• Home
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • LAD Originals

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Not now
OK
Advert
Advert
Advert

Black Couple Sue Real Estate Agency After 'Race Was The Only Reason Home Was Undervalued'

Anish Vij

Published 
| Last updated 

Black Couple Sue Real Estate Agency After 'Race Was The Only Reason Home Was Undervalued'

A black couple from California have sued a real estate agency after their home increased in value by 50 percent when a white friend posed as their owner.

Paul, 45, and Tenisha Tate Austin, 42 had their home valued at $989,000 (£748,000) by an appraiser in January, having originally purchasing it for $550,000 in 2016, ABC7 reports.

However, it's value shot up by roughly $500,000 (£378,000) when the couple got a white friend to pose as Tenisha and the value increased to $1,482,000 (£1,120,000).

The couple have filed a fair housing lawsuit against Janette Miller, her firm Miller and Perotti Real Estate Appraisers, Inc. and national appraisal company AMC Links, LLC for the $487,500 (£368,500) difference in price with regard to the two valuations.

Advert
Credit: Google Maps
Credit: Google Maps

They say the estate agent who gave the first valuation used phrases such as 'Marin City is a distinct area', which they believe was race related.

The homeowners describe it as 'a slap in the face' prior to their second appraisal being approved.

Tenisha said: "We had a conversation with one of our white friends, and she said 'No problem. I'll be Tenisha. I'll bring over some pictures of my family'.

Advert

"She made our home look like it belonged to her.

"There are implications to our ability to create generational wealth or passing things on if our houses appraise for 50 percent less.

"I read the appraisal, I looked at the number I was like, 'This is unbelievable'."

Credit: ABC7
Credit: ABC7
Advert

The husband and wife are seeking a jury trial in relation to racial bias whilst wanting to press charges.

Paul added: "We believe the white lady wanted to devalue our property because we are in a black neighborhood, and the home belonged to a black family.

"My stomach hurt, my head hurt, just because of what we went through.

"I don't wish that on anybody. I want to see a change.

Advert

"I don’t want to see my children have to deal with this."

Credit: ABC7
Credit: ABC7

Julia Howard-Gibbon, an attorney for the couple, said: "There are definitely things about this complaint that are uniquely strong.

"They erased themselves from the home, essentially."

Advert

Attorneys for the Austins noted: "Marin City has a long history of undervaluation based on stereotypes, redlining, discriminatory appraisal standards, and actual or perceived racial demographics."

LADbible have contacted Miller & Perotti for comment.

Featured Image Credit: ABC7

Topics: Racism, US News

Anish Vij
More like this
Advert
Advert
Advert

Chosen for YouChosen for You

Entertainment

I'm A Celebrity fans convinced campmate was caught eating panini in camp

33 minutes ago

Most Read StoriesMost Read

Netflix renews Squid Game: The Challenge for season two with casting now open

2 days ago