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Sharon Cornelissen

@sjccorn.bsky.social
1.4K followers 175 following 140 posts

Loves all things housing. PhD and Director of Housing of Consumer Federation of America. Author of “Last House in the Block,” book on failed gentrification and homeownership in Detroit

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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
"By withdrawing these funds, the Administration is abandoning American families struggling with escalating #Housing costs.” @sjccorn.bsky.social
consumerfed.org
Article - CFA Condemns the Administration’s Unlawful Rescission of Funds Appropriated for Housing | Consumer Federation of America
The Trump Administration is canceling $56 million of the $58 million Congress appropriated for housing counseling through a pocket rescission. This is the third time in the past two years that funding...
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“We definitely have been worried by the application of #AI in the administration’s rulemaking process and in the announcement of executive orders.” It fits within a broader trend of lots of applications of AI rolling out quickly without due diligence.” @sjccorn.bsky.social
fedscoop.com
HUD eyes AI tool to review grant spending. Housing advocates have concerns
The system will analyze every check written by a grant recipient starting at the end of this month. Housing and tech experts worry about politicization and its impact on small awardees.
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
America is in the middle of a #Housing affordability crisis. So why are members of #Congress voting against more funding for housing? Find out in CFA’s latest blog by @sjccorn.bsky.social
consumerfed.org
Article - Why is Congress Leaving $300 Million for Housing Funding on the Table? | Consumer Federation of America
By requiring the Federal Home Loan Banks to contribute more to housing it could annually help fund the construction of an estimated 12,500 affordable rental units, provide down payment and closing cos...
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
“We applaud @repmaxinewaters.bsky.social for taking action to increase the Federal Home Loan Banks’ minimum contributions to #AffordableHousing for the first time in more than 35 years" @sjccorn.bsky.social #FHLBanks
consumerfed.org
Article - CFA and the Coalition for FHLBank Reform Endorse Rep. Maxine Waters' Bill to Increase Affordable Housing Funding | Consumer Federation of America
Congresswoman Maxine Waters bill (H.R. 10325), would increase the Federal Home Loan Banks mandatory contribution to Affordable Housing Programs nation-wide. Passage of the bill would direct approximat...
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
“We’ve talked a lot about our #Insurance affordability crisis,” said @sjccorn.bsky.social, director of #Housing at CFA. “What we haven’t really talked about is the racially inequitable impacts, and that Black and Hispanic #Homeowners are particularly struggling.”
insideclimatenews.org
As Extreme Weather Worsens, Black and Hispanic Homeowners Are Paying More for Insurance - Inside Climate News
Residents in predominantly Hispanic communities in Florida are paying on average $5,014 more annually for their policies, a new report says.
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
“Older adults are the most vulnerable. They're often more socially isolated, or they may be alone, so they may not have the network to really double-check” @sjccorn.bsky.social Borrowers who are 55 and older overpay by nearly $2,400 per year on #Mortgage refinancing
bankrate.com
The 'Seniority Tax': How Lenders Overcharge Older Refinancers - Bankrate
Bankrate watchdog report: Aggressive lenders push refinancing on older Americans, resulting in thousands of extra dollars in fees and interest.
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
“Over the thirty years of a #Mortgage, the racial premium gap in #Insurance can add tens of thousands of dollars in #Housing costs,” @sjccorn.bsky.social says.
usnews.com
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The high cost of #Homeowners insurance does not impact all communities equally. Our new report shows, homeowners in predominantly #Black and #Hispanic ZIP codes are charged significantly more for the same homeowners #Insurance coverage than homeowners living in predominantly white ZIP codes.
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Rising #Insurance premiums have strained household budgets, but the high cost of #Homeowners insurance doesn't impact all communities equally. Our new report finds that homeowners in predominantly #Black and #Hispanic ZIP codes are charged significantly more. @sjccorn.bsky.social
consumerfed.org
Article - Redlined | Consumer Federation of America
New report finds on average, homeowners in Black communities pay 16% more for homeowners insurance, or approximately $500 more each year, than homeowners in white communities. Homeowners in Hispanic c...
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
"When they're talking to insurance companies, they're not talking about #housing; they're talking about how they can boost profits by getting cheap loans and investing it in higher-yielding assets," @sjccorn.bsky.social . "This is not what the government intended." #FHLBanks
americanbanker.com
Is private credit a new risk for the Federal Home Loan banks?
