Are men really more bullish/foolish when it comes to the home values?
Here's a fascinating tidbit on the real estate market.
Nearly 60 percent of men recently surveyed by Rasmussen Reports said they believed their home is still worth more than what they borrowed to buy it for. That's compared to 47 percent of women homeowners polled.
Given the state of the real estate market right now, I'd vote with the women right now, whose bearish instincts on this question appear closer to reality.
Despite that contingent of bullish men, most homeowners now appear to be finally grappling with real estate reality after years of hoping that a home price rebound is just around the corner.
Less than half of the 720 homeowners surveyed the week of March 15th said they still expect the value of homes to go up over the next five years.
Other interesting findings from the Rasmussen poll, which focused on the real estate market, include:
- Overall, 31 percent of homeowners surveyed said they are underwater - another 16 percent weren't sure.
- Only 22 percent believe the government should assist homeowners in making mortgage payments, with 64 percent arguing homeowners should sell and find a less expensive home.
- 59 percent believe interest rates will go up over the next few years.
- Nine percent of those surveyed have missed or have been late on a mortgage payment in the last six months, while 88 percent have not. Not sure where that leaves the remaining 3 percent - maybe they are not sure. Now that's a scary thought.
