Homeowners and non-owners both consider owning a home essential to the American Dream, despite the ups and downs of the nation’s housing market, according to a recent poll from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Poll results include:

• Homeownership and a retirement savings program are considered by voters to be their best investments.
• Eighty percent of homeowners would advise a close friend or family member just starting out to buy a home.
• Saving for a down payment and closing costs is the biggest barrier to homeownership.
• Americans believe that owning their own home is as important as being successful at their job or being able to pay for a family member’s education.

"The survey results show that Americans see beyond the immediate housing market to the enduring value of homeownership," said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen. "An overwhelming 75 percent of the people who were polled said that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market, and 95 percent of the homeowners said they are happy with their decision to own a home."