Keller WIlliams Luxury Logo
Home » Survey: Households Say Now is Good Time to Buy

Survey: Households Say Now is Good Time to Buy

by | Mar 27, 2009 | Luxury Market | 0 comments

More than three-quarters (78 percent) of potential first-time home buyers say that now is a good time to buy a home, despite widespread concern about the economy. Out of the 1,000 prospective U.S. first-time home buyers surveyed in early March for the CENTURY 21 First-Time Home Buyer Survey, 68 percent think now is a better time to buy than six months ago.

Prices are the driving motivation for potential first-time home buyers with more than eight of ten first-time home buyers (85 percent) saying they consider current home prices affordable and 73 percent citing that taking advantage of current prices is a major factor in their decision to buy. Interestingly, potential first-time buyers are still split between “being willing to consider an offer now” (42 percent) and “waiting for prices to go down before they seriously consider making a purchase” (48 percent).

“Current pricing, rates and incentives, such as the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, provide tremendous opportunities for first-time home buyers to get into the market,” said Tom Kunz, Century 21 Real Estate president and CEO. “Our research shows that while consumers still have concerns about the future of the economy, many are actively considering their options as we move into the spring selling season.”

Among the survey’s other key findings:

Bargains in the marketplace are providing additional options for buyers to consider. 56 percent of potential first-time home buyers are considering purchasing a foreclosed or short sale home, and 63 percent are open to purchasing either a “fixer-upper” or “as-is” home.
When asked to rate the features that they look for when choosing a home, price is the primary consideration with 87 percent saying this feature is “very important,” followed closely by neighborhood safety (80 percent) and the condition of the home (71 percent).
Having enough money for a down payment is a top concern of potential first-time home buyers as nearly half (46 percent) said they are “very worried” about the issue.
Most respondents (86 percent) are in the market for single family homes.

Source: Century 21

Recent Posts

September Sales Statistics for the Big Island West Coast

September Sales Statistics for the Big Island West Coast

Real estate activity picked up in September mostly in the condominium, with a couple of bright spots in the single family markets. Mauna Lani Resort once again led the way in condo sales with seven closings, followed by Waikoloa Beach Resort and Kohanaiki, each with...

read more
Big Island Featured Restaurant & Activity – October 2025

Big Island Featured Restaurant & Activity – October 2025

Featured Restaurant: Brown’s Beach House If you’re looking for a tasty, elegant, open-air dining experience look no further than the Brown’s Beach House restaurant at The Fairmont Orchid in Mauna Lani Resort. Its Chef de Cuisine, Junior Ulep, is a celebrated...

read more
August Sales Statistics for the Big Island Resort Areas

August Sales Statistics for the Big Island Resort Areas

Real estate activity was spotty during the month of August, but slightly up over the month prior. Mauna Lani Resort led the way in condominium sales with three closings, followed by Mauna Kea Resort with two and single condo sales in Kohanaiki, Kūki`o and Waikoloa...

read more

Recent Listings

Call Now