Views on the U.S. housing market reach new depths

Fewer Americans believe now is a good time to buy a home. Over the past two years, these are the only instances in which less than half of Americans supported the idea of buying a home in the current market.

This pessimistic attitude toward home buying is inherent in virtually all groups of people.

At the same time, Americans still consider real estate a better long-term investment option than stocks, gold and other options, although fewer people now favor real estate as an investment.

Although 19% of Americans expect home prices to decline in the coming year - far fewer than the 38% and 34% who thought so in 2008 and 2009, respectively - they are now much less likely to expect prices to rise. Any stabilizing or downward pressure on home prices could make it more affordable for Americans, especially if interest rates also stabilize or decline in the coming years.

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