,"If you're a Black American, and you have a story to tell about your home buying or renting experience, tell us about it!" Here's what they had to say:"I am lucky in that my mom let us live with her rent-free for 16 months to save up for a house. We saved $20k and got an FHA loan with down payment assistance for $372k.
"I bought my home in 2021 during the pandemic, and also on my 27th birthday. Interest rates were very low, and I wanted to take advantage of that. I knew what I wanted, an older home in the city not far from where I grew up. Open floor plan, big backyard, and hardwood floors. I'm a single Black female, and I've heard horror stories from other people's experiences, even with people with a higher income and families.
"I explained that I was disappointed, as I had cash ready to put down for the first and last month's rent, plus the $300 security deposit. The leasing agent makes another phone call, and what do you know, the unit is magically available as long as I’m willing to put down a $900 deposit. I asked why — it stated on the paperwork and in the ad that the security deposit was only $300. She says the owner is requesting more, and there’s nothing she can do about it.
"The landlord was aware of several problems and kept stringing her along. After a few phone calls to both tenant resources and the city, along with her demand to fix things, the landlord told her she had five days to vacate the premises because he 'sold the building.' Something didn’t sound right, so she asked for a bill of sale or intent to purchase signed by the buyer. He couldn’t produce either, stating he didn’t have either with the sale.
"Considering I had just gotten married, I couldn't come up with an additional $8,000 in 48 hours. I was denied financing after having my close date continually pushed back four times. Further, I was told that because I couldn't procure the additional funds, it violated the contract, and I wouldn't get my earnest money back. The delay in closing meant additional out of pocket costs because I had already provided notice that I wouldn't be renewing my lease.