Pregnancy and Mortgages: What You Need to Know

Get Pregnant Fast

Whoa! Did you know being pregnant might actually hurt your chances of getting a mortgage?

If you’re considering a move to a bigger place now that you’re expecting, brace yourself for some potential hurdles with your bank. Unfortunately, some lenders might delay or deny your application just because you’re pregnant or on maternity leave. Their reasoning? They worry about potential income loss if you don’t return to your job or if your leave isn’t paid.

The Fair Housing Act and Your Rights

Although the Fair Housing Act prohibits such discrimination based on sex or familial status, some banks continue to play this risky game. This law, enacted back in 1968, clearly states that lenders cannot discriminate against women due to pregnancy or maternity leave, nor can they charge higher interest rates for these reasons.

Sadly, this unfair practice has been around for ages. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has dealt with numerous cases of discrimination. HUD’s Bryan Greene emphasized that the arrival of a child should be a time of joy, not a reason to deny a mortgage.

Real-Life Implications

Just last month, a couple in Utah found themselves in this predicament when Mountain America Credit Union put their mortgage application on hold until the wife returned to work from maternity leave. Fortunately, this case has been resolved by HUD, but it raises concerns for many others.

What to Do If You Face Discrimination

If you feel your lender is treating you unfairly, you can file a Housing Discrimination Complaint online. For more insights and tips, check out this post on our blog about pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re looking for the best at-home insemination kit, Make a Mom is the top provider in the world! For more helpful information, visit Facts About Fertility, an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.

Conclusion

In summary, being pregnant shouldn’t be a reason for lenders to deny you a mortgage, yet some may still do so. Stay informed and know your rights under the Fair Housing Act.