Dear Readers,
I am Rev. Dr. Christian Frazier, a 20 plus year real estate veteran. I want to discuss the pressing issue of the housing crisis with a focus in Florida and its implications for the national housing market. The current state of affairs in Florida's housing market is a concern that mirrors the challenges faced nationwide, but with unique aspects that could significantly impact the overall US housing landscape.
In 2023, several cities in Florida are showing signs of potential housing crises. Cities like Panama City, Sebastian-Vero Beach, Jacksonville, Lakeland-Winter Haven, and Ocala are witnessing varying levels of homeowner vacancy rates and mortgage delinquencies. For instance, Ocala has a homeowner vacancy rate of 1.6% and 0.71% of mortgages are delinquent over 90 days. These indicators suggest a looming housing challenge in these areas【16†source】.
On the solutions front, I have been actively seeking ways to mitigate its housing shortage and have developed a plan. This includes proposals for more development through funding and tax incentives. For example, the State Apartment Incentive Loan program has been earmarked an additional $150 million for projects near military installations and on vacant or urban land. Additionally, the legislation aims to offer property tax exemptions for land owned by nonprofits providing affordable housing units, and the option for counties and cities to offer additional exemptions for owners who dedicate units to affordable housing【21†source】.
The Florida housing market is also characterized by a low inventory of homes. This scarcity of available properties is driving up prices and stabilizing the market, despite concerns of a potential housing crash. The lack of new-construction housing, due to factors such as increased material costs and labor shortages, contributes to this shortage. Moreover, the entry of a new generation of homebuyers, particularly millennials, ensures a steady demand, further supporting market stability【20†source】.
Nationally, the housing cost burdens have reached their highest levels in years, with 19 million homeowners (22.7%) being cost-burdened in 2021. This issue is more pronounced among homeowners earning less than $30,000 per year and is higher than average for Black, Hispanic, and Asian homeowners. The number of cost-burdened renters has also reached an all-time high, with 21.6 million households (49%) spending more than 30% of their income on housing【19†source】.
While Florida's market is grappling with its own unique challenges, it remains a significant player in the national housing scenario. As we continue to advocate for solutions to veteran homelessness and broader community challenges, understanding and addressing these housing market dynamics remains crucial.
Exploring the root causes of the housing crisis in Florida, we see a multifaceted problem that requires equally diverse solutions. One significant issue is the rise of transient residency models like Airbnb, which, while fostering entrepreneurship, also limits the availability of long-term housing for residents. This calls for a delicate balance between promoting innovative housing models and ensuring the stability of residential communities.
Real estate reform is another key area demanding attention. The dominance of investors in the housing market, owning up to 80% of properties in some areas, exacerbates the crisis. These investors often outbid potential homeowners, offering cash payments and faster closings, a more appealing prospect for sellers compared to buyers reliant on mortgages. This trend not only diminishes the stock of available homes for purchase but also drives up property prices, making homeownership increasingly unattainable for many.
The role of the government in this crisis is twofold. On the one hand, there is the issue of government entities acquiring family properties, often without offering adequate support or alternatives for land development. Homeowner and Condo associations have the ability to limit the percentage of investors but very few have implemented the rule. On the other hand, there's a need to scrutinize and reform the practices of co-op boards, condo associations, and homeowners associations, which have been criticized for discriminatory practices, particularly against a variety of potential homebuyers.
Addressing predatory lending is crucial in creating a more equitable housing market. This practice disproportionately affects marginalized communities, contributing to the cycle of debt and financial instability. An improved credit system is necessary to combat this, considering the challenges posed by unequal wages and systemic racism.
In seeking solutions, it's essential to involve a diverse range of perspectives, including those of everyday people who experience these issues firsthand. Their insights can offer a more grounded understanding of the housing crisis and contribute to more effective and inclusive policy-making.
Addressing financial literacy and credit training in the public school system, higher education, and through non-profit and faith-based programs is crucial, especially in light of the current economic challenges faced by many Americans.
