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Under the Housing Financial Discrimination Act of 1977 (Holden Act), a California lender refuses to make mortgage loans on properties located in a particular zip code, citing the area's older housing stock and changing demographics. Which legal conclusion best applies?

Correct Answer

C) The lender's policy violates the Holden Act because lending decisions may not be based on neighborhood characteristics such as age of housing or demographic composition

The Holden Act (California Health & Safety Code §35800 et seq.) prohibits financial institutions from discriminating in the provision of mortgage loans based on the characteristics of the neighborhood or geographic area where the property is located. This includes factors such as the racial or ethnic composition of the area, the age of the housing stock, or income levels — a practice historically known as redlining. The Act does not require proof of intentional discrimination; a policy that uses neighborhood characteristics as a basis for lending decisions is prohibited on its face.

Answer Options
A
The lender's policy is permissible because lenders may set geographic lending territories based on business risk assessments
B
The lender's policy violates the Holden Act only if the borrower can prove intentional discriminatory motive
C
The lender's policy violates the Holden Act because lending decisions may not be based on neighborhood characteristics such as age of housing or demographic composition
D
The lender's policy is regulated exclusively by the federal Community Reinvestment Act, not California state law

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

holden_actredlininglending_discriminationcalifornia_law

Related Concepts

Discount points are upfront fees paid to a lender at closing to reduce (buy down) the interest rate on a mortgage loan. One point equals 1% of the loan amount and typically reduces the rate by approximately 0.25%.

An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration that allows lower down payments and credit scores than conventional loans. It is designed to help first-time homebuyers and borrowers with limited resources.

A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that remains constant for the entire term of the loan, resulting in equal monthly principal and interest payments throughout the life of the mortgage.

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