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Black Woman Makes Her House’s Value Go Up $100K By Removing African Artwork, Family Photos, And Inviting A White Friend During The Appraisal

Black Woman Makes Her House’s Value Go Up $100K By Removing African Artwork, Family Photos, And Inviting A White Friend During The Appraisal

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Carlette Duffy, a black woman from Indianapolis, was able to get her house appraised for over $100,000 more by hiding her identity. Duffy had a white man sitting in her home during the appraisal so that the company would think it was actually him who owned the house.

“I get choked up even thinking about it now because I was so excited and so happy, and then I was so angry that I had to go through all of that just to be treated fairly,” she told Fox 50 News.

Homeowner Carlette Duffy wanted to refinance her home in a historically black neighborhood just outside downtown Indianapolis

Image credits: CBS4 Indy

Duffy wanted to take advantage of the housing boom last year to refinance her home and buy her grandparents’ house nearby. But when she got her house appraised—twice—she couldn’t believe it was evaluated for pretty much the same amount of money as when she bought it in 2017.

She purchased the house for $100,000, and even though it was completely renovated after a fire, her valuations came back at $125,000 and $110,000, leaving her with very little equity.

“When I challenged it, it came back that the appraiser said they’re not changing it,” she said.

She was hoping to use the equity to purchase her grandparents’ home nearby

Image credits: CBS4 Indy

She purchased her house in 2017 for $100,000, and even though it was completely renovated after a fire, her first and second home valuations came back at $125,000 and $110,000

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When Duffy heard Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) Executive Director Amy Nelson talk to a community group about racism in home appraisals, she read up on the issue and decided to find out if racism was the main reason for her low appraisals too.

So Duffy removed all evidence that she’s black from her home. She put away family photos and didn’t specify her race on the new appraisal forms. She even got a friend who’s a white man to sit in her house during the next appointment.

“I took down every photo of my family from my house,” Duffy said. “I took every piece of ethnic artwork out.”

This appraisal came back double the first two. The value of her house increased by over $100,000.

Duffy also noticed that the comps—or comparable homes—that the appraisal companies used to determine the value of her house changed with the third appraisal. The first two used houses in historically Black neighborhoods that were over a mile away. The third used houses nearby that were similar to hers.

The woman used the third appraisal to get a loan and bought her grandparents’ house. But she’s not stopping yet.

Duffy has filed complaints with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with help from the FHCCI, alleging discrimination.

“I’m doing this for my daughter and I’m doing this for my granddaughter, so that when they come against obstacles they will know that you can stand up, you can say that this is not right,” Duffy said.

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So she decided to take a different approach and try again for the third time

Image credits: AttorneyCrump

There are many people who have found themselves in similar situations. Like The New York Times pointed out, race and housing policy have long been intertwined in the United States. Black Americans consistently struggle more than their white counterparts to be approved for home loans, and the specter of redlining—a practice that denied mortgages to people of color in certain neighborhoods—continues to drive down home values in black neighborhoods.

Even in mixed-race and predominantly white neighborhoods, black homeowners say, their homes are consistently appraised for less than those of their neighbors, stymying their path toward building equity and further perpetuating income equality in the United States.

Home appraisers are bound by the Fair Housing Act of 1968 to not discriminate against people based on their race, religion, national origin, or gender. Appraisers can lose their license or even face prison time if they do.

