It must be true because I read it in the newspapers. Right? Not necessarily. Headlines and related articles can be written to be deceiving. Take this headline (Optimism). Based on the headline, one would be led to believe that today, according to a Gallup Poll, people are not too optimistic about owning a home. Gallup is a pretty reputable polling company so this must be true. Don’t believe it…
Of the people surveyed, close to 70% say it is a good time to buy a home. That’s a pretty good percentage, but the survey says it’s down from 74% over the past two years. Does that necessarily mean that Americans are not optimistic about homeownership? I don’t think so. Nor does the it mention if the person answering is “optimistic” about homeownership, it only states that they feel it’s a good time to buy.
The survey covered respondents of 18 years old and over. That means that some respondents may be Millennials who, at present, may not think it’s a good time for them to buy. However, Millennials overall are looking forward to being a homeowner at some point in the future. I’d say that is being optimistic about homeownership, just not looking to be a homeowner today. Words can be deceiving.
It all depends on how the question is asked; “Do you believe it is a good time to buy a home”, vs. “Are you optimistic about homeownership in America”. The answers may be quite different depending upon who you ask. Regardless, 70% think it is a good time to buy a home. Maybe that’s off a little from previous responses but that represents a lot of people, who are potential homebuyers who will need financing. That is something you can believe.
Rather than dwell on the negative, I think it’s a good time to accentuate the positive. Home values have stabilized and are increasing in many areas, interest rates are low, the economy is improving (so they say) and consumer confidence is on the rise.
I personally believe it is a great time to buy a home. April showers will bring May flowers and with them optimistic buyers out looking for the American Dream. Be sure you’re there to help them.
Speaking of May, it’s just three months before the new TRID rules take effect. Are you ready? If not here’s some reference material to help you and your team get ready for the big roll out (TRID Resources).
Be optimistic, be ready. The game has changed; play different.
This you can believe…