Here’s what they had to say:
1.
We saved $20k and got an FHA loan with down payment assistance for $372k.
We timed it right and built during 2021, right before interest rates went up.
“I’m a single Black female, and I’ve heard the horror stories from other people’s experiences."
I didnt use a realtor since we were building, and have no real regrets.
We are very, very fortunate.”
THELIVINGWORST
2.
“I’m white, but I have a good one.
I was looking to rent a house for myself, my (Black) boyfriend, and our son.
We found a nice house and went over to the landlord’s house to give them the deposit check.
Everything was great, they were so nice, and I really liked the house.
I contacted my state’s Department of Civil Rights, and they sent out an investigator.
She told the guy it was all true and she didn’t care.
They told her they could either pay me a cash settlement or offer me the house.
Thank God I had already found a better house!
luckyangel30
3.
“Nine years ago, I was moving from the Midwest to the Southeast.
I decided to purchase a home in my new city.
So I knew about a loan program that would allow me to purchase the house.
Age 44, Raleigh, NC
4.
“I bought my home in 2021 during the pandemic, and also on my 27th birthday.
Interest rates were very low, and I wanted to take advantage of that.
I knew what I wanted, an older home in the city not far from where I grew up.
Open floor plan, big backyard, and hardwood floors.
I braced myself, however, my actual home-buying process was pretty seamless.
Because of this, the amount I was approved for was pretty high.
I also received a first-time home-buyer’s down payment assistance grant, so that was super helpful.
The sole financial responsibility was on me, and that was very stressful.
I’m also lucky to have a lot of help from my family.
30, Atlanta, GA
5.
When I called, I was first told it was available.
When I arrived to see the unit, the leasing agent gave me a walkthrough.
While viewing the unit, the owner stops by.
The look on the owners face said it all.
She never said a word to me.
The owner left, and about 10 minutes later, the agents phone rang.
After the call, the agent tells me shes sorry but the unit is no longer available.”
48, Merritt Island, FL
6.
“My husband and I are both Black Americans.
We drained our 401(k) to put a down payment of 3.5 percent on our first home.
Plus our combined incomes, and individual incomes were too high to qualify for any first-time home-buyers programs.
Neither of us received any financial support, unlike our counterparts.”
35, Brockton, MA
7.
“My ex-MIL rented an upper-level duplex in Milwaukee in a not so great neighborhood.
The building was a cute duplex with a spacious kitchen and living room, plus a built-in oak cabinet.
Her asthma was worsened by both the draft and mold.”
“The landlord was aware of several problems and kept stringing her along.
He couldnt produce either, stating he didnt have either with the sale.
Not wanting a confrontation, she ended up moving out and finding a better place.
Further investigation revealed he was a selfish slumlord with complaints from other tenants.
51, Wisconsin
8.
“Black realtor here, and I work tirelessly to help Black people buy homes.
It starts with education and bringing awareness to the enormous amounts of first-time home-buyer programs that are available.
Delicious-Link-3988
9.
“I tried to purchase a home in the earlier part of 2024.
I was denied financing after having my close date continually pushed back four times.
I can afford it to rent, but not own, apparently.”
silkytoaster24
10.
“Not me, but this happened to my neighbors.
Before they moved to our neighborhood, they were looking in another area just north of town.
They went to a showing for a house and got there before the landlord did.”
A neighbor saw and CALLED THE COPS on them.
Cops told them they received three different 911 calls from all different neighbors.
The landlord confirmed with them they’d be the only Black family in several miles, likely.
Needless to say, they didn’t rent that house out.”
For context, I’m a stay-at-home mom, and my husband is an attorney.
We bought a bigger house closer to Charlotte for $474k in 2022.
We had to go with a new build further from the city because the market was so aggressive.
People and companies were offering 100k+ over asking price and buying without even seeing the properties.”
35, Troutman, NC.
Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Are you a Black American with a story of your own about the housing or renting market?
Let me know about your experience in the comment section below!
