Millennials - Optimistic and Ready to Buy

March 31st, 2014

A recent survey by the PulteGroup revealed that the Millennial generation has a more optimistic outlook regarding the American economy than other generations. According to the survey, 54% of Millennials believe the economy is in better shape today than it was last year compared to only 41% of the total population.

It seems this optimism is impacting purchasing decisions as 74% of Millennials view now as an excellent or good time to buy the things they want or need. Jim Zeumer, vice president of corporate communications for the PulteGroup explained:

"No other cohort of adults is nearly as confident about their economic future as the millennials are right now. This is definitely a change, as millennials have regularly been viewed as the disenfranchised generation vastly affected by the fallout of the recession.  But now, with an increased sense of optimism, this generation is starting to feel as though they have the resources available to lead the lives they want or expect to in the future."

WHAT ABOUT HOUSING?

Specific to real estate, the survey indicated:

• 85% of Millennials plan to purchase a home in the future
• 49% plan to purchase a home in the next two years
• Of those planning to purchase in the near-term, 56 percent are current homeowners and 41 percent are renters
• 65% prefer spending more money on a home that is move-in ready compared to doing renovations
• 58% increased their interest in purchasing a home in the past year as the positive attributes of homeownership resonate with this generation.