From RISmedia and fanniemae.com:

Thanks to strengthening in consumer spending and growing policy clarity at the end of 2010, the economy is finally poised to accelerate and sustain above-par, less volatile growth, according to the January 2011 Economic Outlook released by Fannie Mae’s Economics & Mortgage Market Analysis Group. The economy is expected to grow by 3.6% in 2011, compared to an estimated 2.8% in 2010. The group expects some increase in housing activity during 2011, however, a growth-oriented view of housing is not expected until 2012.

“The economy has regained momentum entering 2011 and we see significant improvement in the economy’s ability to grow compared to 2010,” said Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan. “We expect a small rise in home sales this year, but significant amounts of supply and shadow inventory of expected foreclosures will continue to hamper a robust housing picture for some time.”

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Other comments found at fanniemae.com:

  • After controlling for age, income, wealth and a number of other factors, regression analysis indicates that married couples are 2.5 times more likely to own than other respondents.
  • Having children is cited as a major reason to buy a home by approximately three quarters (76 percent) of all households.
  • The immigrant population in the U.S. is projected to grow by nearly 130 million people over the next 40 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
  • Sixty-six percent of respondents say they believe that housing is a safe investment – as safe as a savings or money market account.
  • More than half say they believe that owning is a good idea, even if they plan to stay in the home less than three years.
  • Eighty-six percent identify tax benefits as a reason to buy, even though tax benefits are small or non-existent for many homeowners.
  • The substantial majority of homeowners (89 percent), as well as nearly half of renters (44 percent), believe they would be better off owning their homes, given their current financial situations.
  • The housing crisis has had the greatest impact on younger Americans. Since the housing crisis, homeownership for those 25 to 29 years old has declined 10 percent since peak rates, compared with a decline of 5 percent among those 35 to 44 and less for those 45 and older.

“Our research helps us better understand the views of homeowners and renters across specific demographics, ethnicities, and regions so that we can provide the best support possible for the market.”
 – Doug Duncan
Vice President and Chief Economist

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