“Real estate is a defining issue of America,” noted Avery Ebron, who directs operations at The Guild in Atlanta. Ebron made those remarks at a press briefing last month at the release of the Inclusive Capital Collective (ICC)’s first “black paper,” titled Building Community Wealth: Shifting Power and Capital in Real Estate Finance. Ebron coauthors that paper, along with The Guild’s CEO, Nikishka Iyengar, and Chicago Trend CEO Lyneir Richardson. The report provides an important framework for not only identifying how structural racism disadvantages real estate development by and for BIPOC communities, but also identifying specific changes that could greatly reduce those barriers.
ICC defines itself as a “growing network of community fund managers and entrepreneur support organizations who have been designing and developing shared technical and financial infrastructure for aggregating and deploying financial capital and other resources to entrepreneurs and communities of color in the US.” Founded in the fall of 2019 at a gathering in Denver, the group is being incubated by Zebras Unite Cooperative, which formed in 2015 and seeks to promote capital access for socially minded businesses, especially businesses owned by women and people of color.
Often, discussion of real estate focuses on residential property and the gap between Black and white rates of homeownership. Here, however, the focus is less on residential real estate and more about the actual business of real estate development. As Amanda Abrams wrote in the New York Times earlier this year, “Commercial real estate remains a field in which the vast majority of developers are white.” Abrams noted that a 2013 industry survey found that only 4.4 percent of commercial real estate professionals were Black. A more recent 2020 survey from the Urban Land Institute finds that only five percent of its members were Black, while 82 percent were white.
In their paper, the authors note that, “Current community development practices and institutions tend to focus on outputs (notably affordable housing units) over outcomes that create structural change.” In their report, Iyengar and her coauthors contend that a commercial real estate industry in which Black and other real estate entrepreneurs of color played a larger role would not simply be more diverse and inclusive but would place the goal of community wealth building at its center. A “community centered” real estate market would, according to the authors:
Prioritize affordable operating space for local BIPOC-owned business
Be more democratic and involve community organizers, small business owners, and residents in the development process
Focus on providing space for key community goods, such as groceries and community meeting space
Use infill development to support affordable rental and homeownership that stabilizes existing BIPOC neighborhoods
Create opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and other residents of color to have an ownership interest in commercial real estate
Better link residents and businesses to public resources such as technical assistance, financial literacy programming, and business grants
Redesigning Real Estate for Equity
An important contribution of the report is that it provides a thoughtful list of both obstacles to equitable real estate development and potential solutions. As Joe Neri, CEO of IFF, a leading Chicago-based community development financial institution (CDFI), has explained, one of the many ways structural racism impacts real estate is that appraisals in BIPOC neighborhoods are lower than in white neighborhoods, making it harder to finance projects (since loans max out at a percentage of appraised value), requiring a developer to raise more cash.
As Neri put it, “Old government-sanctioned bank regulations drove down the property/land value for decades, and now current bank regulations prevent investment in those areas where appraised-values are low.” Building on Neri, the ICC report calls for “income-based lending” (i.e., lending based on a percentage of income the project is expected to generate), which is forward-looking, rather than appraisals, which bake in past discrimination.
The authors describe specific loan products that could bring down the cost of financing for BIPOC real estate developers. This includes “patient equity,” which the report authors define as having long time horizons (e.g., 10 years), low interest rates (zero to five percent), and provisions that protect development projects from early costs (such as having interest-only payments for the first 12 to 24 months of the loan). Foundations, the authors indicate, would be the likely providers of such financing, and this funding might be five percent of the project’s value. Another 20 percent of the financing structure could be “friendly debt,” such as low-interest loans from CDFIs. The remaining 75 percent could be standard bank loans. In other words, while the need for philanthropic support is clear, the report also shows how limited philanthropic dollars can leverage more standard commercial financing.
The authors also describe additional steps to overcome barriers—for example, easier access to lines of credit, reduction of zoning restrictions, loan guarantees (perhaps provided by CDFIs or foundations) to reduce interest costs, and partnerships with public land banks to help BIPOC real estate developers obtain low-cost land.
In the report’s conclusion, the authors note that “there are an abundance of Black developers creating equitable and contextualized real estate solutions for their communities—transforming the way real estate development is done and turning it into a vector for wealth creations for all Americans.” In the report’s appendices, the authors document this through case studies of BIPOC-led real estate ventures in four cities—Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, and Florida’s Fort Myers.
At the report launch, Kevin Williams, a member of the Black Squirrel Collective in Philadelphia, spoke to the urgency of the work. “You see a lot of studies and research being done about the plight of minorities in America,” Williams observed. “But you don’t see any follow-up. Somebody writes a paper and says Black people are poor. Yeah, we know that. But has anyone done a follow-up to see what has been done to address that problem?… We need to continue to be vocal…and we have to continue to drive the point that equity has to occur.”
MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.
Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.
She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.
The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.
One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.
MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.
The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.
The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.
The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.
QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.
Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.
In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.
Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:
St. John’s, NL
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.
Sherbrooke, QC
Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.
Québec City, QC
Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Trois-Rivières, QC
Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Saguenay, QC
Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.
Granby, QC
Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.
Fredericton, NB
Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Saint John, NB
Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Lévis, QC
Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.
This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.
Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.
Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.
For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.
While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.
