New federal legislation aims to help buyers save for down payments

AChafukira • September 1, 2020

Similar to a 529 Plan, the American Dream Down Payment Act would help homebuyers save 20% for a down payment in a state-managed savings account

clubdigitalmedia Cependant, seul votre pharmacien peut décider si le médicament est bon pour vous. Ainsi, si vous souhaitez vous épanouir, vous devez identifier votre objectif principal à l’avance. Se sentir mieux prend du temps, mais vous pouvez y arriver en faisant=”https://www.inman.com/2020/08/14/bidding-wars-get-brutal-as-buyers-chase-dwindling-supply/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Just ahead of what some real estate experts are predicting will be a robust fall homebuying season, Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Doug Jones (D-AL) are aiming to help aspiring homeowners overcome the financial barrier of saving for a down payment with the American Dream Down Payment Act of 2020.

Sen. Cory Gardner
Sen. Cory Gardner

“A down payment on a home can be a significant barrier to becoming a homeowner,” Gardner said in statement. “Inspired by the popular 529 education savings accounts, this bipartisan bill will make it easier for people to save for a down payment, which will aid both our unique housing challenges in Colorado and our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Proposed earlier this month, the ADDPA would allow states to establish and manage down payment savings accounts for homebuyers. Homebuyers can save up to 20 percent of today’s median housing cost or $102,080 — an amount that would rise with inflation. Family and friends can contribute to the account, which can be used for a down payment or other related housing costs without penalty.

The Securities and Exchange Commission would set standards for the investments of eligible accounts and allowable fees, the senators explained.

Although homebuyers can offer as low as 3.5 percent down with FHA loans, the coronavirus and the ensuing clubdigitalmedia Cependant, seul votre pharmacien peut décider si le médicament est bon pour vous. Ainsi, si vous souhaitez vous épanouir, vous devez identifier votre objectif principal à l’avance. Se sentir mieux prend du temps, mais vous pouvez y arriver en faisant=”https://www.inman.com/2020/04/13/jpmorgan-chase-tightens-mortgage-lending-standards-amid-uncertainty/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>unemployment crisis has pushed lenders to raise minimum credit scores, require greater down payments, and evidence of a six-month savings reserve — a hard task for most Americans.

The National Association of Realtors, The Colorado Association of Realtors, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers and the CBC Mortgage Agency showed support for the plan, saying it could make homeownership more accessible for lower-income and minority buyers.

Sen. Doug Jones
Sen. Doug Jones

“The ability to accumulate tax-free savings funds breaks down/eliminates one of the most prominent barriers to achieving homeownership, the down payment,” NAREB National President Donnell Williams said in a joint statement with CAR CEO Tyrone Adams. “This Act serves as a tangible springboard to increase Black homeownership and real wealth-building prospects which the National Association of Real Estate Brokers includes in the meaning of its time-honored slogan, Democracy in Housing.”

“The resiliency of our residential real estate market has been one of the few bright spots of America’s economy during this pandemic, but numerous would-be homebuyers are finding it difficult or impossible to save the money needed for a down payment on a home,” NAR President Vince Malta added in a separate statement. “Modeled on the very popular 529 education savings account concept, the American Dream Down Payment Act would allow savings for the down payment of a principal residence to grow tax-free, offering a responsible and commonsense approach to the multi-faceted problem of housing affordability in America.”

The ADDPA comes on the heels of Rep. Sean Mahoney’s (NY-18) clubdigitalmedia Cependant, seul votre pharmacien peut décider si le médicament est bon pour vous. Ainsi, si vous souhaitez vous épanouir, vous devez identifier votre objectif principal à l’avance. Se sentir mieux prend du temps, mais vous pouvez y arriver en faisant=”https://www.inman.com/2020/07/22/ny-congressman-announces-first-time-buyer-coronavirus-relief-plan/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>First Time Homebuyer Pandemic Savings Act, which allows first-time buyers to use funds from their retirement accounts “under the umbrella of coronavirus-related distributions” for a down payment. Withdrawals under $25,000 will be tax-exempt and penalty-free.

The FTHPS Act builds on current CARES Act provisions for new and repeat homebuyers that allow them to withdraw up to $100,000 of their 401(k) balance penalty-free until the end of 2020.

Although both Acts have garnered robust support within the industry, financial experts say both pieces of legislation have their risks, including encouraging buyers to sacrifice retirement or other long-term savings.

“Most Americans are undersaved for emergencies and retirement, and further, the idea of owning a home often leads would-be home buyers into financial tunnel vision — focusing all efforts and resources on acquiring the home and seeing it as the end-all, be-all of financial and emotional utopia,” clubdigitalmedia Cependant, seul votre pharmacien peut décider si le médicament est bon pour vous. Ainsi, si vous souhaitez vous épanouir, vous devez identifier votre objectif principal à l’avance. Se sentir mieux prend du temps, mais vous pouvez y arriver en faisant=”https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/down-payment-accounts-could-get-tax-advantage/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Bankrate Chief Financial Analyst Greg McBride said. “The unintended consequence is that this prompts even diligent savers to cut back or halt saving for retirement or emergencies in order to accumulate a down payment on a tax-advantaged basis.”

