Archive | Racial Bias

Racial Bias in Valuation of Residential Homes

We previously wrote an article in the New York Law Journal, “Diversity is Needed to End Racial Bias in Home Appraisals,” NYLJ December 27, 2022. We stated, the answer to appraisal bias on racial grounds is to expand opportunities for Black real estate professionals.  In a statement issued on September 20, 2020, the Appraisal Institute, the largest professional association of real estate appraisers reiterated its efforts to expand opportunities for aspiring appraisers to help combat bias in valuation. Less than 2 percent of appraisers identify as Black.  The appraisal industry… read more

Posted in Racial Bias, Valuation
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The Poppleton Area of Baltimore Still Suffering from Eminent Domain Policies

Former residents of the Poppleton neighborhood of Baltimore filed a Complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing against Baltimore City. According to a report published in NPR, the administrative complaint filed against the city, its Mayor Brandon Scott and Baltimore City Council alleges that the city violated the federal Fair Housing Act. That federal law prohibits individuals from being discriminated against when renting or buying a home, seeking a mortgage, housing assistance and other such activities, according to HUD.  Individuals are protected against discrimination of race, color, national origin, religion,… read more

Posted in Eminent Domain, Racial Bias, Urban Renewal
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Time to Correct Racial Bias in Residential Valuation. Here is The Way to Start.

My December 27, 2022 article for the New York Law Journal discusses the widespread racial bias found in residential appraisals.  Racial bias in home valuation operates as an institutionalized theft of value from the Black community.  Most Americans measure their wealth by calculating their net worth.  The largest component of personal wealth is the ownership of one’s home.  If a racial component is not given a fair valuation of their property, they lose the opportunity to increase their personal wealth, or at least have a fair accounting of same. The… read more

Posted in Appraisers, Racial Bias, Valuation
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