Fannie Survey Finds Home Owners Are Skeptical

The housing crisis has changed how Americans view homeownership, according to a survey of public attitudes by Fannie Mae.

The number of people who view homeownership as a safe investment declined from 83 percent in 2003 to 70 percent in 2009. In addition:

• 48 percent of those surveyed said banks should foreclose on people who don’t pay their mortgages. 53 percent blamed borrowers – instead of banks – for taking out bigger loans than they could afford.

• 15 percent of respondents said it is acceptable for borrowers who are underwater to walk away.

Source: The Washington Post, Renae Merle (04/06/2010)