The Constructive House

In a landmark case, the U.S. government has accused Ameris Bank of engaging in modern-day redlining , systematically denying mortgage services to Black and Hispanic communities. This lawsuit highlights the persistent racial disparities in home lending and underscores the need for accountability in the financial sector. In our latest video, we take a deep dive into the 22-page legal complaint , dissecting the government’s allegations and what they mean for fair housing and financial justice. What’s in the Lawsuit? The USA v. Ameris Bank case alleges that the bank intentionally avoided offering mortgage loans in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, violating fair housing laws . Here’s a breakdown of the key points: ✅ Allegations of Discriminatory Lending – The lawsuit claims that Ameris Bank deliberately limited its lending presence in communities of color while expanding in majority-white areas. ✅ The Impact of Redlining Today – Decades after redlining was outlawed, minor...

Countrywide Financial was once the largest mortgage lender in the U.S., but behind its success was a pattern of discrimination and predatory lending. In 2011, the Department of Justice (DOJ) reached a $335 million settlement with Countrywide after uncovering that African-American and Hispanic borrowers were systematically charged higher mortgage rates and steered into costly subprime loans. In our latest live stream, we break down how this case exposed widespread mortgage discrimination, led to new legal precedents, and how similar practices still affect minority homebuyers today. How Countrywide Discriminated Against Borrowers Countrywide used a lending model called disparate impact , meaning that even though the company didn’t have an official policy of racial discrimination, its lending practices still disproportionately harmed minority borrowers. Here’s how: ✔️ Higher Mortgage Rates – Black and Hispanic borrowers were charged higher interest rates than white borrowers with simila...

Once a thriving hub of Black excellence, Sugar Hill in Jacksonville, Florida, was home to doctors, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. It stood as a beacon of success, proving that prosperity was possible despite racial barriers. But like many Black communities across the U.S., Sugar Hill was unfairly labeled as "hazardous" on redlining maps, leading to disinvestment and destruction. The Rise of Sugar Hill During the early 20th century, Sugar Hill was one of Jacksonville’s most prestigious Black neighborhoods. Wealthy and middle-class Black families built businesses, churches, and cultural institutions that strengthened the community. It was a place where Black success flourished despite segregation. The Fall: Redlining and Urban Renewal Sugar Hill’s decline wasn’t accidental—it was systematic. The neighborhood was marked as high-risk on the HOLC (Home Owners’ Loan Corporation) redlining maps, making it nearly impossible for residents to secure home loans and business fundi...

Buying a home is a big deal, but getting approved for a mortgage can feel overwhelming. Lenders look at different factors to decide if you qualify for a loan. In our latest video on Rumble, we break down the 1003 Mortgage Application and explain exactly how lenders evaluate borrowers. What Lenders Look At When you apply for a mortgage, lenders check four key areas: Income & Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio – Your income and current debts help lenders decide how much you can afford to borrow. A lower DTI means you have less debt compared to your income, which improves your chances of approval. Property & Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio – The home’s value compared to the loan amount is important. Lenders prefer borrowers who have some equity in the home, whether through a down payment or home appreciation. Assets & Down Payment Options – Did you know you can use different types of assets to help with your down payment? From gifts of equity to seller concessions, there are many ways to...

  Redlining has been a major issue in the housing industry for decades, and even today, it continues to affect communities across the country. One of the most recent cases involves The Mortgage Firm , which has been accused of engaging in discriminatory lending practices. If you want to learn more about this case, I recently did a livestream breaking down the details of the complaint filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ). In this blog, I’ll give you a quick overview of what happened, why it matters, and why you should check out my full stream for a deeper dive. What is Redlining? Redlining is a form of housing discrimination where banks, mortgage lenders, and other financial institutions deny loans or offer worse terms to people in certain neighborhoods—usually communities of color. This practice has been illegal since the Fair Housing Act of 1968, but unfortunately, some lenders still find ways to discriminate against borrowers. The Mortgage Firm’s Alleged Discrimination Accord...