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USA: Home Depot poll shows Americans investing in their homes
¡¾2002.07.30¡¿

Home Depot poll shows Americans investing in their homes

ATLANTA, July 18, 2002 -- According to a recent poll commissioned by The Home Depot, home is not only where the heart is, but increasingly, where Americans' investment dollars are going. In light of today's economic environment, respondents indicated that their most attractive investment option is their home.

A TeleNation poll conducted by Market Facts found that when it comes to the financial security of their family, 45 percent of Americans surveyed view their home as their most important -- and most attractive -- investment.

The telephone poll of 1,000 adults conducted July 12-14, asked respondents which current investments they viewed as most important for their family's future financial security. The home was the top pick by the majority of Americans -- including 48.8 percent of men and 41.4 percent of women -- followed by 401k/IRAs (23.9 percent), other savings plans (14.9 percent), the stock market (6.1 percent), and bonds (2.9 percent).

Americans are bullish about investing in the home, too. More than 37 percent of respondents report their home as the most attractive investment for their money over the next 12 months, followed by other savings plans (21.5 percent), 401ks/IRAs (18.8 percent), the stock market (8.6 percent) and bonds (5.7 percent).

"In times of economic uncertainty, there is no place like home," said Larry Mercer, executive vice president of operations for The Home Depot. "For every dollar homeowners invest in their home, they have the potential to grow their money, depending on the project. And, there are both immediate and long-term benefits when it comes to home improvement."