Biweekly Public Opinion Roundup: Opportunity and Homeownership

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Opportunity and Homeownership: The Politics of Housing

Owning a home is integral to the core American values of mobility and opportunity but the costs of down payment and closing on a home are overwhelming obstacles for many Americans. The June Public Opinion Monthly analyzes recent research on the public's attitudes on housing opportunities and challenges for those who advocate for housing finance reform. 
 

Most Americans want the government to keep homeownership within the reach of low-income and middle-class Americans, ensure the traditional means of mobility and equity-building, and encourage growth in the housing market.  However impending Washington proposals do not reflect what Americans want. Most support proposals to assist homeowners to renegotiate their mortgage terms and prevent foreclosures, but oppose eliminating or decreasing the home mortgage interest tax deduction or raising the down payment requirement.  The latter policy proposals would make it more difficult and expensive to buy a home, and are in conflict with Americans’ desire for the government to encourage growth in the housing market, and to keep the benefits of homeownership within reach for all.

To read more, please see June's Public Opinion Monthly.