How to Temper the Influence of Private Equity in Manufactured Housing
The risk of onerous lot rent increases and the fear of eviction are more threatening than ever as private equity enters the manufactured housing market.
Equitable Tax Reform Begins at Home(ownership)
Talk of tax reform has reached a fever pitch, but most Americans don’t realize just how high the stakes are and what impact the final legislation could have on their own financial security for years to come.
Why Giving Up on Homeownership Is Giving In
These ideas aren’t new, but pulling them together in a collective, coherent way will push back against those who, like their predecessors of 80, 70, 60 and 50 years ago, would deny long-term stability to those for reasons more than just the color of their money.
Homeownership Equity Depends on Racially Equitable Policy
Once again, we hear rumblings that housing finance reform, the wind-down of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the retooling of the mortgage marketplace are coming. A new administration—with allies […]
In the Delta, Homeownership Strategies Need Innovation
Earlier this month, the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) partnered with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis for two convenings to discuss The Role of Housing as an Asset […]
Stopping Declining Homeownership Requires More than Affordability
According to recent research, the availability of starter and “trade-up” homes is in the midst of a four-year decline, which, at least in most markets, shows little evidence of abating. […]
Say What, Washington Post? Declining Homeownership Rates Aren’t a Good Thing
On Aug. 3, The Washington Post published a remarkable opinion piece by Charles Lane, one of the paper’s editorial writers, which fits squarely into the Post’s narrative about the perniciousness […]
To Reduce Recidivism Rates, Turn to Housing Policy
A couple months ago here on Rooflines, I wrote about the value of addressing housing challenges that many former prisoners face upon release. Back then, it seemed that Congress might […]
From Homelessness to Homeownership in Nine Months. It’s Possible
Earlier this month, I had the chance to speak at the 14th annual conference of an organization new to CFED and our Innovations in Manufactured Homes (I’M HOME) program. Called […]
Scoring Homeownership: Looking at the Long Game
Today’s economic climate offers little hope to many struggling families. Family incomes still lag in comparison, for example, to rising housing costs in many markets.
Looking for Solid Returns? Invest in Criminal Justice Reform
In my last life, I worked at a large public housing authority, where one of my tasks was to develop and oversee a fair and transparent appeals process for applicants […]
Affordable Housing Preservation of the Past and How It Can be Relearned
Over a quarter century ago, affordable housing advocates, housing providers, and public officials began to fully recognize a potential affordable housing crisis. In the early 1990s, federal contracts with private […]