Home ownership still goal for majority of Americans: N.Y. Times Poll

Almost 90 percent of Americans think owning a home is still an important part of the American dream, despite the current housing market.

That's according to a new New York Times/CBS poll released late yesterday.

At the same time, only 49 percent of respondents said housing is a safe investment and 45 percent said it was a risky one.

Other highlights of the poll:

• 36 percent approve of the Obama's administration's efforts on housing; 45 percent disapprove
• 45 percent say government should be doing more to help the housing industry; 16 percent it should be doing less
• 58 percent say lenders should require a 20 percent downpayment; 36 percent say they should not.

Read more at the N.Y. Times