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Senator’s new bill gives families tools to protect home value and build wealth
By Milton Kirby | Washington, D.C. | July 23, 2025
Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock is taking a strong stand against unfair home appraisals. On Tuesday, he introduced the Appraisal Modernization Act, a bill that would give families more power to fight bias that lowers their home’s value.
For many Americans, their home is their most significant source of wealth. However, the urgency of the issue is underscored by research from Brookings, which shows that homes in Black neighborhoods are worth about 21% to 23% less than similar homes in non-Black areas.
“Home valuations are a big part of building generational wealth,” said Senator Warnock. “This bill helps families protect that value and gives them new tools to fight back against bias.”
What the Bill Will Do
The Appraisal Modernization Act would make the home appraisal process fairer. It would:
- Require the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to publish an online database of property-level appraisal data
- Let consumers appeal an unfair appraisal or request a second one
- Make sure those appeals are treated the same across the country
These changes aim to protect families, increase fairness, and shine a light on bias.
Backlash After Trump Shuts Down Bias Task Force
The need for the bill became even more urgent last week. The Trump administration announced it would end the federal task force that was working to remove racial bias from the home appraisal system.
Senator Warnock said his bill would help fill that gap by building new systems of transparency and fairness into law.
Supported by Senators and Experts Nationwide
Senator Warnock is not alone. The bill is backed by Senators:
- Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD)
- Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)
- Cory Booker (D-NJ)
- Andy Kim (D-NJ)
- Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Senator Booker said, “The color of your skin should not decide the value of your home.”
Housing experts agree. Nikitra Bailey from the National Fair Housing Alliance said the bill gives families and lenders better data to make fair decisions.
Laura Arce from UnidosUS said, “The race or ethnicity of a homeowner should not affect the value of their home. This bill makes the process fairer for everyone.”
Why It Matters for Georgia and the Nation
Homeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth in America. However, racial bias in the appraisal system has been a significant barrier, preventing many Black and Latino families from growing that wealth. The introduction of this bill could potentially change that.
Today, White families hold $1.3 million in average wealth. Black families have only $211,000, and Latino families hold $227,000 on average. The difference is often tied to the value of their homes.
“This bill is about fairness and opportunity,” Warnock said. “Every family deserves to know that their hard work and home investment are treated with respect.”
Part of a Bigger Plan
This bill is part of a larger housing plan Warnock introduced in March 2025. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, he has supported:
- $80 million for affordable housing in Georgia
- Funding to build 10,000 new housing units
- Support for the Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) grant program
- $275 million in grants to fight homelessness
- Laws to repair low-income housing and make homeownership fairer
As someone who grew up in public housing in Savannah, Warnock knows the impact of having a safe, stable home.
Experts Say Data Will Help Everyone
The Housing Policy Council and the National Association of Mortgage Brokers both support the bill. They say the public database will improve how home values are measured and make the market more fair for lenders, buyers, and appraisers.
Andrew Pizor of the National Consumer Law Center said, “This law helps people protect their home equity and fix decades of unfair treatment in the appraisal system.”
What Happens Next?
The bill will now go through review in the Senate. If passed, it could reshape how homes are appraised in Georgia and across the country.
“This is about leadership and fairness,” Warnock said. “We can’t build generational wealth if bias is baked into the system. This bill is a step forward.”
Legislation Fact Sheet Appraisal Modernization Act
For updates or to support the bill, visit warnock.senate.gov or call your local housing advocacy group.
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