Singling Out a Loan

There is a lot of hoopla about low interest rates on home loans but what everyone fails to disclose is that if you are a single woman trying to buy a home for yourself and your child you should just forget it. They are more subtle in their discriminatory practices, but not that subtle.

Returning my call inquiring about loans one lender said “Hello, Mrs. Singer?” What a nervy presumption! It is apparent the bank wanted to know my marital status but couldn’t ask directly. They then told me I could not qualify for their loan based on my “vital statistics.” I told him I now knew why banks were going under.

Another lender, after learning I was an attorney, asked, “Oh, and what does your husband do?” Obviously, another not so subtle attempt to get the “pertinent” information.

I’m sure I’ll get my loan. Maybe I’ll go to a woman-oriented bank, one that knows that a single mother, who works full time and does very well, thank you, can make monthly payments as she has done for many years, including those in which she was married. I have not analyzed the issue, but I’m certain the banking fiascoes of recent years involved, dare I say it, men. Think about it.

JORDANA L. SINGER

Los Angeles