Both Acts are still in the introduction stage and will be passed to respective committees for further action.

CREDITS: https://bestpricepharmacyfinder.com/ – Best price ed drugs. Discutez de votre état de santé avec votre pharmacien pour vous assurer que vous pouvez utiliser ce remède. Plus vous fournirez de détails, plus votre médecin sera en mesure de vous aider. clubdigitalmedia Cependant, seul votre pharmacien peut décider si le médicament est bon pour vous. Ainsi, si vous souhaitez vous épanouir, vous devez identifier votre objectif principal à l’avance. Se sentir mieux prend du temps, mais vous pouvez y arriver en faisant=”https://www.inman.com/author/marian-mcpherson/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Marian McPherson / clubdigitalmedia Cependant, seul votre pharmacien peut décider si le médicament est bon pour vous. Ainsi, si vous souhaitez vous épanouir, vous devez identifier votre objectif principal à l’avance. Se sentir mieux prend du temps, mais vous pouvez y arriver en faisant=”https://www.inman.com/2020/08/27/new-federal-legislation-aims-to-help-buyers-save-for-down-payments/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>INMAN

NAREB PRESENTS SECOND ANNUAL NATIONAL BUILDING BLACK WEALTH DAY ON APRIL 12, 2025, IN OVER 100 CITIES

March 19, 2025
The National Building Black Wealth Day Follows The Resounding Success of Our Mid-Winter Conference In February, Where We Equipped Our Community With the Tools, Strategies, and Insights Needed to Thrive In an Evolving Industry. ST. LOUIS, MO— The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) will present its second annual National Building Black Wealth Day on April 12, 2025, with live events in more than 100 cities across the country. Seminars and one-on-one sessions will empower communities with steps towards homeownership, property investment, starting a business, and other wealth-building opportunities. An internet feed will make virtual sessions accessible to a national audience. To register for the in-person events in 100 cities, please go to XXXXX. To register for the virtual sessions on Zoom, click HERE. Act quickly as the virtual sessions have limited spots available. We also encourage you to share this opportunity with your networks to help us reach more Black consumers. Key partners in the tour, include the African American Mayors Association, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Church of God in Christ, Inc., the National Baptist Convention, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Bar Association, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. “Participation by our partners underscores their commitment to empowerment and economic development in our communities,” said Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose. “The Building Black Wealth Tour is expanding for 2025. We are bringing together families, lenders, attorneys, and real estate professionals to discuss and implement strategies for increasing Black homeownership and building wealth within Black communities.” Rose noted that NAREB’s 2024 State of Housing in Black America report found that more than two million mortgage-ready Black Americans have the income and credit to buy a home but have not yet become homeowners. In addition, 1.75 million Black millennials make over $100k annually and are poised to be homeowners. Further, Freddie Mac tracks the number of “mortgage-ready” renters nationwide , meaning they can meet certain income and credit requirements to qualify for a mortgage. Their researchers determined that as of January 2021, two million Blacks ages 45 or younger are near mortgage-ready, while another 3.4 million are potentially mortgage-ready. “Our tour aims to reach these Black consumers,” said Dr. Rose. “We are providing them with data and information on why they should be homeowners. We explain the many benefits of homeownership, such as building wealth, stable communities and building equity for retirements, college educations for their children, starting a business or more.” On National Building Black Wealth Day, hundreds of families and individuals will be armed with the information needed to make wealth-building decisions. Among the opportunities/Workshops are: What to do with Big Momma's House? ABCs of Homebuying Real Estate Investing Down Payment Assistance Explore Careers in Real Estate Free Career Fair Free Health Screenings One On Ones with Real Estate Attorneys One On Ones with Housing Counselors The Black Wealth Day comes after NAREB’s successful Mid-Winter Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, last month. This year’s conference, themed "Navigating New Horizons," empowered real estate professionals with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to thrive in an evolving industry. Speakers included Dr. Egypt Sherrod , Host and Executive Producer of HGTV’s Married to Real Estate; Catrese Fields Alston, Philanthropist and CEO of Le-Bleu Diamond Corporation; Hill Harper , Award-Winning Actor and Activist and Laura Escobar , President of Lennar Mortgage and 2025 Chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). “Our Mid-Winter Conference helped NAREB Realtists® prepare for the shifting landscape of the real estate industry,” said Dr. Rose . “Realtists are on the front lines, working with families to secure homeownership and build generational wealth. In today’s challenging market, our members are more valuable than ever, and this conference ensured they have the knowledge and support to make a lasting impact in Black communities.” ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS NAREB was formed in 1947 to secure equal housing opportunities regardless of race, creed, or color. NAREB has advocated for legislation and supported or instigated legal challenges that ensure fair housing, sustainable homeownership, and access to credit for Black Americans. Simultaneously, NAREB advocates for and promotes access to business opportunities for Black real estate professionals in each real estate discipline. From the past to the present, NAREB remains an association that is proud of its history, dedicated to its chosen struggle, and unrelenting in its pursuit of the REALTIST®’s mission/vision embedded goal, “Democracy in Housing.”