Sadly, it worked

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bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The US is so effing fvcked up that states are now passing voting laws that make it nearly impossible for minorities to vote in the next elections. But there's no systemic racism. Black house owners get scammed for huge amounts. But there's no systemic racism. During the trail of a racist cop who murdered a black man in cold blood, there were over 100 incidents of cops shooting and killing black people. But there's no systemic racism. I just wonder what has to happen before the US acknowledges that they have a problem and how long it will take before they start doing something about it.

lesburleson avatar
Leslie Burleson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the only people denying systemic racism is the racists running our country . Everyone sees it . I didn't realize how bad it was until it was pointed out . I grew up really sheltered in a small town. We never had issues with race . We all knew eachother throughout childhood and were friends . It made me think racism was getting better . Yeah, it isn't . Hopefully it will be now . Keep teaching people , and people keep learning

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bearlyenough1 avatar
Lynne Bear Hugs
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm absolutely gobsmacked! I'm an Australian and I'm absolutely disgusted. I know there are so many wonderful places and people in America but geez so much stuff we see on TV from over there, really makes you think twice about visiting. At least we aren't bombarded with daily Trump crap anymore. The silence is wonderful! Oooh that will get me in trouble with some people. Ouch!

max_castillo_1422 avatar
mac
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American I'm glad the constant stream of Trump crap is over too!

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leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, but YES THIS HAPPENS. When an appraiser comes by, their inherent biases do, too. So seeing a white guy and a "white guy" house, some appraiser compared it to NOT THE HOUSES ON THE BLOCK but the nearest houses owned by a white. This also prices lower-income people out of neighborhoods and "whitewashes" them (or gentrifies, but I prefer whitewash as a term). A historically POC neighborhood is often appraised for less for sevreal reasons, and racism is definitely one of 'em. Subconscious or conscious, tho' in this case, it was pretty striking, if true.

davejones_2 avatar
Dave Jones
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Predominantly black neighborhoods do not carry the same value but that is due to the crime.

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kennedy1209 avatar
kennedy1209
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Racism is prevalent in this country - That isn't really debatable. But this one I don't see as cut and dry racism. Has anyone looked on Zillow to see the values in the neighborhood? (in the last year homes sold for 46k and 180k). My white neighbors removed all art work and personal pictures from their house and their house valued for 20% more than the white neighbor down the street who didn't. That is a good realtors advice regardless of race.

bobbygoodson avatar
Bobby
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The comps used should come from the same neighborhood, not a neighborhood some distance away, just because the family happened to be black.

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yvette_m_desmarais avatar
Yvette Desmarais
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell me again how black people don't face institutional racism and history does not affect their current opportunities. Very angry white lady.

truthmonster00 avatar
Truth Monster
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, first off discrimination is not ok. Second, I would like to know the time between the first two appraisals and the third. I would also like to know if perhaps her first complaint identified a problem and they were trying to correct it quietly. This you could probably see in traditionally black homes from the time of the first complaint rising. If this is the case, her "whitewashing" her house did nothing, as the problem was being fixed already. There's too many unknown variables to know for sure.

kennedy1209 avatar
kennedy1209
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First appraisal was March/April - 125k. Second June - 110k. And third was November - 259k. Zillow has house valued at 108k and Redfin @ 99k. At least that’s what I’ve been able to find so far.

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sweetangelce04 avatar
CatWoman312
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is absolutely infuriating! A persons skin tone has nothing to do with the quality of a house! The fact s**t like this still happens in 2021 disgusts me. We need to do better, we have to!

hermionem avatar
Hermione
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A person’s skin colour has nothing to do with the quality of a house. True. But if you’re looking to buy a house you don’t want to see clutter and personal photos and “stuff”. That’s why sellers pay for house stagers- to declutter and give the house a fresh look. Race is irrelevant here.

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azhaan3005 avatar
Mohammad Azhaan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is something wrong with you Americans, but you people are too busy solving foreign problems that don't exist to address them.

jakeleehutch avatar
King Joffrey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm completely flabbergasted as to why it matters to people what race the previous owner is.

confred78 avatar
Marlowe Fitzpatrik
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This. I mean, if I want to buy a house, I look at the cleanliness, check for things to repair, maybe take a look at the decor if it's still there and the layout of the rooms. Garden, window-placement, heating ... stuff like that. I don't give a cr ap about who lived there before me. If it fits my budget and my ideas, it could have been a bear-cage before. Weird hang-ups. And I'm not sure the "white people won't buy black-owned houses" isn't just an excuse of the appraisals to cheat the owners out of money.

