For millions of Americans, owning one’s own home is a fundamental part of the American Dream. It’s a goal shared equally among all people, regardless of race or ethnic origin. But while the goal is equally shared, the path to reaching that goal, and even experiences once homeownership is achieved, can be radically different among races.
In a report released this morning, Zillow researched trends on minority access to housing, outlining the different experiences between races when seeking a mortgage, buying a home and during homeownership. The differences start at the beginning of the process, with minorities very underrepresented among successful mortgage applicants.
And they extend all the way to homeownership. Once the dream is achieved, Zillow research found that neighborhoods that are predominantly black or Hispanic continue to struggle more than neighborhoods with heavy white or Asian populations.
With Martin Luther King Day just around the corner there isn’t a more appropriate time to address these issues. Zillow is honored to have the opportunity to host Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan on Jan. 22nd for a town hall meeting via live stream from our headquarters in Seattle.
The event, entitled Building Equality in Housing, will connect prospective home buyers and others directly with Secretary Donovan and bring us more information about what HUD and the Obama administration are doing to address these issues.
Event details
Who: Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan. Event moderated by Zillow Chief Economist, Dr. Stan Humphries.
What: Donovan will discuss the current state of minority access to housing. He will take questions directly from mortgage applicants, home buyers and homeowners.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET)
Where: Zillow.com/education/HUD
How to submit questions
Secretary Donovan will answer questions from mortgage applicants, home buyers and homeowners via social media and a live audience so you have a chance to help shape the discussion.
If you are interested in participating in the event please submit questions by tweeting to @Zillow using the hashtag #BuildingEquality.
Submit your questions today, and don’t forget to tune in Wednesday, Jan. 22 for the live event.