Increased Homeownership Opportunities

The Houston Chronicle reports that a combination of factors are making homeownership opportunities more accessible to low and moderate income households and minorities.

1 minute read

September 26, 2003, 5:00 AM PDT

By Connie Chung

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

Sunday, September 21, 2003 in The Chicago Tribune

Housing Texas

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