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bobbygoodson avatar
Bobby
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm just curious how many appraisers are doing this because that's how they were trained and never think of it past that. Hell, not just appraisers but any job. Doesn't make it any better, but how many are unknowingly perpetuating this situation? Am I doing something at work that perpetuates systemic racism without being aware?

moconnell avatar
M O'Connell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least in my state, appraisers get paid a flat-fee for an appraisal, that price is set by the state. In the case of my own home, the guy didn't give a crap at all and didn't pay attention to anything. He said I had a dishwasher (which did not exist) and that the house had central air (which it did not). The realtor said to just ignore that as long as the price came in appropriately.

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amunetbarrywood avatar
Kristal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just so stupid! Ridiculous! Arghh! If I had money to buy a house, I would buy regardless of the color or culture of the sellers. Heck, I would probably be interested to know more about the culture if I saw the artwork. Idiots. I truly hope this can change. I will be sure to tell my realtor, whenever I get one, that they should inform the owners that they do not have to hide themselves to sell me their home. I hope that will help.

planchik avatar
Planchik
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nobody here, including the woman, knows anything about real estate. in the last year homes literally doubled in values in major markets. so yeah, it went up a 100k because of the market and not because of some pseudo-racist victimization thing she's yapping about just to feel oppressed

selaine4tn avatar
Sharon Ingram
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We’ve bought and sold three houses. Every time we were told to remove all personal pictures, art and styles from our home. It was to be completely neutral. Why? So the buyer could imagine their stuff there.

s_vitkovitsky avatar
s. vitkovitsky
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another. US- bashing article by BP, which is an all white, all Lithuanian company run out of Lithuania, which is comprised mainly of white Lithuanians with a teensie number of mostly white minorites. Preach!

s_vitkovitsky avatar
s. vitkovitsky
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Much of this sucks, but regarding the removal of art, most homes for sale are staged by swapping out personal art, furniture, etc., with bland, neutral furnishings, on the presumption it allows potential buyers to imagine their own stuff in there more easily. Every home seller is requested to 'neutralize' their home, whether it's getting rid of African art, or doilies, or sports memorabilia.

davejones_2 avatar
Dave Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You white arrogant fools. African Americans do not need your pity. It does not help. Actually, you're all pretty ignorant yourselves and are in no place to judge them as being pathetic. Is this what you Europeans do? Go around feeling superior and looking down on non-whites? The Democrats in America did the same thing during the civil war. They did not hate the Blacks. The Dems pitied them and thought it was better if they were kept on the plantations as slaves for their own good., Read Robert E. Lee's letters if you don't believe me. The difference now is Dems want government to keep the Blacks on the plantation through programs and government housing. You find me a racist for respecting Blacks as equals to whites and don't need race-based programs? I find you racist for thinking that your white skin puts you in a superior position of being master over Blacks and yes, your programs that you dangle in front of them make you master with power.

davejones_2 avatar
Dave Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guys, this is bogus. Appraisers don't work this way. They take into account so much but decorations is NOT one of them. BTW, the bank would want a high appraisal so they could loan her more money. Banks are in the business to make money. She wants an equity loan so they get screwed. The question from you folks is why she is borrowing against her house after it is purchased. That is a sure way to get in over your head. If you want to know, African Americans have a higher default rate at every income ;level compared with Asian Americans and whites. Their credit scores are worse. And for you that think our police pick on African Americans, have you ever looked at criminality? African American commit a dis[proportionate amount of crime, thus the police are dealing with them at a disproportionate amount of time. It is not a color thing. White men are also imprisoned and killed at a higher rate that African American women.

risajackson avatar
Risa Jackson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a shame. I personally find African artwork to be incredibly colorful and beautiful.... Textiles are also incredibly beautiful. Also, I thought appraisals were supposed to be based on structural integrity, neighborhood valuation, etc. My old neighborhood was racially and ethnically diverse and Trulia would show appraisal values appropriately.

