|
Racial Differences in Housing Search Behavior Author: Raisa Bahchieva Dissertation School: Cornell University Pages: 214 Publication Date: August 1998 Availability: Access Number: 10700 Abstract: Search, or the process of obtaining the information before transactions occur, is an essential aspect of the behavior of economic agents which is of particular importance in the housing markets. This study addresses the issue of racial differences in owner-occupied housing search and has three major objectives: to determine where there are systematic racial differences in housing search; to statistically test whether the process of search for owner-occupied housing is consistent with race discrimination, or less favorable treatment of blacks by real estate agents compared to whites; and to determine the impact of the amount of search on the two potential benefits from search: opportunity to purchase a house in the most preferred neighborhood, and satisfaction with the house. The study uses primary data collected via a mail survey in seven neighborhoods in the city of Syracuse, NY. The descriptive statistics has shown systematic racial differences in owner-occupied housing search. Compared to whites, blacks were found to inspect fewer houses prior to purchase, both overall and in the preferred neighborhoods; they also search longer, in a smaller area than whites, and use fewer information sources. Multiple regression analysis has revealed one distinct group with significant black-white difference in the number of inspections: college graduates. This analysis has shown that for the rest of the sample, racial difference in the total number of inspections can be explained by differences in socio-economic characteristics of blacks and whites. However, the duration of search exhibits racial differences: blacks inspect fewer houses than whites per unit of time, ceteris paribus. Regression analysis of the number of inspections in predominantly white neighborhoods for which blacks showed preference, indicated that they inspect significantly fewer houses than whites. Similar analysis done for racially mixed neighborhoods did not show significant racial difference in the number of inspections. Logical analysis has shown that success of buying a house in the most preferred neighborhood is equally likely for both blacks and whites. However, level of satisfaction with the purchased house was found to be lower among blacks than among whites. However, level of satisfaction with the purchased house was found to be lower among blacks than among whites. |
|
|
Last updated: Wednesday, March 06, 2013 HUD USER Helpdesk P.O. Box 23268 Washington, DC 20026-3268 Toll Free: 1-800-245-2691 Fax: 1-202-708-9981 Email: oup@oup.org |
 |
Privacy Statement |
     |
