A Safer, Smarter Way to Buy or Sell in Gainesville
Buying or selling a home is a significant decision. This portal is designed to guide you through the process with clarity, connection, and confidence. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a returning resident, or considering selling your property, you're in the right place.
🔍 Start Your Home Search Safely
Explore trusted sites that minimize scams and maximize support.
⚠️ Avoid platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist unless listings are verified. Always confirm the identity of the owner or agent before sending any money.
🧰 First-Time Buyer Resources
Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions.
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
Down Payment Assistance Information – SHIP, HFA, and Local Grants
Coming Soon: Homebuyer Toolkit PDF Download
💼 Connect with Local Realtors
Representation matters- find a trusted professional who understands your journey.
Gainesville Black Professionals Network – Search Local Agents
Elevate Group @ Zori Realty – Specializing in equity-forward housing
Want to be listed? Contact us to join the directory
🤝 Buying with someone who understands your story makes a difference.
💬 Talk to a Trusted Lender
We're curating a list of ethical lenders who support first-time buyers and value transparency.
Local Credit Unions
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
Down Payment Assistance-Friendly Loan Officers
📩 Want a referral? Let us know here
🏠 Considering Selling Your Home?
Be cautious of unsolicited offers and "We Buy Houses" schemes.
If you're thinking about selling, especially due to financial pressure, be aware of real estate wholesalers who often approach homeowners with quick-cash offers. These investors typically aim to purchase properties below market value, potentially stripping homeowners of significant equity.
Key Points:
Under-Market Offers: Homes sold to wholesalers often fetch significantly less than their market value. For instance, in Philadelphia, homes sold off-market to investors averaged $126,000 less than those sold through traditional channels, amounting to a collective loss of $500 million over four and a half years.
Disproportionate Impact on Black Homeowners: Research indicates that Black families have lost over $4 billion in home equity over a decade due to investor purchases, highlighting a systemic issue that exacerbates the racial wealth gap.
Lack of Regulation: Only a few states have regulations in place to protect homeowners from predatory wholesaling practices, leaving many vulnerable to exploitation.
Recommendations:
Consult a Licensed Realtor: Before accepting any unsolicited offer, speak with a trusted real estate professional who can provide a market analysis of your property's true value.
Get Multiple Offers: Don't necessarily settle for the first offer you receive. Comparing multiple offers can ensure you get the best deal.
Understand the Terms: Ensure you fully understand the terms of any agreement before signing. Seek legal advice if necessary.
📩 Need assistance or a referral to a trusted realtor? Contact us here
📣 Report Discrimination or Unfair Practices
Have you experienced appraisal bias, steering, or lending discrimination?
🛑 Speak up and protect others. File a Fair Housing Complaint
✨ Let's Build a Future Where Everyone Can Own
Equity in homeownership is possible when we acknowledge what's broken and work together to fix it. This portal is just the beginning.
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🤝 Contact our housing support team
📍 Powered by Elevate Group @ Zori Realty and Truth in Place