laurencaswell4 avatar
Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The response that said this is systemic racism 101 summed it up the best imo 👏

kim_lorton avatar
Kim Lorton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All those appraisers and her first mortgage company to try and refinance her home? Need to lose their licenses and go to prison! This is so racist, I should be shut down, immediate laws with heavy consequences , put on the books and those laws enforced!

rhon avatar
Rhon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sickens me no end! It so very wrong. The thing that stuck in my mind though was the comment of not putting her race in the appraisal form. EXCUSE ME! Why on earth should anyone have to put their race on any form unless it's because they'll get an interpreter if needed?? I know there's racism everywhere but America seems to take it to a ridiculous height.

margarethsu avatar
Margareth Su
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the only reason a house value drops for me is when they use tacky colors on the wall that doesn't match the sofa lol

changedmoon avatar
Hugo A-niro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a clown on here claiming the drugs killed George Floyd . clown you are a rascist . You are part of the idiots who want to take America backward . you are part of the group's that are anti America a d ignores or constitution. You ignore the ideals America was built on .

planchik avatar
Planchik
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

fentanyl floyd overdosed. 3 times kill dose of fentanyl in his body. go play victim elsewhere

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changedmoon avatar
Hugo A-niro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sickening how RASCISM exists all over the world . it really bitbers me that only the USA is singled out because. It is everywhere in some form even among minorities. We all should fight it but at the same time realize this is much bigger that the USA .

wendylam78 avatar
Wendy Lam
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Canada, we Chinese gets the upper hand, especially if you spoke Mandarin, in Vancouver usually it was people who do money laundering. Btw, if it was a black neighborhood like Hogan’s alley it was gone before you know it in the 60’s to make way for the viaducts. Very sad history of Vancouver

llama_flower93 avatar
Llama_flower93
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was during OJ Simpsons trial that he removed all "black" photos in his home and put up photos of his white friends so when the jury(I think it was the jury) visited his home they had a better opinion of him. It's so dumb that's something black people have to deal with. Basically pretend you don't live there so you can get a fair offer.

wj_vaughan avatar
Anyone-for-tea?
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cannot believe what I have just read. As far as I know, this would never happen in the UK. I am so sorry to hear about other people’s experiences with this too, and I appreciate the education, I will definitely use this example when I next hear someone saying ALL lives matter.

tomruns12 avatar
tomruns12
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every time I purchased a house the appraisal came back at exactly my offer except for one which came back at 6k over my offer which was what the seller was originally asking.

blue1steven avatar
Donkey boi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does this happen in any other countries? Just wondering if I need to take down all the Artwork I've picked up on my travels? It'd be a shame, they really are beautiful and probably the only thing of value in my home.

junkmailspam avatar
An Co
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was shocked by this. Amazing evil on display. One good thing about living in a condo or coop is that the appraiser basically HAS to do a comparison based on other spaces in the building. They can't pull that crap and compare your home to a slum a mile away. It's basically the price per square foot for your floor with minor adjustments for things like updated/old kitchen and bathroom.

erich avatar
codeMonkey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What was the race of the appraisers? Nowhere does it say the appraiser, or any of the appraisers, were white. How do you know it was a racist motivation and not just a crappy appraiser? Like someone said earlier, appraisals are all subjective.

hermionem avatar
Hermione
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m not convinced it’s racism. Your house presents better if you remove personal photos and items regardless of race. Real estate agents recommend white people do the same.

ariawhitaker avatar
Aria Whitaker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But white people's homes do not freaking DOUBLE in value from taking down pics, and you know it.

