
The Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC) played a significant role in American history, helping to stabilize the housing market during a time of great need.
Its creation in 1933 was a direct response to the housing crisis caused by the Great Depression, with the goal of refinancing mortgages and preventing further foreclosures.
The HOLC's approach was to provide long-term, low-interest loans to homeowners, allowing them to keep their homes and rebuild their lives.
This approach helped to stem the tide of foreclosures and stabilize the housing market, which in turn helped to stabilize the overall economy.
History and Structure
The Home Owners' Loan Corporation was established as an emergency agency under the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (FHLBB) supervision by the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933, June 13, 1933.
It was initially set up to provide affordable housing for low-income Americans, with the goal of helping homeowners who were struggling to make their mortgage payments. The HOLC issued bonds and used them to purchase mortgage loans from lenders, refinancing them for the borrowers at a lower interest rate.
The HOLC was a key part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, and it played a crucial role in expanding homeownership opportunities across the country.
It was eventually terminated by order of Home Loan Bank Board Secretary, effective February 3, 1954, pursuant to an act of June 30, 1953 (67 Stat.121).
Here are some key facts about the HOLC's establishment and structure:
- 1933 establishments in the United States
- New Deal agencies
- Corporations chartered by the United States Congress
- Mortgage industry companies of the United States
Organizational History
The Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC) has a fascinating organizational history that's worth exploring. HOLC was established as an emergency agency under the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (FHLBB) supervision by the Home Owners' Loan Act of 1933, on June 13, 1933.
Its early days were marked by a significant transfer of power, as Reorganization Plan No. I of 1939 moved HOLC and its components to the Federal Loan Agency, effective July 1, 1939. This change had a lasting impact on the corporation's structure and operations.
In 1942, HOLC was assigned to the Federal Home Loan Bank Administration (FHLBA), National Housing Agency, by Executive Order 9070, on February 24, 1942. This marked another significant shift in the corporation's history.
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A major overhaul came in 1947, when Reorganization Plan No. 3 abolished HOLC's board of directors, effective July 27, 1947. This change was likely a response to the corporation's evolving needs and goals.
Here's a brief timeline of HOLC's organizational history:
- June 13, 1933: HOLC established as an emergency agency under FHLBB supervision
- July 1, 1939: Transferred to the Federal Loan Agency by Reorganization Plan No. I
- February 24, 1942: Assigned to the FHLBA, National Housing Agency, by Executive Order 9070
- July 27, 1947: Board of directors abolished by Reorganization Plan No. 3
- February 3, 1954: Terminated by order of Home Loan Bank Board Secretary
HOLC's eventual termination on February 3, 1954, marked the end of an era for the corporation.
Administrative/Biographical History
The Home Owner's Loan Corporation (HOLC) was a New Deal initiative originally called the Homeowners Loan Act of 1933.
The HOLC was created to refinance home mortgages and prevent foreclosure, which was a major issue during the Great Depression.
This refinancing helped many families, including those in Atlanta, keep their homes.
The program allowed homeowners to pay off their mortgages with private lenders, making it easier for them to stay in their homes.
The HOLC was funded over a million mortgages and lent out approximately $350 billion dollars before ending in 1954.
Organization Structure
The Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOC) was established in 1932 as a government corporation to provide mortgage financing for low-income and moderate-income homebuyers.
The HOC was owned by the federal government but operated independently from other federal agencies, giving it a unique structure.
The organization had a central office in Washington, D.C., and regional offices throughout the country, allowing it to reach a wide audience.
The president of the corporation reported directly to the Secretary of the Treasury, who served as the board of directors.
The executive vice president oversaw day-to-day operations, ensuring that the business ran smoothly.
Several departments handled various aspects of the business, including loan origination, appraisals, and servicing.
The HOC also contracted with private lenders, known as "approved lenders", to originate loans and sell them to the corporation, expanding its reach beyond its own staff.
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Loan Programs and Policies
The Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC) had a unique loan program that was designed to help homeowners who were struggling to pay their mortgages. The HOLC provided low-interest loans to homeowners who were facing foreclosure.
The HOLC also had a policy of not foreclosing on homes unless absolutely necessary, which helped to reduce the number of families who lost their homes. This was a key part of the HOLC's mission to provide relief to homeowners during the Great Depression.
Loan Repayments and Foreclosure Policies
The HOLC's loan repayment and foreclosure policies were designed to help homeowners get back on their feet. Between 1933 and 1935, the HOLC made slightly more than one million loans.
Typically, borrowers who refinanced their loans with the HOLC were over 2 years behind on payments and tax payments. The HOLC eventually foreclosed on 20 percent of the loans it refinanced.
It tended to wait until the borrower had failed to make payments for more than a year before foreclosing on the loan. When the HOLC foreclosed, it typically refurbished the home.
