Jobs and Housing Top Concerns for Voters: HouseLogic Poll

Published: December 09, 2011
By: Gavin Mathis
2Comments

Voters say jobs and housing are the key issues they’ll care about in the 2012 election. They are one and the same.

A recent HouseLogic survey finds that jobs and the housing market will be the two most important issues for voters in the 2012 election. More than 54% of respondents said lowering the unemployment rate will be the top issue on their minds when they head to the polls next November, while 27% of respondents thought housing was more important.

Respondents were asked: “What issue area will have the greatest impact on your vote in 2012?” National security, health care, and energy/environment trailed the top two responses by wide margins.

Jobs/unemployment — 54%

Housing — 27%

National security — 8%

Health care — 4%

Energy/Environment — 2%

Other — 4%

With unemployment still high, it’s easy to see why so many Americans are concerned about the job market. However, employment and the housing market are inextricably linked because economic growth and job creation can’t occur without a housing recovery.

Housing touches numerous sectors of the American economy, accounting for more than 15% of the gross domestic product, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. For every two homes sold, a job is created, according to association estimates. New spending on building products, furniture, and other residential investments also have a huge economic impact.

These polling figures clearly show Americans understand that a housing recovery is essential to the nation’s economic recovery.

What issue do you think will have the greatest impact on the 2012 election?

Gavin Mathis

Gavin Mathis is a graduate student at George Washington University and a communications assistant with Quinn Gillespie & Associates in Washington, D.C.

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For every new home being built creates 7 new jobs which will contribute to sustaining declining home values and put folks back to work. REALTORS are in the homeownership business. As we begin a new season (2012) let's all come together in unity to support, sustain, preserve, defend and promote the American Dream of homeownership. We truly do not want community members to lose their home to foreclosure nor just walk away because the owe more than it is work and go into a rental situation and like it. If this happens, we all will be looking for a new job! Keep in mind, that those who have been displaced back in 2008 and 2009, if they have jobs and re-established credit, may in qualify for a FHA loan in 2012.. REALTORS should consider themselves as the "red cross of homeownership". Make connection in your community...connection will be relationships and relationships will be a great future in the real estate arena. We must access the needs of our community, provide trusted resources to help and then go into the "search and rescue mode to help rebuild our communities. Vacant homes are not a community.
Posted by Cathy McDaniel on December 15, 2011

We REALTORS know that housing creates jobs...the two are hand in hand. We see it every time we close a transaction. With nearly ever transaction, our clients and customers call us with the question, "Do you know someone who ......?", so we better have lists at the ready of people who provide services and goods they will need for their move and for settling in to their new home. From the lenders, home inspectors, movers, attorneys and staff, septic system professionals, plumbers, electricians, masons, cleaners, painters, pavers, landscapers, roofers, and interior decorators that are the obvious groups who are affected, to cable and telephone technicians and staffs, retail (home improvement, furniture, home decoration, hardware, window treatments, etc. - and it's a long list of etc.!) locksmiths, gas stations for fueling moving trucks, mechanics for moving trucks, box and shipping materials manufacturers, and pizza delivery are just a few of the jobs which face increased demand when homes sell. It happens at every price point, so it crosses economic lines. Get creative, REALTORS. What jobs have YOU seen a new homeowner's purchase affect?
Posted by Anne on December 11, 2011