California lenders resolve HUD discrimination charges

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced a conciliation agreement with a group of California mortgage lenders to resolve allegations they discriminated against a mortgage applicant based on his national origin. A complaint filed by HUD alleged that American Financial Network of Brea, Benchmark Communities of Fresno, Brigantino Enterprise of Hollister, and an employee of Benchmark Communities failed to prequalify the applicant to purchase a home in Hollister because he is Hispanic. The case came to HUD's attention when the applicant filed a fair housing complaint alleging that he was unfairly denied an opportunity to prequalify for a mortgage loan, precluding him from purchasing a home because he is Hispanic. American Financial Network will pay the man $5,000; Benchmark Communities will provide annual fair housing training for its employees who interact with prospective homebuyers; and American Financial Network will provide annual fair housing training to current and new employees as they are hired.