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John Hope Bryant: How a 40Y mortgage might save housing affordability in the U.S.
Homeownership has long symbolized the American Dream, embodying stability, wealth creation, and community investment.
Yet, for millions of Americans, especially younger generations and first-time homebuyers, that dream is slipping away. Rising home prices, stagnant wages, and restrictive mortgage terms have made it increasingly difficult to take that crucial first step onto the property ladder.
To address this, I propose a bold new approach: a 40-year mortgage using the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system as the framework, with federal subsidies for first-time homebuyers who complete financial literacy training.
This concept combines extended mortgage terms with financial education and targeted subsidies, making homeownership more accessible while driving sustainable economic growth.
Expanding accessibility
The 30-year mortgage has been the American standard for decades, balancing affordable monthly payments with a reasonable repayment period. However, as home prices soar …