Fair Lending Resources

Online Brochure From The Federal Reserve Board.

Home Mortgages:
Understanding the Process and Your Right to Fair Lending

"Just Right!" You’ve been looking at houses for months and months, and you have finally found it--the house that’s just right. Now, you’re anxious to buy your new home, move in, and get settled. But you still have an important task ahead of you--getting a mortgage loan.

This brochure explains about dealing with mortgage lenders. It tells you where to look, what to look for, and what takes place when you apply for a mortgage. Knowing what to expect, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer, may make it easier for you to get through the process...

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SIDE BY SIDE - A Guide To Fair Lending.  Published by the FDIC (June 6, 1996).

 INTRO - The Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibit lending discrimination.  Although these laws have been in effect for many years, lending discrimination continues to be a cause for national concern. This guide will help lenders compare the treatment of loan applicants and identify differences that may be discriminatory.   It offers suggestions on how to correct discriminatory practices and improve fair lending performance.  READ MORE

Predatory Lending

Buying your home may be one of the most important financial decisions you'll ever make. Many reputable lenders, appraisers, and real estate professionals are ready to help you get into the home of your dreams; but every year, home buyers are misinformed and are taken advantage of.  Often first-time purchasers, seniors and the modest income citizens become victims of predatory lending or loan fraud.  (From the FHCSWM site).

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The Elliot Larsen Law

Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act - Public Act #453.  Excerpt:

Prohibits employers consisting of one or more employees, both public and private, employment agencies, labor organizations, from discriminating against an employee or an applicant for employment based on the employee/applicant’s race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy and sexual harassment), height, weight, or marital status. It is further unlawful to discriminate against a person in retaliation for opposing a violation of this Act, making a charge, a complaint, testifying or participating in an investigation, proceeding or hearing under this Act. The Act covers not only employment discrimination, but also housing, real estate transactions, educational institutions, public accommodation, law  enforcement, and public services...

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Excerpt:

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority requires that all MSHDA financed developments maintain a current approved affirmative Fair Housing Marketing (AFHM( plan on-site. The Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan (AFHM) is required to ensure that owners of MSHDA-financed housing developments are taking necessary steps to eliminate discriminatory practices involving MSHDA financed housing.

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MSHDA’s FAIR HOUSING POLICY STATEMENT

Equal housing opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, familial status, marital status, or disability, is a fundamental policy of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. MSHDA is committed to  diligence in assuring equal housing opportunity and nondiscrimination to all aspects of its housing financing activities.

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NAR: How to Avoid Predatory Lending

For most families, buying a home is the biggest and smartest purchase they ever make. Unfortunately, not all loans are in their best interest.

When loans hurt instead of help, they can quickly lead to foreclosure and even bankruptcy. It's important to learn the warning signs and common problems associated with predatory lending, and to ask the right questions when shopping for low cost loans.

The term, "predatory lending" covers a wide range of abusive practices. Some may be predatory for one borrower but not for another, because everyone's circumstances are different. Predatory lenders often take advantage of first-time homebuyers and others who may be vulnerable to high-pressure sales tactics, so it pays to know how to protect yourself and who can help.