. However, any changes to current programs or incentives must not jeopardize a housing and economic recovery. Unemployment, consumer confidence and consumer spending will not rebound until a number of issues are addressed, according to Veissi.
"NAR actively advocates public policies that promote responsible, sustainable homeownership, which will in turn support overall economic recovery," said Veissi. "We want to ensure affordable, accessible financing; support tax policies that encourage homeownership; and help more people stay in their homes or avoid foreclosure through streamlined short sales."
HouseLogic.com is a free source of information and tools for homeowners from the National Association of REALTORS® that helps homeowners make smart decisions and take responsible actions to maintain, protect and enhance the value of their home. HouseLogic helps homeowners plan and organize their home projects and provides timely articles and news; home improvement advice and how-to's; and information about taxes, home finances and insurance.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.