The 2010 Home Buyer Tax Credits expire today. One national survey found that is unlikely to deter Des Moines area residents who are seeking to purchase homes, but some analysts are less sure.

The survey, conducted by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services Inc., found that among consumers shopping for homes 65 percent feel that the end of the tax credits would have little or no effect on their interest in purchasing a home.

Still, 59 percent said that they believe the expiration of the credits will have a negative impact on the housing market, 14 percent believed it would have a strong negative impact and 27 percent believed it would have little to no impact.

“While the tax credits clearly helped stimulate the market, the more pressing concerns of people looking at homes in the Des Moines area are the availability and cost of financing, as well as if they will have a job,” said Jake Stanton, general manager of Prudential First Realty, in a release. “Despite the market downturn, consistent with the national survey data, the majority of our clients are more confident and, importantly, continue to believe that owning a home is a good investment.”

Many news outlets have been reporting a surge in housing transactions in the past few days as buyers race to sign contracts before the deadline. The Associated Press reported, however, that many analysts project sales will drop sharply in the second half of the year. Some also believe prices will plunge.

The survey found that although consumers were uncertain about the direction of the housing market, 46 percent expect real estate prices to increase over the year, and just 12 percent expect prices will decline.

“The federal home buyer tax credits clearly played an important role on a national and local level,” Stanton said. “The survey data shows that overall consumers believe the market has hit bottom and are more optimistic about the future.”

The survey also found that among current renters, 75 percent still believe owning a home is a better long-term choice than renting. About two-thirds of consumers still believe that homeownership is a better investment than stocks or bonds, mutual funds and savings accounts.