Market Conditions - July 3, 2006 by Carla L. Davis
Many Americans are concerned about the high cost of housing. In a nationwide survey administered by the National Association of Realtors, it was found, when asked a "variety of questions regarding not only the price of housing, but how a lack of affordable housing has affected them personally:" - Many worry over their monthly housing payments
- Six in ten say that high property taxes and rising energy costs could cause them to sell their home
- Almost four in ten are worried about rising home interest rates
- Three in ten are worried that they or members of their family may have their home repossessed because they are unable to pay rising monthly mortgage payments
- More than one third are worried that they may have to sell their home and buy a less expensive one because they are unable to pay rising monthly payments
- Over 20 percent of respondents report not seeing friends and family, not being involved in neighborhood, etc, missing out on promotions, lack of productivity, and missing out on vacations, because they have to work to much to pay for their home or they don’t have the money because of high home costs.
- Eight in ten would be willing to support more affordable homes being made available for people in their community
One of the most affordable regions of the U.S. is the Midwest. Kansas City has drawn the interest of coastal dwellers tired of continually higher prices. Broken into two separate states and a multitude of suburbs, this metroplex has much to offer. Olathe, Kansas, a suburb with a population of 102,000, boasts small town warmth with big cities amenities. Homes range widely in price -- from $80,000 to $750,000. The average price is $220,000. |
