INDIANAPOLIS - Carlette Duffy's story revealed a troubling truth that is backed up by national and local data: Appraisals often undervalue the homes of Black people, especially in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
In Duffy's case, she received two home appraisals, the second being less than the first: $125,000 & $110,000.
However, she felt like something wasn't adding up considering she knew what other homes in her neighborhood had been appraised for.
Duffy removed artwork, books, pictures, and even hair care products before her third appraisal.
"Anything to me that said a Black person lives here," Duffy said.
She had a white friend show the house to appraisers and it came back at $259,000.
"This is proof. It was me. It is so painful and hurtful to be treated like this," Duffy said.
RELATED | Carlette Duffy's Housing Discrimination Complaint
State Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis, said she knows Duffy and that her story, which is one of many, is why she has continually fought for Fair Housing Laws to be implemented by the State Legislature.
From property tax relief to addressing discriminatory lending and appraisal practices, those two bills authored by Pryor have not been taken up the Republican Super Majority.
However, a part of the latter bill has been added to the Housing Task Force. The task force was created to review issues related to housing and housing shortages in Indiana.
Discriminatory housing appraisals will be studied and reviewed by the Housing Task Force.
"Minorities, Blacks and Latinos, who have invested, purchased properties, tried to live out the American Dream. They're not getting fair appraisals," Pryor said.
The Housing Task Force must issue a report to the general assembly and the governor no later than Nov. 1.
-
Iran airstrikes may impact gas prices, shipping, and daily costs in Indiana
Local experts are warning that the conflict in Iran could lead to impacts here, with rising costs of oil, shipping and other issues potentially on the way.
Late-season snow reminds Hoosiers winter isn't over yet
Snow in March is not too uncommon in central Indiana, and the weather proved that Monday morning. In what some feel has been a never-ending winter, others were excited for the late-season snow.
Governor Braun reflects on 2026 legislative session during news conference
Governor Mike Braun spoke about the 2026 legislative session and what he views as the key bills the general assembly passed on Monday afternoon.
Mortgage rates drop below 6% for the first time in three years
According to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the last time the average 30-year mortgage rate dipped below 6% was the week of Sept. 8, 2022.
