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I was contacted by ING DIRECT Corporate relation office and requested to share this informative public survey results. It is an eye opener bringing facts about Home ownership from real people.

Americans blamed low, no money down mortgages for economic downfall.

Wilmington, DE – Despite the mortgage crisis, two-thirds (67 percent) of Americans agree that homeownership is still an “aspirational” symbol of the American Dream, according to a recent ING DIRECT survey. But as lower housing prices are prompting Americans to revisit the housing market, the new survey also shows a lesson learned from the mortgage meltdown: save for a down payment.

More than four in 10 (42 percent) Americans think homes purchased with a bigger down payment in recent years could have reduced the number of foreclosures and prevented some of the current economic downturn, according to the survey.  With a larger down payment, Americans can move into their new homes with a lower interest rate, reduced debt and owe less interest over time.  In recent years, too many no-money-down mortgages were offered to homebuyers who could not afford to keep paying their mortgages after their homes lost significant value and the economy slowed.

“Owning a home is an opportunity, not an entitlement,” said Arkadi Kuhlmann, President of ING DIRECT USA.  “Sadly, that message has been lost in translation over the past several years.  Don’t trade your future for the instant gratification of owning a home you can’t afford in the long run.  It you want to own a home, save for it, and our survey shows that Americans agree. ” 

With low mortgage rates, more than 40 percent of American homeowners with a mortgage may refinance this year, according to the survey. Homeowners surveyed also indicated that they are seeking new options from the 30-year mortgage product.  Nearly four in 10 (37 percent) Americans said they are likely to consider a mortgage that allows borrowers to make bi-weekly mortgage payments at no charge.  Making payments every two weeks instead of once a month allows homeowners to pay off their mortgage faster.  

“For a saver, there is nothing more rewarding than finally becoming mortgage-free,” said Kuhlmann.  “Americans want home loans that eliminate years of payments and give them the freedom to own their homes sooner.”  
 
The national online survey was conducted within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of ING DIRECT between May 20-22, 2009 among 2,122 adults age 18+, 1,514 of whom were homeowners. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.

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