Racial bias in home appraisals and assessments is not just an anecdote. Norm Miller (University of San Diego and Homer Hoyt Institute), Ruchi Singh (University of Georgia), and Richard K. Green (USC Lusk Center for Real Estate) discuss the statistically significant racial and ethnic biases in appraisals and tax assessments. 

Miller details the validity of recent analysis on valuation gaps from Freddie Mac as well as the benefits of automated valuation models. He also cautions that using machine learning without human oversight of variables can result in a different set of biases. 

Singh shows how assessments are regressive, often resulting in a mismatch of a lower property value with higher property taxes. She also points out contributing factors, including why excluding information like nearby schools or the condition of the home can set the assessments in opposition to appraisals. 

More from the discussion:

• How to make the assessment process fairer
• The importance of loan-to-value ratios in underwriting
• Pressure appraisers face in avoiding errors
• Why short-term and long-term appraisal models will be required to avoid bias

Relevant links:

• New York Times Story: Home Appraised With a Black Owner: $472,000. With a White Owner: $750,000.
• Freddie Mac: Racial and Ethnic Valuation Gaps In Home Purchase Appraisals
• William Sprigg’s Lusk Perspectives: Racial Justice and Economics: A Crucial Pairing

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Industry practitioners in lending and policy discuss the research and recommendations in the recently released paper “ADU Construction Financing: Opportunities to Expand Access for Homeowners.”

The joint paper, produced by the UC Berkeley Terner Center for Housing Innovation and the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, compiles national data and stakeholder interviews to provide a picture of the hurtles to financing and what barriers could be removed to bring ADU construction to scale.

Included in the discussion:

• Recent updates to Freddie Mac’s ADU policies
• How friction during financing curtails homeowner commitment
• Appraisal gaps in accurately assessing ADU value
• How lenders see contractors mitigating financial risk
• The importance of targeted consumer protections as more data emerges

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Download the report

Richard Green (Director, USC Lusk Center for Real Estate) delivers a presentation on how the ongoing conflict in Ukraine could impact the global economic trajectory as many countries, including the United States, attempt to cool inflation without triggering a recession.

Green dives into more specific factors contributing to the USA’s resiliency or vulnerability to global economic shocks. He shares data on why Cap Rates are likely to increase in the future, the trends economists look for with the revitalization of goods and services spending, how real estate impacts inflation, and which US states boast more robust infrastructure to weather any potential global economic downturns. Green also fields questions on affordable housing, the global aging workforce, commercial mortgage rates, and more.

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