MIAMI — More than two-thirds of Americans who have been unable to sell their home and buy one that better fits their needs have cut back on household expenses such as food, entertainment and clothing to pay their mortgage, a survey released today shows.

Homeowners who have fallen on financial hard times have made other sacrifices and lifestyle changes: About one-third have downsized to a smaller home or delayed expanding their family as planned.

And, one-quarter of homeowners who want to sell their current home and buy another say they need to make the move to lower their monthly expenses because of financial problems.

The survey, conducted for Move, found wide-ranging concerns about the financial condition of homeowners in a challenging economy, but also unearthed evidence of increased demand among investors in residential real estate.

A stronger housing market will be an important part of the nation's economic recovery. As home sales and prices rise, consumer optimism usually follows suit.