There was a time not all that long ago that every corner had a solid curb, creating a few-inch drop to the street. This is a single step for someone walking. It is a barrier for someone with a wheelchair. After World War II (1939-1945), the issue of curbs being a barrier in the center
Every year, the Somerville Fair Housing Commission creates educational programs to help people in Somerville understand their rights in regard to Massachusetts Fair Housing Law. Fair Housing Event 1 This year, the Commission is taking on the controversial issue of tenant screening. What can a landlord ask? What kinds of questions can lead to legal
The Boston Globe wanted to write about housing discrimination, again. But it is not news: “The data from Zillow, which were first reported by Axios, show Black-owned homes are valued at 18 percent less than white homes in Boston, and Latino-owned homes at 14 percent less. The data for Black homes in Boston mirror nationwide disparities,
Sexism is alive and well and living among real estate professionals. It is hard to believe, but they still act the way that was reported in The Boston Globe recently. Real estate paperwork is marriage-based. Deeds refer to marital status because marriage confers rights to both parties on that deed. However, the language “as husband
“Are you aware that when you send me a referral, you only send me Black people?” a Black Realtor® said to a white colleague. That was a wake-up call for that white person. In 2020, the National Association of Realtors® took a hard stand against hate speech, on and off the job, for members of
As a house hunter, you are under no obligation to tell your lender that you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant. Pregnancy is not a legal reason for a lender to deny you a mortgage, unless your income changes in a way that makes you no longer qualified for the mortgage. I have a
There are things about you and your finances that are going to be studied, legitimately, before a lender will give you a mortgage. That makes sense; they are lending you a large sum of money. But, there are some things that are none of their business, literally! Who you are – in terms of race,
When a buyer makes an Offer to Purchase, it should be clear and complete. It must give the seller the impression that you are a ready, willing, and able buyer. It should reassure the seller that you are organized, have solid financing, and that you are the kind of people they’d like to sell to.
My awareness of universal design and visitability went up exponentially when I broke my foot this November. I had been attending an eight week program at a local university. With my crutches, I could get into the building using a ramp. But, to use a ramp, I had to travel farther on my crutches.