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

Use of a parcel of land that will produce the greatest current value. ...

Style of life emphasizing outdoor activities, amenities, and recreation. Example are campers and barbecues. It is usually on a short-term basis. ...

The assessment sales ratio is a way of measuring the accuracy of a property’s assessed value when compared to the property’s selling price. This measurement gives the ...

Visible area that can be readily seen by outside traffic. This is particularly important for a commercial business. ...

Unsecured long-term debt. There is no collateral or lien on the property. A debenture can only be issued by a financially sound borrower with an excellent credit rating because no ...

An acre is defined as a land unit that is commonly used in the US customary and imperial systems of 66 by 660 feet (one chain by one furlong). An acre is a measure of volume used in many ...

Outside layer or covering for a structure. It may be a coating of material for protection against inclement weather. ...

Excess of money or fair value of property received on sale or exchange over the carrying value of the property. An example is the sale of a building when the cash received exceeda its ...

To depreciate is to lose value for something. Depreciation is the act of losing worth.Connecting with real estate, Property depreciation can be both an accounting method typically used to ...

Popular Real Estate Questions