There are a number of stories documenting the historical redlining that has taken place over decades, keeping black people out of certain neighborhoods and even entire cities.

Equally troubling, it’s sometimes difficult for black people to sell their homes. There are stories of people offering lower prices for our homes, even though similar homes in the neighborhoods end up being sold faster and for higher amounts. The only difference? The skin color of the homeowner.

Now, we’ve come a long way so I’m not saying that this happens on a regular basis. There are no hard statistics to validate how much or less a home would have sold for, had the home owner been black.

Update: There are indeed hard statistics that prove black homes are valued less than equivalent homes in white neighborhoods as reported by CNN an investigated by the Brookings Institute.

There are certainly statistics showing the demographic makeup of neighborhoods throughout the country. They tell a complicated story.

In major cities throughout the country like LA, Chicago, Detroit, New York and DC, you’ll find neighborhoods that are predominantly black, like Anacostia in DC or East New York. But you’ll also find neighborhoods that have a diverse population like Harlem or Hyde Park.

Now, there’s no doubt that gentrification is playing an enormous role of the “lightening” of historically black cities like Chocolate city DC. I certainly have strong feelings about it but that’s for another article.

How many of us buy into neighborhoods that are not predominantly black? Not enough. The reasons are many.

We don’t feel comfortable with the neighbors and the way they interact with us (aka calling the police on us for no reason). The police precincts nearby may mistreat our children. Or worse, the teachers don’t respect our children and are quick to single them out.

No one wants to feel uncomfortable in their own home and feel like they have to fight the police, school system, and their own neighbors on a daily basis. But many of us choose to do so. It’s part of how we advance. Integration is a must.

Many black people were shot, stabbed or killed during the ‘60s just to ensure that we don’t grow up in segregated environments.

That said, many people are more comfortable living in diverse neighborhoods or even predominantly black neighborhoods. After all, we like seeing people who look like us and don’t want to feel as if we’re under a microscope all the time.

But are there certain streets where you certainly should avoid? Is there something wrong with the local church or precinct?

Unless you grew up in that neighborhood, you wouldn’t know these things. Moreover, unless you are being advised by someone who understands your perspective, you may not get the full picture.

That’s where we can help. Having a black real estate agent on your side who knows the neighborhood, the local lenders and the local real estate market is crucial.

After all, buying or selling a home is the biggest financial investment of your life; it’s important to have someone you can trust on your side.

Someone who is great at what they do and is a proven professional. But is also trustworthy and has your best interests at heart so they will fight for you in every way possible. A good real estate agent will:

• Negotiate hard to ensure that you get a fair price for your home.
• Represent you to all audiences and market your home to all buyers to ensure that you have access to as much demand as possible so that you get a fair market price.

Regardless whether you’re buying or selling a home, it’s important to have someone on your side that will serve your best interest at all times. Find a black realtor near you with BlackRealtors today.