Jobs and Housing Top Concers for Voters

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.


Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/blog/why-home-ownership-matters/jobs-housing-2012-election/#ixzz1k0np5G1u