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jflatt244 avatar
Watching
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only people that claim systematic racism doesn't exist are Republicans. And they are incidentally also the biggest socialists of our country. Not minorities.

tobinkern avatar
Tobin Kern
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can I be the first to say that house would barely appraise for $100k. From the outside picture, its a dump.

norartnorart avatar
Norart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only she could have gotten an endorsement from Nancy pelosi...

brettconnor avatar
Brett Connor
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Excellent. It's called remodeling! Anyone with half a brain cell does this. And if she's MOVING you take your s**t off the wall anyway! This is just another BS commie Mind F.

jakeleehutch avatar
King Joffrey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know very well it wasn't about remodelling but rather who lived in the house.

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jeffrequier_1 avatar
Requiem
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Theres no... Black Real estate agents? The appraisal is done by a Relator. The housing market is s**t everywhere, my house should be worth 600k but its only worth an acceptable amount of money and not over inflated.

mintyminameow avatar
Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Appraisals aren’t done by realtors. They’re done by appraisers. The housing market has been on an upswing for most of the pandemic, it’s absolutely a buying frenzy the likes of which haven’t been seen in decades. If your house is worth an acceptable amount of money and not over inflated and that number isn’t $600,000 then it isn’t worth $600,000. People like you (and this woman probably) own homes and think it means you have a clue about real estate but you really have less than zero knowledge. Incorrect assumptions are worse than just plain ignorance.

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demi_zwaan avatar
Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago

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Yup, US has a problem. Thanks for reminding us again...

edenblack avatar
GaeFrog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish people would stop bashing the US yes it has problems we know

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jessie0021 avatar
Holes2Heaven
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I don't believe this for one minute. PLEASE stop posting racist crap to incite a divide between people in our country!!!

skyrender avatar
Sky Render
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Denying reality doesn't change reality, it just makes you feel better about being wrong...

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bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The US is so effing fvcked up that states are now passing voting laws that make it nearly impossible for minorities to vote in the next elections. But there's no systemic racism. Black house owners get scammed for huge amounts. But there's no systemic racism. During the trail of a racist cop who murdered a black man in cold blood, there were over 100 incidents of cops shooting and killing black people. But there's no systemic racism. I just wonder what has to happen before the US acknowledges that they have a problem and how long it will take before they start doing something about it.

lesburleson avatar
Leslie Burleson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the only people denying systemic racism is the racists running our country . Everyone sees it . I didn't realize how bad it was until it was pointed out . I grew up really sheltered in a small town. We never had issues with race . We all knew eachother throughout childhood and were friends . It made me think racism was getting better . Yeah, it isn't . Hopefully it will be now . Keep teaching people , and people keep learning

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bearlyenough1 avatar
Lynne Bear Hugs
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm absolutely gobsmacked! I'm an Australian and I'm absolutely disgusted. I know there are so many wonderful places and people in America but geez so much stuff we see on TV from over there, really makes you think twice about visiting. At least we aren't bombarded with daily Trump crap anymore. The silence is wonderful! Oooh that will get me in trouble with some people. Ouch!

max_castillo_1422 avatar
mac
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American I'm glad the constant stream of Trump crap is over too!

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leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, but YES THIS HAPPENS. When an appraiser comes by, their inherent biases do, too. So seeing a white guy and a "white guy" house, some appraiser compared it to NOT THE HOUSES ON THE BLOCK but the nearest houses owned by a white. This also prices lower-income people out of neighborhoods and "whitewashes" them (or gentrifies, but I prefer whitewash as a term). A historically POC neighborhood is often appraised for less for sevreal reasons, and racism is definitely one of 'em. Subconscious or conscious, tho' in this case, it was pretty striking, if true.

davejones_2 avatar
Dave Jones
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Predominantly black neighborhoods do not carry the same value but that is due to the crime.