Life insurers' borrowings from the Federal Home Loan banks has increased in recent years, raising concerns about opaque, private credit investments and how it intersects with the Federal Home Loan ban...
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
The University of Chicago Press @uchicagopress.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
At #UAA2026? Don't miss a session with Sharon Corneliseen @sjccorn.bsky.social to discuss Last House on the Block, a close look at the Detroit neighborhood of Brightmoor and the harsh reality of depopulation and urban decline, today at 11:10am. Learn more about the book here: bit.ly/UCPEXUAA
white background, author meets critic, book cover center titled the last house on the block, thursday, april 30 at 11:10am
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
First and foremost, talk to your #mortgage servicer, said @sjccorn.bsky.social. Find out whether you qualify for a property tax exemption. Many have programs that help reduce costs for owner-occupants, for elderly #homeowners and those with special needs or disabilities. @usatoday.com
usatoday.com
Housing costs are through the roof. Escrow shortages are one symptom
As homeownership costs like insurance and taxes jump, more owners have escrow account shortages, even as many struggle with the basic cost of living.
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
The Federal Home Loan Bank System #FHLBank can and should do much more to tackle our #housing crisis. Learn more in CFA's latest blog by @sjccorn.bsky.social #AffordableHousing
consumerfed.org
Unlocking Billions for Housing: Why Congress Should Reform the Federal Home Loan Bank System · Consumer Federation of America
While Congress founded the FHLBanks in order to boost access to affordable liquidity in U.S. housing markets, the System has strayed from this public mission in recent decades. The majority of FHLBank...
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Our nation's top #housing regulator strikes again... #FHFA
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Realtor commision rules changed over one year ago -- but what changed for first-time homebuyers? Read about stable commisions, the rise of #pocketlistings, and other top #housing challenges in our new @consumerfed.bsky.social report with the National Urban League. consumerfed.org/reports/esca...
consumerfed.org
Escalating Housing Costs, Hidden Listings · Consumer Federation of America
A new report from the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), in collaboration with the National Urban League (NUL) examines the aftermath of the 2024 National Association of Realtors settlement. the re...
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Why are private equity companies gobbling up taxpayer-subsidized housing loans? New blog from @consumerfed.bsky.social and UFCW: we expose how firms like Apollo and Blue Owl are using the FHLBank System’s cheap funding for high-risk private credit. consumerfed.org/private-equi...
consumerfed.org
Private Equity is Gobbling Up Subsidized Housing Loans: Consumers and Workers Beware · Consumer Federation of America
Cracks are showing in the world of private credit, as investors are anxious to withdraw their investments from private credit funds amid higher default rates and write downs. Once an esoteric part of ...
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Treasury should also talk to #FHFA: its regulated FHLBanks are also exposed to PE-owned insurance companies. In 2025, Apollo-owned Athene insurance company became the largest borrower of the FHLBanks of Des Moines -- with more than $23B in outstanding loans www.ft.com/content/09f4...
ft.com
US Treasury calls in regulators for talks on private credit risks
Discussions will include American and international insurance watchdogs
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
CFA and a coalition of national organizations sent a letter to #Congress urging oversight hearings, calling Director Pulte to account for his actions that have undermined the functionality of #FHFA and worsened our #Housing affordability crisis.
consumerfed.org
National Organizations Call for Oversight Hearings FHFA Director, As Part of Addressing Our Nation's Housing Crisis · Consumer Federation of America
Director William J. Pulte was sworn in to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on March 14, 2025. CFA and other national organizations sent a letter to the US House Financial Services and Se...
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
"If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is," says @sjccorn.bsky.social, the director of housing for CFA. a San Francisco-based startup, proposes an unorthodox alternative: What if you could buy the house without the land? @businessinsider.com
businessinsider.com
What if you could buy a house — but not the land? A radical idea promises cheaper homebuying
A growing web of fractional-ownership startups say they offer cheaper paths to homeownership. But not everyone is buying into their promises.
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
What are the impacts of " #mortgage deserts"? @marketplace.org “It means that local #homeownership opportunities go down, and less wealth is being built locally in a community,” @sjccorn.bsky.social said.
marketplace.org
What are "mortgage deserts"?
