Mr. Lamson said today's potential homeowners want roomy central areas.

As potential homeowners have watched rates advance, many have hurried to apply for a mortgage before more increases are set in motion.

But some mortgage experts suspect that shrinking interest rates are benefiting less-affluent potential homeowners just as much.

I have a suspicion that this credit crunch has had a salutory effect on a lot of potential homeowners and those thinking of trading up.

The flower displays, she said, not only attract potential homeowners to the area, but also serve to revitalize downtowns.

The tax increase was just as unpopular with potential homeowners.

Often the potential homeowner is a notable overachiever with a strong sense of entitlement.

And that raises the financing cost to local businesses, consumers and potential homeowners.

In some locations, attendance at money management courses is mandatory for potential homeowners.

The neighbors have given the group a growing list of houses they want the church to buy, and some have signed up as potential homeowners.