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kennedy1209 avatar
kennedy1209
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Racism is prevalent in this country - That isn't really debatable. But this one I don't see as cut and dry racism. Has anyone looked on Zillow to see the values in the neighborhood? (in the last year homes sold for 46k and 180k). My white neighbors removed all art work and personal pictures from their house and their house valued for 20% more than the white neighbor down the street who didn't. That is a good realtors advice regardless of race.

bobbygoodson avatar
Bobby
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The comps used should come from the same neighborhood, not a neighborhood some distance away, just because the family happened to be black.

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yvette_m_desmarais avatar
Yvette Desmarais
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell me again how black people don't face institutional racism and history does not affect their current opportunities. Very angry white lady.

truthmonster00 avatar
Truth Monster
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, first off discrimination is not ok. Second, I would like to know the time between the first two appraisals and the third. I would also like to know if perhaps her first complaint identified a problem and they were trying to correct it quietly. This you could probably see in traditionally black homes from the time of the first complaint rising. If this is the case, her "whitewashing" her house did nothing, as the problem was being fixed already. There's too many unknown variables to know for sure.

kennedy1209 avatar
kennedy1209
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First appraisal was March/April - 125k. Second June - 110k. And third was November - 259k. Zillow has house valued at 108k and Redfin @ 99k. At least that’s what I’ve been able to find so far.

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sweetangelce04 avatar
CatWoman312
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is absolutely infuriating! A persons skin tone has nothing to do with the quality of a house! The fact s**t like this still happens in 2021 disgusts me. We need to do better, we have to!

hermionem avatar
Hermione
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A person’s skin colour has nothing to do with the quality of a house. True. But if you’re looking to buy a house you don’t want to see clutter and personal photos and “stuff”. That’s why sellers pay for house stagers- to declutter and give the house a fresh look. Race is irrelevant here.

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azhaan3005 avatar
Mohammad Azhaan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is something wrong with you Americans, but you people are too busy solving foreign problems that don't exist to address them.

jakeleehutch avatar
King Joffrey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm completely flabbergasted as to why it matters to people what race the previous owner is.

confred78 avatar
Marlowe Fitzpatrik
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This. I mean, if I want to buy a house, I look at the cleanliness, check for things to repair, maybe take a look at the decor if it's still there and the layout of the rooms. Garden, window-placement, heating ... stuff like that. I don't give a cr ap about who lived there before me. If it fits my budget and my ideas, it could have been a bear-cage before. Weird hang-ups. And I'm not sure the "white people won't buy black-owned houses" isn't just an excuse of the appraisals to cheat the owners out of money.

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bobbygoodson avatar
Bobby
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm just curious how many appraisers are doing this because that's how they were trained and never think of it past that. Hell, not just appraisers but any job. Doesn't make it any better, but how many are unknowingly perpetuating this situation? Am I doing something at work that perpetuates systemic racism without being aware?

moconnell avatar
M O'Connell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least in my state, appraisers get paid a flat-fee for an appraisal, that price is set by the state. In the case of my own home, the guy didn't give a crap at all and didn't pay attention to anything. He said I had a dishwasher (which did not exist) and that the house had central air (which it did not). The realtor said to just ignore that as long as the price came in appropriately.

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Kristal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just so stupid! Ridiculous! Arghh! If I had money to buy a house, I would buy regardless of the color or culture of the sellers. Heck, I would probably be interested to know more about the culture if I saw the artwork. Idiots. I truly hope this can change. I will be sure to tell my realtor, whenever I get one, that they should inform the owners that they do not have to hide themselves to sell me their home. I hope that will help.

planchik avatar
Planchik
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nobody here, including the woman, knows anything about real estate. in the last year homes literally doubled in values in major markets. so yeah, it went up a 100k because of the market and not because of some pseudo-racist victimization thing she's yapping about just to feel oppressed

selaine4tn avatar
Sharon Ingram
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We’ve bought and sold three houses. Every time we were told to remove all personal pictures, art and styles from our home. It was to be completely neutral. Why? So the buyer could imagine their stuff there.

