(NewsNation) — Three surveys commissioned by the online real estate site Redfin offer insights into the thinking of homebuyers and renters approaching Election Day. And there are stark differences in the answers from people who own homes, as opposed to those who rent.
Homeowners like Trump, renters prefer Harris
In one survey, 42% said they believe that former President Donald Trump would do the best job of keeping home prices high, while 35% believe Vice President Kamala Harris would be best, and 23% said they did not know.
In the same survey, nearly half of those who rent their homes said they believe that Harris would be better for making homes more affordable. Nearly one-third believe that Trump would be better.
(Ipsos Sept. survey of 805 homeowners aged 18-65)
First-time homebuyers waiting for election results
A separate survey hints at the calm before a possible homebuying storm. Some 23% of people looking to buy their first home said they will wait until after Election Day. About 26% said they’re waiting to see if Harris’ housing affordability plan, which could include $25,000 in down payment help, becomes reality.
About 16% said they’re waiting to see if Trump’s affordable housing plans are enacted.
“Buying a home can be scary, especially if it’s your first time, you’re worried about the election and you’re not sure if the economy is going to get better or worse,” said Lindsay Garcia, a Redfin agent in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Just over 12% of the people responding to that survey said they are immigrants who are worried about being able to stay in the U.S. if immigration policies change after the election.
(Ipsos Sept. survey of 491 people who said they will be buying their first home soon)
Homeowners feel better off now than in 2020
In a third survey, 52% of homeowners said they’re better off financially than they were four years ago, compared to 44% of renters.
“That discrepancy is partly the result of soaring housing prices that helped homeowners build a lot of equity,” said Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather.
Also in that poll, 32% of renters said that housing affordability is a top three issue when it comes to deciding for whom they’ll vote. Only 17% of homeowners shared that opinion.
(Ipsos Sept. survey of 894 renters and 805 homeowners aged 18-65)
