Let’s avoid all of the personal attacks and political infighting that has plagued this election year so far and do something almost unheard of and focus on the issues, or, more specifically, the lone issue of housing.
Many people, 76 percent to be exact according to a survey conducted by Redfin, do not believe housing is an important political issue this election year. Additionally, 75 percent of respondents to the same survey said the presidential election would not affect the housing market.
Redfin suggests that part of the reason homebuyers do not seem too concerned with the political aspects associated with purchasing a home, is because they aren’t fully aware of them. For example, the number two reason to buy a home, after major life events, is because of high rent. That can absolutely be considered politically influenced. In the same vein, after square footage and price, respondents listed taxes, school quality, and transit and zoning as the major factors considered when selecting a house. All of those are political in nature.
Sure, the next president of the United States might not have much to do with these specific aspects for where you live (although they will be required to set a national housing agenda), but voters don’t just cast their vote for president on election day, they also vote in state and local races that can have major effects on homeowners.
National candidates shouldn’t be completely ignored in terms of housing, though. Housing still accounts for 18 percent of the overall economy and things like mortgage rates and national environmental and safety laws can affect how and where a home is built.
So while it might not seem as important an issue as something like immigration, which has been in the spotlight constantly, housing is still a politically involved issue, be it directly or indirectly.
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