s_vitkovitsky avatar
s. vitkovitsky
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another. US- bashing article by BP, which is an all white, all Lithuanian company run out of Lithuania, which is comprised mainly of white Lithuanians with a teensie number of mostly white minorites. Preach!

s_vitkovitsky avatar
s. vitkovitsky
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Much of this sucks, but regarding the removal of art, most homes for sale are staged by swapping out personal art, furniture, etc., with bland, neutral furnishings, on the presumption it allows potential buyers to imagine their own stuff in there more easily. Every home seller is requested to 'neutralize' their home, whether it's getting rid of African art, or doilies, or sports memorabilia.

davejones_2 avatar
Dave Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You white arrogant fools. African Americans do not need your pity. It does not help. Actually, you're all pretty ignorant yourselves and are in no place to judge them as being pathetic. Is this what you Europeans do? Go around feeling superior and looking down on non-whites? The Democrats in America did the same thing during the civil war. They did not hate the Blacks. The Dems pitied them and thought it was better if they were kept on the plantations as slaves for their own good., Read Robert E. Lee's letters if you don't believe me. The difference now is Dems want government to keep the Blacks on the plantation through programs and government housing. You find me a racist for respecting Blacks as equals to whites and don't need race-based programs? I find you racist for thinking that your white skin puts you in a superior position of being master over Blacks and yes, your programs that you dangle in front of them make you master with power.

davejones_2 avatar
Dave Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guys, this is bogus. Appraisers don't work this way. They take into account so much but decorations is NOT one of them. BTW, the bank would want a high appraisal so they could loan her more money. Banks are in the business to make money. She wants an equity loan so they get screwed. The question from you folks is why she is borrowing against her house after it is purchased. That is a sure way to get in over your head. If you want to know, African Americans have a higher default rate at every income ;level compared with Asian Americans and whites. Their credit scores are worse. And for you that think our police pick on African Americans, have you ever looked at criminality? African American commit a dis[proportionate amount of crime, thus the police are dealing with them at a disproportionate amount of time. It is not a color thing. White men are also imprisoned and killed at a higher rate that African American women.

risajackson avatar
Risa Jackson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a shame. I personally find African artwork to be incredibly colorful and beautiful.... Textiles are also incredibly beautiful. Also, I thought appraisals were supposed to be based on structural integrity, neighborhood valuation, etc. My old neighborhood was racially and ethnically diverse and Trulia would show appraisal values appropriately.

laurencaswell4 avatar
Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The response that said this is systemic racism 101 summed it up the best imo 👏

kim_lorton avatar
Kim Lorton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All those appraisers and her first mortgage company to try and refinance her home? Need to lose their licenses and go to prison! This is so racist, I should be shut down, immediate laws with heavy consequences , put on the books and those laws enforced!

rhon avatar
Rhon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sickens me no end! It so very wrong. The thing that stuck in my mind though was the comment of not putting her race in the appraisal form. EXCUSE ME! Why on earth should anyone have to put their race on any form unless it's because they'll get an interpreter if needed?? I know there's racism everywhere but America seems to take it to a ridiculous height.

margarethsu avatar
Margareth Su
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the only reason a house value drops for me is when they use tacky colors on the wall that doesn't match the sofa lol

changedmoon avatar
Hugo A-niro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a clown on here claiming the drugs killed George Floyd . clown you are a rascist . You are part of the idiots who want to take America backward . you are part of the group's that are anti America a d ignores or constitution. You ignore the ideals America was built on .

planchik avatar
Planchik
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

fentanyl floyd overdosed. 3 times kill dose of fentanyl in his body. go play victim elsewhere

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changedmoon avatar
Hugo A-niro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sickening how RASCISM exists all over the world . it really bitbers me that only the USA is singled out because. It is everywhere in some form even among minorities. We all should fight it but at the same time realize this is much bigger that the USA .

