Housing, economic outlook remain steady in second quarter

​​​​WASHINGTON – Three-fourths of Americans believe now is a good time to sell a house, says the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) latest Housing Opportunities and Market Experience (HOME) survey. 

Around 68 percent of Americans believe it’s a good time to buy a house.

Among renters, optimism has fallen from 55 percent in first quarter to 49 percent. Optimism is higher among older buyers (65 or over) and those living in the South (73 percent) and Midwest (71 percent).

According to NAR, affordability and low inventory are eroding buyer confidence. 

A near high of 58 percent of households believe that the economy is improving—slightly down from 60 percent last quarter but up from 54 percent last year. People in rural areas are more likely to view the economy as improving (63 percent) than in urban areas (51 percent).

The HOME survey’s monthly Personal Financial Outlook Index, showing respondents’ confidence that their financial situation will be better in six months, dropped slightly from 63.8 in March to 62.1 in June. A year ago, the index was 57.2.​​