My Real Estate Blog

The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development has released the results of its 2009 American Housing Survey.

The survey revealed that when compared to homes of 1973, when the survey was first established, homes today are larger, with more bedrooms and bathrooms. New homes are even bigger. 80% of them have three or more bedrooms. Most homes today have six or more rooms. And newer homes now boast a median size of 2,300 square feet.

Modern homes are also more likely to have air conditioning and other modern amenities. 65% of homes today have central air-conditioning, as opposed to just 17% of homes in 1973.

Almost all homes have a telephone, at 98%. The majority also have a porch, deck, balcony or patio and a garage or carport. 99% have complete plumbing facilities. This may not seem spectacular, until you consider that only 60% of the world's population even has access to a functioning toilet.

The majority of U.S. homes also have refrigerators and cooking ranges in full kitchens. That figure is 98%. The majority also enjoy dishwashers, disposals, washing machines, and clothes dryers.

In terms of demographics, 68% of U.S. homes are owner-occupied. 51% are suburban, 29% in the central city, and 20% outside metropolitan areas.

The median age of American homes is currently 36 years old.

Did they REALLY spend money on this survey and why is this so important?