Despite the fluctuations of the housing market, homeowners and non-owners alike consider owning a home essential to the American Dream according to a recent survey on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders. A high percentage of the people surveyed who did not currently own listed it as one of their future goals. For younger voters who are most likely to be in the market for a home in the next few years, the percentages are even higher. "People believe overwhelmingly that owning a home is an anchor to the American Dream. It's an anchor to your retirement, and it's an anchor to your personal economic well-being." Some other survey results were:

-Homeownership and retirement savings are considered by voters to be their best investments

-80 percent of home owners would advise a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home

-Americans believe that owning their own home is as important as being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member's education

Blog inspired by a survey done by RISMedia and can be found here:  http://rismedia.com/2011-06-09/owning-a-home-essential-to-the-american-dream-survey-shows/print/