NAREB Chief Welcomes Increase in Black Homeownership – NMP
Industry News

NAREB Chief Welcomes Increase in Black Homeownership

Feb 07, 2020
Donnell Williams

New data from the U.S. Census Bureau charting the another quarter of increases in the national rate for black homeownership was cautiously welcomed by Donnell Williams, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), a trade association for African-American real estate professionals.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Census Bureau recorded a 44 percent black homeownership rate, up from the 42.7 percent rate in the third quarter and 40.6 percent in the second quarter. One year earlier, the rate was 42.9 percent.
 
“While we remain positive about the upward trend, NAREB is mindful that a nearly 30 percentage point gap separates the current non-Hispanic white homeownership of 73.7 percent from the black homeownership rate of 44 percent,” said Williams. “As stated in a previous look at the third quarter rates, brisk seasonal sales could account for the increased black homeownership rate. However, these back-to-back quarterly increases into the fourth quarter indicate to us that black Americans are purchasing homes at a higher, more consistent rate.
 
The nation’s economic vibrancy, lower unemployment levels, a restored confidence in purchasing real estate and low interest rates, coupled with an increasingly more informed black consumer can all be factored into the six months of rate increases.”
 
Williams added that the last time the black homeownership rate was at this level was in the fourth quarter of 2012 at 44.5 percent. The national homeownership rate in the fourth quarter was 65.1 percent, slightly higher than the third quarter’s 64.8 percent.
 
“NAREB remains mindful of the volatility of the real estate marketplace, but trusts that black consumers, coupled with our concerted efforts to educate and inform black homebuyers about the wealth building benefits of owning a home will continue to boost black homeownership and economic futures,” Williams said.
 

 
About the author
Phil Hall
Link copied
Published
Feb 07, 2020
Get the NMP Daily
Regulation and Compliance
Fannie Mae AI Governance Deadline Arrives Aug. 6

Seller/servicers using artificial intelligence in origination or servicing must have formal policies, oversight, and vendor controls in place

Fannie Mae’s artificial intelligence and machine-learning governance requirements take effect Thursday, Aug. 6, giving approved seller/servicers a final deadline to formalize how the technology is used across mortgage origination and servicing.The requirements apply when a s...

Continue reading
Analysis and Data
Higher Mortgage Rates Shrink Purchase Demand, Expand Buyer Leverage

Pending sales fell to their lowest level since early April, but lower asking prices and reduced competition give originators more options to structure deals for qualified borrowers

Higher mortgage rates are thinning the purchase pipeline, even as lower asking prices and reduced competition give borrowers still in the market more leverage.Seasonally adjusted U.S. pending home sales totaled 322,739 during the four weeks ending July 26, their lowest level...

Continue reading
Renew your NMLS License — for free.

Enjoy access to a free NMLS renewal class when you attend an in-person event.

Find an event
More from
Industry News
The Fed Held. The Mortgage Market Got A Warning.

Three policymakers favored an immediate hike, while Warsh welcomed higher bond yields and offered no clear path toward mortgage-rate relief

Industry News
Jul 30, 2026
New Study Finds UWM's 'All-In' Triggered Industrywide Pricing Spillovers

Research shows wholesale competitors responded to the 2021 Rocket ban by lowering mortgage rates,

Industry News
Jul 15, 2026
First Major Housing Reform In Decades Becomes Law Without Trump's Signature

Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act advances supply, construction, and mortgage reforms despite White House protest

Industry News
Jul 10, 2026
Mortgage Star Conference Honors Women Shaping The Future Of Mortgage Leadership

MWLC honors leaders driving innovation, mentorship, and growth across the mortgage industry

Industry News
Jul 09, 2026
June Jobs Report Improves Mortgage Rate Outlook

Slower hiring strengthens bonds and eases concerns over additional Fed tightening

Industry News
Jul 02, 2026
NEXA Founder Mike Kortas Launches evoLend To Help Originators Retain Borrowers

New Fannie Mae-, Freddie Mac- and Ginnie Mae-approved mortgage servicer aims to keep originators connected to borrowers through servicing data, payoff visibility and retention tools

Industry News
Jul 02, 2026