Owning a home is an important wealth-building tool. When a home’s value appreciates, the equity that accrues can serve as a valuable resource for emergency expenses, essential home repairs, or income-enhancing investments like education or training.

For many Americans, their home is their largest asset. Roughly 65 percent of households in the United States own their homes, and housing continues to represent the largest share of household wealth. Yet research shows there are significant differences in how homeowners leverage their home equity. A Philadelphia Fed study revealed that wealth-building pathways through homeownership vary significantly by household and neighborhood. A key finding was that residents’ experiences with refinancing mortgages and debt varied widely.

In support of the Philadelphia Fed’s goal of promoting a sound financial system and a strong, healthy economy, this event aims to examine wealth building in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities through the lens of home equity.

Why Attend?

Join speakers, panelists, and your peers to examine the importance of home equity in wealth building, explore a data-driven approach to identifying households vulnerable to the loss of home equity, and advance solutions that preserve and protect home equity in LMI communities.

Presentations will include "The Role of Home Equity in Wealth Building" and “Using Data to Prevent the Loss of Home Equity in New York City." Panelists will also explore the importance of financial products and services that allow LMI homeowners to safely access home equity, specifically in times of financial vulnerability.

Speakers will include: 

  • Ken Benton, Principal Consumer Regulations Specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia;
  • Christopher Cummins, Staff Attorney, Homeownership Rights, SeniorLAW Center;
  • Matthew Murphy, Executive Director, NYU Furman Center; 
  • Samantha Porter, Senior Advisor, Community Engagement, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia;
  • Maureen Yap, Vice President of Public Policy and Senior Counsel for Fair Lending, National Fair Housing Alliance; and
  • Sisi Zhang, Community Development Economic Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

View the current agenda.

Who Should Attend?

Professionals working in the housing and financial services sectors, funders and nonprofits serving LMI communities, and policymakers in the Third District are encouraged to attend.

This event is complimentary, but registration is required. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now.

Event Location

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
Ten Independence Mall
Philadelphia, PA 19106

For questions, please contact Samantha Porter at samantha.porter@phil.frb.org.