MORRIS PLAINS, N.J.– For many Americans, a home is still where the heart is this holiday season. According to a recent survey conducted by Weichert, Realtors, a new house was the most popular item on consumers’ holiday wish list and the home was the place they most wanted to spend their time during the holidays.
The study of Weichert.com visitors found that 51 percent would choose a new house if they could have just one holiday wish granted this year, while 21 percent would wish for a new car. Surprisingly, despite today’s challenging job market, only 14 percent had a new job at the top of their list.
When asked where they would most enjoy spending the holidays, it was clear Americans still equate the holidays with home. A majority of respondents, 55 percent, said they would most enjoy spending the holidays in their own home, 27 percent opted for time at a relatives and 3 percent preferred to visit with close friends. Still, the holiday is seen as a time to get away and vacation for 14 percent of Americans. However, only 1 percent of respondents felt they would most enjoy spending the holidays at a restaurant.
“The home often serves as the backdrop for many warm holiday memories,” said James M. Weichert, president and founder of Weichert, Realtors, one of the nation’s largest independently owned real estate companies. “From a mantle to hang the stockings to a roof to display the lights to a dining table to gather around, a home offers many ways to celebrate the holidays and share special moments with family and friends.”