BuyingBasic

What Is Redlining?

Redlining was the historical practice — now illegal — of denying mortgages or insurance to residents of certain neighborhoods, disproportionately minority areas, based on maps that literally outlined them in red.

Most useful for: Repeat Buyer · Real Estate Agent
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At a Glance
Redlining
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Definition
Plain-English meaning
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Why It Matters
Practical impact
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Related Terms
2 connected concepts

Why it matters

Though the practice itself was outlawed, its effects on generational wealth and neighborhood investment are still studied and referenced in fair lending discussions today.

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This definition is provided for general educational purposes and is not financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Verify important decisions with appropriately qualified professionals.

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