Why Achieving the Dream of Homeownership Can Be More Difficult for Some Americans

Today we take time to honor and recognize the past and present experiences of Black Americans. When it comes to real estate specifically, equitable access to housing has come a long way, but the path to homeownership is still steeper for households of color. #### **The Gap in Homeownership Rate in America** It’s a more challenging journey to achieve [homeownership](https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/06/02/how-homeownership-impacts-you/?a=550432-7d0dd2250a392515b4ab3273bfa644ce) for some buyers, as shown by the measurable gap between the overall average U.S. homeownership rate and that of non-white groups. Today, _Census_ data shows the lowest [homeownership rate](https://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/files/currenthvspress.pdf) persists in the Black community (_see graph below_): [](https://i0.wp.com/cherylbowerrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20220620-MEM-Eng-1.png?ssl=1) This graph clearly indicates there’s a gap that still exists in the percentage of people in each community who are able to achieve [homeownership](https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/05/18/how-homeownership-can-bring-you-joy/?a=550432-7d0dd2250a392515b4ab3273bfa644ce). #### **How Homeownership Impacts Household Wealth** One of the challenges that could make buying a home harder for these groups is how difficult it can be to accumulate wealth. Even today, there are obstacles certain racial and ethnic groups, especially the Black community, still face. A [recent article](https://time.com/nextadvisor/mortgages/what-is-black-homeownership-gap/) from _NextAdvisor_ explains: > _“The median Black household earns 61 cents for every dollar earned by a comparable White household, according to the Economic Policy Institute. **This not only makes it more difficult to afford a home, but also to accumulate and pass on generational wealth**.”_ This can delay or prevent many from achieving [homeownership](https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/04/27/the-dream-of-homeownership-is-worth-the-effort/?a=550432-7d0dd2250a392515b4ab3273bfa644ce), challenging their ability to grow their [net worth](https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/03/28/a-key-to-building-wealth-is-homeownership/?a=550432-7d0dd2250a392515b4ab3273bfa644ce) and build wealth that can pass down to future generations – a point that’s clear in [a 2022 report](https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2022-snapshot-of-race-and-home-buying-in-the-us-04-26-2022.pdf) from _the National Association of Realtors_ (NAR): > _“**Given that homeownership contributes to wealth accumulation and the homeownership rate is lower in minority groups, data shows that the net worth for these groups is also lower.** At $188,200, the net worth of a typical white family was nearly 8 times greater than that of a Black family ($24,100) in 2019.”_ It’s important to talk about the experience Black homebuyers may have and the challenges they may face as they pursue their dream of homeownership. The inequity that remains in housing can be a point of pain and frustration. That’s why it’s so important for members of diverse groups to have the right team of experts on their sides throughout the homebuying process. These professionals aren’t only experienced advisors who understand the market and give the [best advice.](https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/05/23/work-with-a-real-estate-professional-if-you-want-the-best-advice/?a=550432-7d0dd2250a392515b4ab3273bfa644ce) They’re also compassionate allies who will advocate for your best interests every step of the way. They can point you to important [resources](https://3by30.org/) and tools that can help you throughout your journey to homeownership. ### **Bottom Line** Opportunities in real estate improve every day, but there are still equity challenges that many face. Let’s connect to make sure you have an advocate on your side to help you achieve your dream of homeownership. Posted in [First Time Home Buyers](https://cherylbowerrealestate.com/category/first-time-home-buyers/), [For Buyers](https://cherylbowerrealestate.com/category/for-buyers/), [Housing Market Updates](https://cherylbowerrealestate.com/category/housing-market-updates/)