Selling Houses While Black

By Olga Labovich • January 18, 2023
About 6 percent of real estate agents and brokers in the United States are Black. Their white peers make almost three times as much, according to data and surveys. Tye Williams feels the heat. It’s 95 degrees out, and the North Carolina sun is beating like a drum. He’s in a full suit and tie Continue Reading The post Selling Houses While Black appeared first on National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

NAREB releases Annual State of Housing in Black America report at Black Wealth Summit featuring Lawmakers, Agency Heads, Policymakers & Experts

By Olga Labovich • November 30, 2022
WHO: U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) Lydia Pope, President NAREB Alanna McCargo, President, Ginnie Mae Lisa Rice, President & CEO National Fair Housing Alliance Sandra Thompson, Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency Teresa Bryce Bazemore, CEO, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco Katrina Jones, VP, Racial Equity Strategy & Impact, Fannie Mae Pamela Perry, VP, Continue Reading The post NAREB RELEASES ANNUAL STATE OF HOUSING IN BLACK AMERICA REPORT AT BLACK WEALTH SUMMIT FEATURING LAWMAKERS, AGENCY HEADS, POLICYMAKERS & EXPERTS appeared first on National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

Reckoning with the past: Associations apologize for discriminatory practices

By Olga Labovich • November 14, 2022
The California Association of Realtors is the most recent association to express regrets for past practices that marginalized groups based on race or ethnicity. Key points: Real estate associations in Atlanta, Minneapolis, Chicago and St. Louis have also offered formal apologies for past discriminatory practices. Practices and policies included endorsing restrictive covenants and redlining, making Continue Reading The post Reckoning with the past: Associations apologize for discriminatory practices appeared first on National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

NAREB: Supporting ‘Democracy In Housing’ for consumers, agents

By Olga Labovich • November 14, 2022
Lydia Pope, who leads the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, discusses narrowing the racial gap in homeownership and opening doors for Black agents Key points: NAREB, founded in 1947, is the nation’s oldest trade association for Black real estate professionals. ‘Our goal is equal housing,’ said Pope, whose own real estate career spans nearly Continue Reading The post NAREB: Supporting ‘democracy in housing’ for consumers, agents appeared first on National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

Clyburn Re-Ups Support For G.I. Bill Restoration Act On This Veteran’s Day

By Olga Labovich • November 11, 2022
Americans disagree on many social issues, but one we’re strongly united on is appreciation for our fellow countrymen and women who have served in our nation’s military – especially today, Veteran’s Day. It’s likely that the greatest expression of gratitude our nation has ever given to those who have worn the uniform is the Servicemen’s Readjustment Continue Reading The post Clyburn Re-Ups Support For G.I. Bill Restoration Act On This Veteran’s Day appeared first on National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

When the demography of the members is considered

By Olga Labovich • October 15, 2022
Our mission at Bankrate is to assist our clients in making smarter monetary decisions. Apart from ensuring every editorial policy is met, we have referenced some of our products from our partners in this post. We have explained how we generate revenue here. The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) is a trade network Continue Reading The post When the demography of the members is considered appeared first on National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

What is a Realtist?

By Olga Labovich • September 15, 2022
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, you’ll see a wide range of terms attached to professionals who can help with the transaction. As you work to understand the difference between a broker and an agent, you may also wonder what a Realtist does. What is a Realtist? A Realtist is a real estate Continue Reading The post What is a Realtist? appeared first on National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

What is the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)?

By Olga Labovich • September 14, 2022
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) is a trade organization and network of Black real estate professionals known for promoting “democracy in housing” and advocating for public policies that “protect and expand sustainable homeownership.” The organization’s members, who go by the title of Realtist, are spread throughout chapters across the United States. NAREB’s Continue Reading The post What is the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)? appeared first on National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

NAREB Calls on White House and Congress to Boost Black Homeownership and Close Wealth Gap

By Olga Labovich • September 7, 2022
Organization Will Hold Elected Officials Accountable The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) called on the White House and Congress to enact legislation aimed at increasing Black homeownership after provisions approved by the House were excluded from the Inflation Reduction Act, which Congress passed and was signed into law by President Biden. Rep. Maxine Continue Reading The post NAREB Calls on White House and Congress to Boost Black Homeownership and Close Wealth Gap appeared first on National Association of Real Estate Brokers.
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