Americans remain optimistic on home prices in the future

Fannie Mae's December National Housing Survey found Americans' attitudes on certain economic issues have improved since November.

The survey showed 22 percent of Americans believe the economy is on the right track, up 6 percent from November, and 40 percent said their personal financial situation should improve over the next 12 months. Further, 11 percent said their household expenses have decreased in the last 12 months - up 3 percent from November - and the average American expects home prices to increase 0.8 percent in the next year.

In addition, 26 percent of Americans predict home prices will increase in the next 12 months, up 4 percentage points from November, and 52 percent believe prices will remain the same. Thirty-six percent of Americans expect mortgage rates to increase in 2012, and 71 percent believe it is a good time to buy a home while 11 percent believe it is a good time to sell.

Indicating a recovery might be on the way, the number of housing markets showing measurable improvement has doubled in January, according to the National Association of Home Builders' First American Improving Markets Index. The index now has 76 improving markets throughout the United States, up from 41 in December.

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