Undervalued: Appraisal Bias in Massachusetts

Appraisal bias, or appraisal discrimination, is the illegal act of residential appraisers assigning a lower home value based on the race of the homeowner or the racial composition of the property's neighborhood and surrounding area. According to the Brookings Institute, homes owned by people of color or located in historically marginalized communities across the nation are undervalued, which results in an estimated $162 billion loss in value in majority-Black neighborhoods. This is attributed to both individual appraiser bias and systemic inequities that impact communities and homeowners of color. 

This event will convene experts, policy leaders, and community members to understand, unpack, and address the occurrence and impact of appraisal bias in Massachusetts. The panel discussion will provide background into the issue, share stories of homeowners’ experiences, and elevate potential solutions on the state and local level.  

Agenda

Welcome & Opening Remarks

M. Lee Pelton, President and CEO, The Boston Foundation

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