Own the Dream: Black Women Shatter Housing Barriers, But Shadows Remain

More Black women are becoming homeowners — it doesn’t mean it’s easier, economist says

Black women are purchasing homes at a higher rate than Black men, with single women representing a significant portion of Black homebuyers.

However, despite this positive trend, Black women still face challenges due to factors such as: * **Education debt:** Black women have higher student loan burdens, which can make it harder to save for down payments and qualify for mortgages.

* **Mortgage access:** In the past, lending standards allowed Black women to access high-cost mortgages that led to foreclosures during the Great Recession.

* **Low-wage jobs:** Black women are often employed in low-paying jobs, making it difficult to afford a down payment, a major hurdle to homeownership.

While these challenges exist, it’s important to note that Black women are also making strides and becoming more resilient homeowners.