Q1 2010 Experian Insight Index: Internet Searches for 'Houses for Sale' Increase 32 Percent in the United States

NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Experian®, the global information services company, today published its first quarterly Insight Index, identifying key Internet search trends against today's economic backdrop. Experian's analysis shows that Americans appear to be preparing to put one foot back in the housing markets, with Internet searches for real estate for sale increasing by 32 percent during January to March 2010 — compared to the same time last year.

• Experian Hitwise's analysis shows that even more growth was witnessed in searches around the rental market (e.g., "houses for rent," "homes for rent"), which increased 171 percent in Q1 2010 compared to Q1 2009.
• The fastest-growing real estate for rent search terms over the last year include:
  • "cheap homes for rent" — increased 128 percent
  • "house for rent by owner" — increased 94 percent
  • "home for rent by owner"  — increased 84 percent
• The fastest-growing real estate for sale search terms over the last year include:
  • "homes for sale in Florida" — increased 73 percent
  • "homes for sale in Michigan" — increased 74 percent
• Online mortgage searches increased by 43 percent in Q1 2010 compared to Q1 2009
  • Top searches in Q1 2010 included terms centered on first-time home buyers

"Search volume of terms related to an economic indicator can help us predict future market trends and movement," said Bill Tancer, general manager of global research, Experian Hitwise. "The uptick in 'home for sale' searches indicates a refreshed interest on the part of consumers to enter, or move within, the real estate market."

Credit cards/loans

Findings reveal that Americans' search behavior has increased around other financial needs outside of the housing markets, including searching for credit cards and loans over the first quarter of 2010.

• Searches for credit cards increased 70 percent in Q1 2010 versus Q1 2009
• Searches for loans (e.g. "loans," "personal loans," "business loans") increased 11 percent comparing Q1 2010 versus Q1 2009

Methodology

Data is based on an Experian Q1 2010 U.S. search indicators report according to research by Experian® Hitwise®, Experian Marketing Services' leading global online competitive intelligence service. Several search terms portfolios were created around different financial indicators to gauge consumer search behavior.

About the Experian Hitwise Global Search Indicators Report

The Experian Hitwise Global Search Indicators Report is a quarterly benchmarking report providing insight into consumer behavior and sentiment. Leveraging Experian Hitwise data, these indices shed light on consumer Internet search trends across categories including debt, credit cards, loans, fraud, telecommunications and government services. Data is published for two global regions: United Kingdom and United States.

About Experian Marketing Services

Experian Marketing Services delivers best-in-breed data, analytics and platforms into multiple regions around the globe. It is focused on helping marketers more effectively target and engage their best customers through email, digital advertising, customer data management, customer and competitive insight, data enrichment and list rental, modeling and analytics, and strategic consulting. Through these capabilities, Experian Marketing Services enables organizations to encourage brand advocacy, create measurable return on investment and significantly improve the lifetime value of their customers.

About Experian

Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients in more than 65 countries. The company helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score and protect against identity theft.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2009, was $3.9 billion. Experian employs approximately 15,000 people in 40 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; Costa Mesa, California; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. 

For more information, visit http://www.experianplc.com.

Experian and the marks used herein are service marks or registered trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Experian