LendingTree Survey Finds 53% of Potential Homebuyers are More Likely to Purchase a Home in the Next Year Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The coronavirus pandemic ? coupled with historically low mortgage rates ? is motivating 53% of homebuyers to purchase a home in the coming year, according to the results from LendingTree's latest survey of over 1,000 prospective homebuyers.
Key Findings:
53% of homebuyers say they are more likely to buy a home in the next year due to the coronavirus outbreak.
73% of those who are more likely to purchase a home are first-time homebuyers, and 66% are millennials
For all prospective homebuyers planning to purchase in the next 12 months, the top motivators are:
Taking advantage of record-low mortgage rates (67%)
Being able to save a larger down payment due to reduced spending amid COVID-19 (32%)
Reduced home prices (30%)
Being confined in a smaller space during stay-at-home orders makes homeownership more appealing (28%)
Nearly two-thirds (65%) say the coronavirus pandemic has impacted how much money they plan to spend on a new home
44% plan to buy a less expensive home, 21% a more expensive home
61% have toured a house virtually over the past two months
Another 33% said that although they haven't had a virtual tour, they plan to do so.
3 tips for buying a home during the COVID-19 pandemic
Improve your creditworthiness. Some mortgage lenders are requiring a minimum 700 credit score to qualify for a home loan. Having a score of 740 or higher may help you get the lowest available mortgage rate.
Reduce outstanding debt. The lower the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio ? the percentage of gross monthly income used to repay debt ? the better the chances of qualifying for a mortgage. The rule of thumb is a 43% maximum, but aiming for a 36% DTI ratio is more manageable.
Consider holding off for a few months. It may be wise to wait until late summer or fall to buy a home, as we may later see more homes in the market.
Methodology For this survey, LendingTree commissioned Qualtrics to conduct an online survey of 1,006 homebuyers, with the sample base proportioned to represent the overall population. The survey was fielded April 24-30, 2020.
We defined generations* as the following ages in 2020:
Millennials: ages 24-39
Gen X: ages 40-54
Baby boomers: ages 55-74
Our survey also included responses from members of Generation Z (ages 18-23) and the Silent Generation (ages 75+). Their responses were factored into the overall percentages, but excluded from the generational breakdowns due to the low sample size among both age groups.
About LendingTree LendingTree (NASDAQ: TREE) is the nation's leading online marketplace that connects consumers with the choices they need to be confident in their financial decisions. LendingTree empowers consumers to shop for financial services the same way they would shop for airline tickets or hotel stays, comparing multiple offers from a nationwide network of over 500 partners in one simple search, and can choose the option that best fits their financial needs. Services include mortgage loans, refinances, auto loans, personal loans, business loans, student refinances, credit cards and more. Through the My LendingTree platform, consumers receive free credit scores, credit monitoring, customized recommendations to improve credit health, and notification when there are opportunities to save money. In short, LendingTree's purpose is to help simplify financial decisions for life's meaningful moments through choice, education and support. LendingTree, LLC is a subsidiary of LendingTree, Inc. For more information, go to www.lendingtree.com, dial 800-555-TREE, like our Facebook page and/or follow us on Twitter @LendingTree.
Meltwater, a leading global provider of social, media and consumer intelligence, today announces the appointment of Chris Hackney as Chief Product Officer. In this pivotal role, Chris will lead Meltwater's product organization and spearhead the...
MPE Partners ("MPE" or "Morgenthaler Private Equity"), along with its portfolio company Precision Pipeline ("Precision"), announced today the acquisition of SabCon Underground ("SabCon"). SabCon is a leading provider of critical repair, new...
Since tax documents contain some of the most identifying information, AARP New York and state Attorney General Letitia James today launched the first of a statewide series of free shredding events at the Boys and Girls Republic at the Henry Street...
Brooke Zrno Grisham has joined M Financial Group as Vice President of M Member Firm Development. Brooke is responsible for facilitating the success of M's growth objectives and overseeing all aspects of Member Firm development, including producer...
March Capital Management ("MCM") in partnership with Deutsche Finance America ("DFA") today announced the acquisition and capitalization of the initial phase of a large industrial development located off State Highway 45 Southeast in Creedmoor,...
Hydro-Québec announces that it has negotiated on the Canadian domestic market the issue of CA$500,000,000 of Debentures, Series JS, maturing on February 15, 2063.
The Debentures, with a coupon of 4.00%, payable semi-annually, will be offered on the...