In areas where fewer homes are bought using mortgages, getting on the property ladder is even more difficult.
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
National Consumer Law Center @nclc4consumers.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Today, the Senate passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to make homeownership more sustainable and address challenges with housing supply and affordability. The House should swiftly follow suit. Read NCLC's letter of support: www.nclc.org/resources/le... #ProtectConsumers #FairHousing
nclc.org
Letter to Senators Thune, Schumer in Support of the Bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), on behalf of its low-income clients, supports the Senate’s 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act legislative package and encourages its swift passage. The Act inclu...
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Gearing up for spring reading? My book “The Last House on the Block” — alongside other soc books — is now 30% off, valid until May 8! #ethnography #sociology
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Really great to see our report on “Mortgage Deserts” quoted in the Atlantic, one of my favorite reads! 💙🙌 #housingpolicy
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
During his #SOTU, Trump said “the roaring economy is roaring like never before.” But the data tell a far more complicated and concerning story. CFA’s State of the #Economy examines the real financial conditions facing American households. #AffordabilityCrisis #FoodPolicy
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Ahead of the President’s #SOTU Address, it is essential to present the economic #Facts clearly and transparently. CFA’s State of the #Economy examines the real financial conditions facing American households at this critical moment. #AffordabilityCrisis
consumerfed.org
CFA’s State of the Economy 2026 · Consumer Federation of America
Ahead of the President’s State of the Union Address, it is essential to present the economic facts clearly and transparently. CFA’s State of the Economy examines the real financial conditions facing A...
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
What do learn if a city’s future is not defined by rapid change, but by who leaves and who stays? Listen back to me in conversation with Laura Taylor and @tricksterprince.bsky.social on BBC radio, on atypical gentrification: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
bbc.co.uk
BBC Radio 4 - Thinking Allowed, Gentrification in Detroit and London
Failed gentrification in Detroit and the human cost of urban redevelopment in 1920s London
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
We need safe, strong, independent regulators advocating on behalf of the American people. @sjccorn.bsky.social @repnikema.bsky.social #FHFA #CFPB
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Grateful to return to NYU and IPK. It was amazing to see so many familiar faces in the audience (in an overflowing room!) and to be a part of public sociology long championed by @ericklinenberg.bsky.social!
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Books On Call NYC @booksoncallnyc.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
"The Last House on the Block" (published @uchicagopress.bsky.social) by Sharon Cornelissen (@sjccorn.bsky.social) is the topic of the Institute for Public Knowledge's (@ipk.bsky.social ) book event this evening at 5:30pm. We will be handling book sales during the event tonight.
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Institute for Public Knowledge @ipk.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Join IPK on February 2 for a book talk with @sjccorn.bsky.social. She will discuss her new book The Last House on the Block: Black Homeowners, White Homesteaders, and Failed Gentrification in Detroit with @tomsugrue.bsky.social and Iddo Tavory. ipk.nyu.edu/events/16279/
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
We are #HIRING! CFA seeks a full-time Director of Competition and Market Fairness. More information / apply here: consumerfed.org/careers/
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Institute for Public Knowledge @ipk.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Join IPK on February 2 for a book talk with @sjccorn.bsky.social. She will discuss her new book The Last House on the Block: Black Homeowners, White Homesteaders, and Failed Gentrification in Detroit with @tomsugrue.bsky.social and Iddo Tavory. ipk.nyu.edu/events/16279/
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Come join me in conversation about #housing, #gentrification, and #Detroit in NYC and @princeton.edu, NJ in early Feb -- I have two book events come up for "The Last House on the Block." What can Detroit teach us about gentrification and housing struggles in NJ or NYC? 🧵
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
“Every single action seems small, but it’s a brick that’s being removed from a wall, and it starts to crumble who can still get a #mortgage,” - @sjccorn.bsky.social The actions, taken as a whole, will raise costs for people who can least afford to pay. @nytimes.com
nytimes.com
As Trump Pushes Housing Affordability, His Mortgage Chief Undermines It
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
WSJ editorial board is done with Pulte at #FHFA too, writing dryly: "Firing Mr. Pulte before he can cause any more embarrassment would also help." Let's get a #housing regulator that will actually promote affordability rather than politicize insitutions and rock markets.
