Home Affordability Index

Definition of "Home affordability index"

Measure of the typical U.S. family's ability to buy a home, published by the National Association of Realtors. When the Index measures 100, a family earning the median income has exactly the amount needed to purchase a median-priced, previously owned home, using conventional financing and a 20% down payment. For example, an index of 140.9 means that half the families in the nation have at least 140.9% if the income needed to qualify for the purchase of a home with a median price of, say, $107,400. some experts maintain that every one-point increase rate results in 300,000 fewer home sales.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Provision in an agreement in which its renewal is a matter of course at the end of its initial term. ...

Agreement between two or more individuals whereby each party agrees to do or not to do some act. The parties have reciprocal obligations of performance or actions. ...

A caveat vendor is a legal principle where the seller is legally responsible for warranting the quality and suitability to task of the item purchased. ...

Scale drawing or diagram illustrating the proposed use of a land plat property. ...

Loan such as a mortgage that the borrower has consistently made payments on when due over many years. The borrower has proven his creditor worthiness. ...

Gift of real property as stipulated in a will. ...

Also called investment property. Real property held by a business for investment potential or in order to earn income by leasing or letting it, rather than for its own use. ...

An interest a landlord has in lease property. ...

Flat irregularly shaped stones, ranging from 1 to 4 inches thick, used for terrace or loan walkways. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions