According to the 2011 National Housing Pulse Survey 64% of Americans think now is a good time to buy a home.
While fewer Americans than in the past agree, the overwhelming majority 72 percent still say that buying a home is a good financial decision. Almost two thirds, 64 percent say that now is a good time to buy a home.
Looking over the rest of the survey the number one concern seems to be the money needed for downpayment and closing costs.
Having enough money for a down payment and closing costs is the largest obstacle that makes housing so expensive and unaffordable (82% say it is a huge or medium sized obstacle.)
Closing costs certainly can add up. Congress has been considering new regulation of residential mortgages the requirement for a Qualified Residential Mortgage will be a 20% downpayment. As with all proposals in Congress you never know what the final regulation will look like but if you have about 15% downpayment saved it may be good to consider buying before the new regulations are in place.