Racial Disparities Significant in Mortgage Rejections
Washington Post, May 21, 2018–Kenneth R. Harney
For millions of Americans hoping to buy or refinance a home, it’s a crucial make-or-break question: Will the lender say yes to our mortgage application, turn it down or charge us a higher interest rate than we need? Mortgage lenders vehemently defend their decision-making. Michael Fratantoni, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association, says “the vast majority of lenders are interested in making as many high-quality loans as they possibly can and work with any borrower who comes in the door,” irrespective of race or ethnicity.
