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Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
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Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
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Survey Shows Housing Issues of Concern, Says Florida Association of Realtors®

ORLANDO, Fla., June 2005 -- Orlando and Tampa residents have identified the lack of available, affordable housing as a major concern in their areas, according to the just-released National Housing Opportunity Pulse survey from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). 

The public opinon poll, conducted for NAR by Public Opinion Strategies, found that 46 percent of Orlando residents and 36 percent of Tampa residents cited the lack of available, affordable housing as a big problem for their communities. A majority of those polled in both areas agreed that they were very concerned about the cost of all housing in their cities (Orlando, 63 percent; Tampa, 61 percent.) 

This is the third year that NAR has sponsored the national housing opinion poll, but the first time specific survey results were compiled for the Orlando and Tampa areas (only). 

"This survey certainly underscores what Florida Realtors® know and what we have been saying to Gov. Jeb Bush and the Florida Legislature -- available, affordable housing for our teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers and other working families is imperative if we are to preserve the strength of our communities," says John Sebree, Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) vice president of public policy. "Realtors have been committed to this cause for years and worked to create the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Funds. If we don't keep fighting this fight, then those people we rely on -- to teach our children, for example -- won't be able to live in the communities in which they work and want to call home." 

According to the survey, residents in both cities identified having enough money for a downpayment and closing costs as one of the biggest issues impacting housing in their areas: Orlando, 69 percent; Tampa, 70 percent. Also an obstacle to homeownership: Being able to find a home they like and can afford, (Orlando, 78 percent; Tampa, 69 percent.) 

A majority of Orlando (67 percent) and Tampa (66 percent) residents agreed that they were either highly concerned or moderately concerned that housing in their areas is "getting so expensive, it is widening the gap between those who can afford to buy a home and those who cannot afford to buy a home." 

According to the national results, the survey found that respondents are more likely to support affordable housing in their communities if they are sure it would not hurt property values, would not contribute to school overcrowding or would not make traffic worse. 

A majority of those polled also said they prefer affordable housing that is single-family detached housing over townhomes, low-rise or high-rise apartments. Other highlights: Seven out of 10 residents nationwide support more open space in their communities; and three out of five feel there is a need for more residential growth in their communities. 

The latest National Housing Opportunity Pulse survey of 1,600 urban and suburban residents in top media markets was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies in May 2005. As in past surveys, it found that Americans rank affordable housing as one of the most difficult issues they face, and they worry that the cost of housing is widening the gap between those who can afford to buy a home and those who cannot. 

For more information about the national survey, visit NAR's Web site. 

For this release and other media releases from FAR, go to http://media.living.net.

The Florida Association of Realtors, the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its more than 125,000 members in 70 boards/associations.

© 2005 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS