Park City & Deer Valley

Unlikely to Deter Park City Real Estate Buyers

Trends in Utah underscore national survey data showing consumers more

concerned about home prices, interest rates and unemployment

Press Release

PARK CITY, UT - The expiration of the 2010 Home Buyer Tax Credit on April 30th, 2010 is unlikely to put off Park City residents or visitors looking to purchase homes, according to Prudential Utah Real Estate. This reflects the results of a new Prudential Utah Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc, a Prudential Financial, Inc [NYSE: Pru] company, national survey which reveals that consumers believe now is a good time to buy and are confident that home prices will rise. The survey of 1,000 Americans between the ages of 25 - 64 with at least $35,000 household income was conducted during April 15th - 20th, 2010.

In the national survey, more than 90 percent of consumers believe that the home buyer tax credits have helped both first-time buyers and the US housing market overall. Among consumers actually shopping for homes, 65 percent believe that the end of the tax credits will have little or no effect on their interest in purchasing a home.

While consumers remain unsure about the direction of the housing market, the survey reveals that they are optimistic about real estate values with 46 percent of consumers expecting real estate prices in their area to increase over the next year. Just 12 percent expect prices to decline. Over the next five years, 79 percent expect real estate prices to increase, with 20 percent expecting that prices will increase substantially.

"The federal home buyer tax credits clearly played an important role on a national level in getting the real estate market moving again," said Steve Roney, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Utah Real Estate. "The survey data shows that overall consumers believe the market has hit bottom and are more optimistic about the future."

Survey respondents identified concerns about rising mortgage interest rates and the national unemployment rate as the most important factors affecting decisions to purchase homes, along with more stringent lending criteria and fewer mortgage-backed securities pruchased by the Federal Reserve. The expiration of the tax credits placed lowest on their list of concerns. Among those who have recently purchased a home, 61 percent cited low mortgage interest rates as "very important" to their decisions an amount greater than either the tax credit or even cheaper prices. The 66 percent expecting interest rates to rise underscores potential headwinds for the market.

Despite the significant downturn in the real estate market, the survey underscores that the dream of home ownership and the perception that owning a home is a good investment remain intact. Among current renters, 75 percent sill believe owning their home is a better long-term choice than renting. The majority of consumers also believe that homeownership is a better investment than individual stocks or bonds (75%), mutual funds (72%), or savings accounts (74%).

"While the tax credits clearly helped stimulate the market, the more pressing concerns of people looking at homes in the Park City area are the availability and cost of financing, as well as if they are getting a good deal," added Roney. "Despite the market downturn, consistent with the national survey data, tha majority of our clients are more confident and, importantly, continue to believe that owning a home is a good investment."

The Prudential Real Estate Outlook Survey was conducted online. The margin of error is +/- 3 percent. A more detailed breakdown of the data is available, as well as supporting charts and visuals, at www.news.prudential.com.

For More Information on Park City and Deer Valley Homes Contact:
Michael Lapay
Prudential Utah Real Estate
Mobile: 435-640-5700
Toll Free: 888-410-7653

mlapay@pureparkcityrealestate.com



*This information is subject to change without notice.