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Comment

As the pastor of a diverse urban church in Cincinnati, Ohio for almost 40 years, I have seen many incidences of housing inequity and the overall shortage of housing which is exacerbated by racial inequality. The African Americans of my church who have needed stable and livable housing often have to wait months or years to find appropriate spaces.

This problem grows worse if they attempt home ownership and find unfair practices as they attempt to purchase a home or attain a mortgage. Despite some diverse neighborhoods in our city, segregation still stubbornly exist much to the degradation of the entire community. This affects our public schools and education as well as schools are affected by neighborhoods.

Currently appraisal values fall prey to the assumptions of the market and current segregation instead of being objective. I believe the FHFA should create a standardized method of evaluating gross living area, the amenities of the house, and comparable sales. A three bedroom three bath house of 2000 square feet should have a particular value that would decrease the current both implicit and explicit racial bias. Owners should be able to evaluate the market using new technology their smartphone so they can be informed wise buyers. If the FHFA would invest in such strategies, they would help create an equitable market for all. If buyers had such tools, not only would inequality be decreased, it would be easier to identify and report any violations of the Fair Housing Act.

I am grateful the FHFA has asked for feedback and hope you will consider these changes.
Thank you.