It may not grab the headlines in races across the country but housing affordability is a major issue for voters. In fact, a recent Pew Research Center survey found it ranked just below food costs and health care expenses as a top economic concern among Americans. A full 66 percent of survey respondents said they’re “very concerned” about the cost of housing. That’s why the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website took a look at the issue in states with close political races. Beyond the politics, some common themes emerged when talking to voters. One is that people are worried homeownership is going to become too expensive and out of reach for average Americans. That, and a concern for lower-income Americans in this more expensive environment, were commonly raised issues in conversations with voters. But while many of us worry about the cost of owning and maintaining a home, we also share in the belief that the election won’t have much impact, with respondents expressing doubt that much of anything will change regardless of the election results. (source)