In many cases, the HOLC rented out the home until it could be resold. The HOLC tried to avoid selling too many homes quickly to avoid having negative effects on housing prices.
More than 800,000 people repaid their HOLC loans, and many repaid them on time. The HOLC officially ceased operations in 1951, when its last assets were sold to private lenders.
Financing Programs
The Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOC) offered several financing programs to help low-income families purchase homes. One such program was the HOC Suburban Homestead Program, which provided mortgages for homebuyers who couldn't obtain conventional bank loans due to their income level or credit history.
This program aimed to increase homeownership rates in urban and suburban areas by providing affordable housing options for lower-income households. It was a game-changer for many families who were previously priced out of the market.
The HOC also offered the HOC Mutual Mortgage Plan, which allowed buyers to form a cooperative corporation that would own and manage the property as a group. This plan was designed to encourage community development and provide affordable housing options for families in rural areas.
The HOC Mutual Mortgage Plan was a unique approach to homeownership, allowing multiple buyers to pool their resources and purchase a property together. It was a way for people to come together and achieve their goal of homeownership.
The Community Development Funding Program provided grants and loans to local governments and nonprofit organizations for the construction of affordable housing projects. These projects were intended to benefit low-income families and stimulate economic growth in communities across the country.
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Lending Criteria
The Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOC) had strict lending criteria for its mortgages, requiring borrowers to have a steady income and good credit history.
Borrowers also had to meet specific requirements regarding the size and value of the home they wished to purchase.
HOC mortgages were limited to certain areas of the country, excluding rural or agricultural areas.
These lending criteria were in place to ensure that borrowers were financially stable and able to repay their loans.
Controversies and Impact
HOC was established in 1934 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal to provide affordable housing for low-income Americans, but controversy surrounded the organization from its inception.
Critics argued that the loans were too expensive and that many borrowers could not afford the payments.
The loans were criticized for being too expensive, making it difficult for many borrowers to afford the payments.
Some believed that HOC was more interested in making profits than helping people find affordable housing.
HOC faced significant criticism throughout its existence due to questions about its effectiveness and fairness.
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Controversy Surrounding HOC

The Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOC) was established in 1934 with the intention of providing affordable housing for low-income Americans, but controversy surrounded the organization from its inception.
Critics argued that the loans offered by HOC were too expensive and that many borrowers couldn't afford the payments. This led to concerns about the organization's effectiveness in helping low-income families purchase homes.
HOC faced significant criticism due to questions about its fairness and methods. The company's use of discriminatory practices to deny loans to certain groups, such as African Americans and immigrants, was a major point of contention.
Many African American neighborhoods were excluded from receiving HOC loans due to redlining practices, leaving them unable to purchase homes and build wealth through property ownership. This perpetuated segregation and prevented generational wealth building.
HOC's policies had a devastating effect on African American communities, forcing many into poverty or homelessness and exacerbating existing inequalities within society. The company's decision to foreclose on properties and sell them at auction for less than their value further damaged these communities.
Community Development Initiatives
The Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOC) played a significant role in community development initiatives during the New Deal era. The Community Development Block Grant program was established to provide funding for neighborhood revitalization projects such as street improvements, park construction, and public housing.
The HOC's Urban Renewal Program aimed to clear slums and blighted areas, redeveloping them into more modern and efficient communities. This program included the use of eminent domain to acquire private property for public use.
The National Housing Act of 1954 provided funding for the construction and insurance of new homes through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), increasing homeownership rates among low-income families and stimulating economic growth in local communities.
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Legacy and Influence
The Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOC) played a significant role in providing mortgages to low-income families during the Great Depression.
Established in 1934 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, HOC helped pave the way for future government programs aimed at increasing access to affordable housing.
Its legacy continues to shape policies related to housing and community development.
HOC is credited with helping to establish the concept of homeownership among low-income Americans.
The HOC's use of redlining, however, has been criticized for perpetuating segregation and inequality in housing.
Overall, the legacy of HOC remains an important part of American history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the HOLC a success or failure?
The HOLC was deemed a success, achieving its goal of refinancing distressed homeowners while breaking even financially for taxpayers. Its remarkable shutdown after completing its task is a testament to its efficient execution.
Does the Homeowners loan Corporation still exist today?
No, the Home Owner's Loan Corporation (HOLC) ceased operations in 1951 and no longer exists today. Its legacy continues to shape the US housing market.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Owners%27_Loan_Corporation
- https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/statement-the-president-the-record-the-home-owners-loan-corporation
- https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/united-states-and-canada/us-history/home-owners-loan-corporation
- https://aspace-atlantahistorycenter.galileo.usg.edu/repositories/2/resources/1053
- https://www.freedomgpt.com/wiki/home-owners-loan-corporation-hoc
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