wendylam78 avatar
Wendy Lam
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Canada, we Chinese gets the upper hand, especially if you spoke Mandarin, in Vancouver usually it was people who do money laundering. Btw, if it was a black neighborhood like Hogan’s alley it was gone before you know it in the 60’s to make way for the viaducts. Very sad history of Vancouver

llama_flower93 avatar
Llama_flower93
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was during OJ Simpsons trial that he removed all "black" photos in his home and put up photos of his white friends so when the jury(I think it was the jury) visited his home they had a better opinion of him. It's so dumb that's something black people have to deal with. Basically pretend you don't live there so you can get a fair offer.

wj_vaughan avatar
Anyone-for-tea?
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cannot believe what I have just read. As far as I know, this would never happen in the UK. I am so sorry to hear about other people’s experiences with this too, and I appreciate the education, I will definitely use this example when I next hear someone saying ALL lives matter.

tomruns12 avatar
tomruns12
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every time I purchased a house the appraisal came back at exactly my offer except for one which came back at 6k over my offer which was what the seller was originally asking.

blue1steven avatar
Donkey boi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does this happen in any other countries? Just wondering if I need to take down all the Artwork I've picked up on my travels? It'd be a shame, they really are beautiful and probably the only thing of value in my home.

junkmailspam avatar
An Co
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was shocked by this. Amazing evil on display. One good thing about living in a condo or coop is that the appraiser basically HAS to do a comparison based on other spaces in the building. They can't pull that crap and compare your home to a slum a mile away. It's basically the price per square foot for your floor with minor adjustments for things like updated/old kitchen and bathroom.

erich avatar
codeMonkey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What was the race of the appraisers? Nowhere does it say the appraiser, or any of the appraisers, were white. How do you know it was a racist motivation and not just a crappy appraiser? Like someone said earlier, appraisals are all subjective.

hermionem avatar
Hermione
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m not convinced it’s racism. Your house presents better if you remove personal photos and items regardless of race. Real estate agents recommend white people do the same.

ariawhitaker avatar
Aria Whitaker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But white people's homes do not freaking DOUBLE in value from taking down pics, and you know it.

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jflatt244 avatar
Watching
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only people that claim systematic racism doesn't exist are Republicans. And they are incidentally also the biggest socialists of our country. Not minorities.

tobinkern avatar
Tobin Kern
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can I be the first to say that house would barely appraise for $100k. From the outside picture, its a dump.

norartnorart avatar
Norart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If only she could have gotten an endorsement from Nancy pelosi...

brettconnor avatar
Brett Connor
Community Member
2 years ago

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Excellent. It's called remodeling! Anyone with half a brain cell does this. And if she's MOVING you take your s**t off the wall anyway! This is just another BS commie Mind F.

jakeleehutch avatar
King Joffrey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know very well it wasn't about remodelling but rather who lived in the house.

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jeffrequier_1 avatar
Requiem
Community Member
2 years ago

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Theres no... Black Real estate agents? The appraisal is done by a Relator. The housing market is s**t everywhere, my house should be worth 600k but its only worth an acceptable amount of money and not over inflated.

mintyminameow avatar
Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Appraisals aren’t done by realtors. They’re done by appraisers. The housing market has been on an upswing for most of the pandemic, it’s absolutely a buying frenzy the likes of which haven’t been seen in decades. If your house is worth an acceptable amount of money and not over inflated and that number isn’t $600,000 then it isn’t worth $600,000. People like you (and this woman probably) own homes and think it means you have a clue about real estate but you really have less than zero knowledge. Incorrect assumptions are worse than just plain ignorance.

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago

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Yup, US has a problem. Thanks for reminding us again...

edenblack avatar
GaeFrog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish people would stop bashing the US yes it has problems we know

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Holes2Heaven
Community Member
2 years ago

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I don't believe this for one minute. PLEASE stop posting racist crap to incite a divide between people in our country!!!

skyrender avatar
Sky Render
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Denying reality doesn't change reality, it just makes you feel better about being wrong...

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