Nearly 20 million households are behind on their utility bills according to CNN
Nearly 4 in 10 Americans now struggle to pay their usual bills. MarketWatch
40% of Americans Are Currently Struggling to Cover Household Expenses. Motley Fool
Americans Are Overdue With Their Car Payments At Highest Rate In Nearly 30 Years. Forbes
The nation’s largest credit union rejected more than half its Black conventional mortgage applicants. CNN
Mortality surged for renters facing eviction during the pandemic, study finds. CNN
These statistics underscore the importance of robust financial education programs. With a significant number of households managing large mortgage debts, the knowledge and skills to navigate financial challenges become essential. Implementing comprehensive financial literacy programs in schools and communities can help individuals make informed decisions, manage debts effectively, and prevent falling behind on payments. Additionally, offering these educational resources freely through various channels, including schools, mentoring programs, and community organizations, can increase accessibility and impact
For a comprehensive understanding and more details, you can explore the reports and articles from sources like WUSF Public Media【5†source】, Florida Policy【6†source】, Tampa Bay Times【7†source】, and more from Tampa Bay Times【8†source】. These sources delve into various aspects of the housing crisis in Florida and discuss potential solutions and ongoing efforts to address these challenges.
African American homeownership has been experiencing significant challenges in recent years. As of the third quarter of 2023, the homeownership rate for African Americans stood at 45.5%, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. This figure represents a slight decline over the course of the year, from 45.8% in Q1 2023 and 45.7% in Q2 2023【6†source】.
In a broader context, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that while the overall U.S. homeownership rate increased to 65.5% in 2021, the rate among Black Americans lagged significantly at 44%, having only increased by 0.4% over the last decade. This gap in homeownership rates between Black and White Americans is nearly 29 percentage points, marking the largest Black-White homeownership rate gap in a decade【7†source】.
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) highlighted that after reaching nearly 50% in 2004, African American homeownership rates have seen a decline, falling to 41.7% at the end of 2016, a level near a 50-year low. This decrease has significant social implications for future African American communities and neighborhoods【10†source】.
Several factors contribute to these disparities. For instance, African Americans face higher mortgage denial rates and lower affordability.
Black applicants are twice as likely to be denied for a mortgage compared to their White counterparts, with the main reasons being high debt-to-income ratios and low credit scores. Additionally, the rising home prices and low housing supply during the pandemic have disproportionately impacted Black households more than other racial groups【9†source】.
Moreover, historical and ongoing systemic issues continue to influence the landscape of African American homeownership. The effects of segregation laws, restrictive covenants, racial steering, and redlining still shape the financial infrastructure that aids or impedes homeownership today. Many African American neighborhoods experience higher rates of bank closures and low access to mainstream credit, contributing to lower or absent credit scores among residents in these areas【8†source】.
Addressing these challenges requires multifaceted approaches, including tackling knowledge gaps about homeownership requirements, trust issues due to historical exploitation, and resource gaps due to a lack of awareness about available assistance programs. Initiatives like the National Fair Housing Alliance’s Keys Unlock Dreams and Wells Fargo’s commitment to support housing stability are examples of efforts aimed at improving homeownership opportunities for African Americans【8†source】.
Christian Frazier is a seasoned real estate professional with an impressive career spanning over two decades. Throughout his journey in the real estate industry, Frazier has been recognized by several prominent publications for his expertise and accomplishments. His work has been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, Florida Realtor Magazine, The Orlando Business Journal, and Multi-Housing News, highlighting his significant contributions to the field.
Over the years, Frazier has demonstrated exceptional skills in real estate sales, achieving the remarkable milestone of selling over $150 million in Residential and Commercial property. This achievement not only underscores his proficiency in real estate transactions but also reflects his deep understanding of market dynamics and customer needs.
Expanding beyond just sales, Christian Frazier has also made a mark as an executive coach in the real estate profession. In this role, he leverages his extensive experience and insights to mentor and guide other real estate professionals. His coaching focuses on fostering growth, improving skills, and enhancing the overall performance of individuals in the real estate industry. Through his coaching, Frazier has positively influenced many in the field, sharing his knowledge and helping others achieve success in their real estate careers.
Rev. Dr. Christian Frazier
Public Health
DEI
Mental Health
Mindfulness Meditation Instructor
Author
Mental Health First Aid Instructor