“You can’t be free, unless you’re brave. It’s on every coin in our pocket and every bill in our wallet that says ‘In God We Trust.’” – Dr. Carson As a cornerstone of the American Dream, homeownership means even more to people in these unprecedented times. In this special bonus episode, Brian interviews Dr. Ben Carson, United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Brian D. Montgomery, Assistant Secretary for Housing – Federal Housing Commissioner to get an insight into how the Coronavirus pandemic will affect the housing market. Topics discussed include why health and housing go hand in hand; how the housing market as a whole is currently holding up; and what homeowners can do if they’re struggling to keep up with mortgage payments. Read transcript for “A Home of the Brave - an Interview with Dr. Ben Carson and Brian D. Montgomery #203.   YOU WILL LEARN: If any changes to FHA underwriting guidelines are coming. How the ongoing housing shortage will impact first-time buyers and renters How the real estate community can support fair housing programs.   INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “This too will pass; people need to understand. It will come and it will go.” – Dr. Carson “We have to recognize that, by shutting down the whole country, we also have some significant economic consequences. So, we’re going to have to fashion solutions that take everything into account. We don’t want to destroy one area to say that we’ve succeeded in another area.” – Dr. Carson “People should understand that each one of us plays a significant role.” – Dr. Carson “People must take the social distancing very seriously.” – Dr. Carson “Act as if you have the virus at all times, and you’ll do the right thing.” – Brian Buffini “Having a place that you can call your own, a place that you can go to and be supported – you can’t put a value on that. It’s so vitally important. That peace of mind allows you to grow and to plan.” – Dr. Carson “Homeownership is the number one mechanism of wealth accumulation in this nation.” – Dr. Carson “It’s very important for people to understand that we’re in a radically different place going into this crisis than we were with the mortgage crisis.” – Brian Buffini “This is a blip. This too will pass. The fundamentals remain the same; they are still strong.” – Dr. Carson “I think once this is all over, you’re going to see a continuation of improvement in the market.” – Dr. Carson “We do still have shortages of course, in particular with existing homes and it’s going to take a while for us to rectify that situation, but it’s all moving in the right direction.” – Dr. Carson “While none of us wanted this to happen and hope it ends quickly, thankfully it’s during a rather strong housing market.” – Commissioner Montgomery “The key thing we want to make sure that people understand is that no-one should lose their home as a result of this.” – “Commissioner Montgomery “We wanted to stop in their tracks any foreclosures or evictions that were going on. But we also wanted to emphasize to people that we have a relationship with the services and we asked them to exercise forbearance.” – Dr Carson “If you foresee an issue with your mortgage payment, you need to contact your servicer and they will work with you.” – Dr. Carson “You still have to contact your lender if you think you’re going to miss a payment or get behind on a payment.” – Brian Buffini “People should not be embarrassed. Recognize that this is a widespread problem. Your neighbor may look like they’re very prosperous, but really they’re thinking the same thing you are.” – Dr. Carson “We recognize that we have an obligation to the people that we serve and we’re going to make sure it is fulfilled.” – Dr. Carson “This has come to pass; it hasn’t come to stay.” – Beverly Buffini “We want to be the voice of steady and calm.” – Commissioner Montgomery “People are just reaching out. For the most part, we Americans are peaceful people who care about their ne