The Value of a Dream Home

Homeownership is part of the American Dream, and a new survey from United Wholesale Mortgage shows what homeowner-hopefuls are willing to do, or not do, to achieve it.

The survey asked 1,002 homeowners and non-homeowners what they would be willing to do to get their dream home, and for free. The top response, "Give up all beverages except water for five years," garnered a 49 percent share, while cheering for the beleaguered Cleveland Browns football team had a 47 percent share among respondents, CNBC reports. UWM CEO Mat Ishbia says himself that living on a fast food-only diet (which 35 percent of respondents were willing to do) is something he would also do for a free dream home.

Two factors — a dip in housing supply and the increasing number of people carrying student debt — could make home-buying even more difficult. The median home price in the U.S. is now $217,300, and rising interest rates — combined with the economy and inflation — will have some impact on fixed mortgage rates as well. Lack of certainty is the biggest emotional roadblock to buying a house. "You fear what you don't know," Ishbia said.

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