Not all question the American dream of home ownership and active participation in material culture, particularly not those who have been traditionally denied access to it. In this collection of 14 essays, contributors analyze the continuing belief by Americans of low income in home ownership, show how the alternate financial system (pawnshops, payday lenders) and sub-prime lenders work both for and against these customers, and present ideas to attract these households to use mainline financial institutions. Specific topics include the concept of credit and assets in a dual financial service system, the relationship between banking and acquiring home equity wealth, the changing roles of housing finance and community-based organizations, risk-based pricing, credit as an impediment to home ownership, the role of the credit score, credit market regulation, accuracy in credit reporting, inclusion in saving policy, improved financial services for low-income customers and innovative servicing technologies. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)