The Houston Chronicle reports that a combination of factors are making homeownership opportunities more accessible to low and moderate income households and minorities.
More and more working-class families "are discovering they can buy a piece of the American dream as three factors converge to make homeownership more affordable and accessible than ever: historically low interest rates, billions of dollars set aside by banks for mortgages targeted to minorities and immigrants, and more churches and church-related community development corporations getting involved in providing shelter for body, as well as soul....When mortgage rates drop, even if lenders were to get the same profit margin as before, they can enlarge the opportunity for the traditionally underserved market....Lenders are giving mortgages to clients who are usually surprised they're qualified....The big change: more relaxed underwriting standards using nontraditional methods of tracking credit and assessing risk....Nationwide, statistics are beginning to show inroads to homeownership by minorities."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Homeownership more attainable to more families
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)