The Preference for Housing Option Bundling

Bundling of products or features is a familiar phenomenon and has been studied and modeled in industrial organization models, consumer theory and marketing. Using a survey of housing preferences for American households, this study examines consumer preferences for "all-inclusive" bundles of amenities and features in housing versus the "option selection mode" of choice. This study also examines differences among population groups in the distribution of choice preference modes and preferences for some specific housing options, and analyzes the impact of factors such as housing tenure, wealth, race and education preferences. The findings indicate that there are significant differences in the preferences for the two modes by racial group, level of schooling, level of income and several other variables.