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
“Buying a fixer-upper has become out of reach for most first-time #homebuyers, partly because of a lack of good #mortgage options." @sjccorn.bsky.social Learn more in our latest report. #FHA
consumerfed.org
A Loan Program in Need of Repairs: The Unmet Promise of FHA 203(k) Renovation Loans · Consumer Federation of America
The Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) 203(k) renovation mortgage – a loan that allows homebuyers to buy fixer-upper properties – has fallen by 77 percent over the past decade. Drawing on2024 Home...
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
While comprising a small fraction of homebuyers nation-wide, institutional investors have turned some neighborhoods (think suburban Atlanta) into "mortgage deserts" and limited #homeownership opportunities. It's long overdue to limit private equity's incursion into housing.
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
looking to teach “The Last House on the Block” as part of your Spring #urbanpolicy or #ethnography #syllabus? Check out this WDET 30 min podcast, for a conversation about what #gentrification means and why we don’t talk enough about #depopulation: wdet.org/2025/12/09/t...
wdet.org
The Metro: Why cities should focus on depopulation, not gentrification - WDET 101.9 FM
Sharon Cornelissen is the author of “The Last House on the Block: Black Homeowners, White Homesteaders, and Failed Gentrification in Detroit.”
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Andrew Rumbach @andrewrumbach.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Please share with your talented undergraduates looking for employment in 2026! We are hiring a research assistant to join our Climate and Communities team at Urban. They will be a core contributor to numerous impact-oriented research projects and work with an incredible group of colleagues:
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Do you know the history of #redlining in #homeinsurance? How are insurance companies excluding communities today? Read more in our new blog 👇
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
setting up your holiday #readinglist? Don’t forget “The Last House on the Block” — an #ethnography of urban decline and gentrification in Brightmoor, #Detroit!
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
At NCST's annual #Homeownership Policy Symposium, @sjccorn.bsky.social shared findings from CFA’s Penalized report, including that #Insurance companies charge the typical #homeowner almost $2,000 a year more, just for having a lower #CreditScore Report Here⤵️ consumerfed.org/reports/pena...
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Join @jonathantarleton.bsky.social at @solidstatebooksdc.bsky.social in DC tonight at 7 for a conversation with @sjccorn.bsky.social (THE LAST HOUSE ON THE BLOCK, @uchicagopress.bsky.social). It's our Spotlight Event! www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/sha... #booksky
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Megan Hatch @meganehatch.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Look what arrived today. Congratulations @sjccorn.bsky.social 🎉 I can’t wait to read it!
Book cover of The Last House on the Block.
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
There is still time to register! Join us today at 12.15 EST for a webinar and conversation about “The Last House on the Block” 🏡 #ethnography #urbanstudies #Detroit
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Watch our @sjccorn.bsky.social discuss President Trump's proposal for a 50-year #mortgage and the state of #housing in our current economy with Washington Journal 📺: www.c-span.org/event/washin...
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies @harvard-jchs.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
Tomorrow (11/14) @ 12:15 pm ET: A new book from our former postdoc @sjccorn.bsky.social examines whether gentrification is inevitable when white homesteaders come to one of the most depopulated neighborhoods in the country. @consumerfed.bsky.social www.jchs.harvard.edu/calendar/las...
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
the 50-year #mortgage is a distraction: today’s first-time homebuyers would still be paying until they are 90 (!), and lose out on the wealth-building potential of homeownership. A nonsense solution by an unserious regulator #FHFA
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Reposted by Sharon Cornelissen
Consumer Federation of America @consumerfed.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
“More people are feeling forced to go #uninsured or underinsured because #homeowners’ #insurance has become so expensive.” @sjccorn.bsky.social
san.com
Lawmakers race to protect FEMA funding where disasters made homes uninhabitable
After deadly disasters across the country, residents face rebuilding without insurance as FEMA funding and aid access remain uncertain.
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Sharon Cornelissen @sjccorn.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
I’m starting my book tour at @literatibookstore.bsky.social tomorrow Wed 11/5 at 6.30pm. Join us to talk about #Detroit, housing, ethnography and my new book “The Last House on the Block!” More info literatibookstore.com/event/2025-1...
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