HOT Topic: Fair Housing
Something has been buzzing around the real estate world for a while now, and this year has been it’s biggest year yet! Fair housing. Why 2021? What’s all the hullabaloo about?
Fair housing is more than a list of dos and don’ts, rights and penalties, and mandatory continuing education. As stewards of the right to own, use and transfer private property, fair housing protects our livelihood and business as REALTORS® and depends on a free, open market that embraces equal opportunity.
REALTORS® recognize the significance of the Fair Housing Act and reconfirm their commitment to upholding fair housing law as well as their commitment to offering equal professional service to all in their search for real property.
NAR’s Fair Housing Action Plan, abbreviated ‘ACT,’ emphasizes (A)ccountability, (C)ulture Change, and (T)raining in order to ensure America’s 1.4 million REALTORS® are doing everything possible to protect housing rights in America. On November 18, 2020, NAR launched Fairhaven.realtor(link is external) — an innovative online simulation training, where agents work against the clock to sell homes in the fictional town of Fairhaven, while confronting discrimination in the homebuying process. During the training, learners also walk in the shoes of a homebuyer facing discrimination. The training provides customized feedback that learners can apply to daily business interactions.
Here at MAAR, we value the importance of REALTORS® education. Want to learn more?
Join us for any of these future events by registering through your member portal or call the office at 251-479-8654.
*Wednesday, June 23rd at 10am – 1pm AREAA of Greater Birmingham Fair Housing Summit. There will be a FREE watch party at MAAR, with lunch included AND you can get CE credits for it.
*Thursday, July 8th – we are hosting 2 Fair Housing classes with Sarah Taggart, also for CE credit. $25 for members, $45 for non-members.
Fair Housing Resources for REALTORS®
Real Estate Brokerage Essentials: The Fair Housing Chapter (National Association of REALTORS®)
That’s Who We R: Fair Housing Assets (National Association of REALTORS®)
Expanding Housing Opportunities Course (National Association of REALTORS®)
2020 Fair Housing Month Toolkit(link is external) (National Association of REALTORS® and REALTOR® Party, March 2020)
Guidance for Fair Housing Compliance During the COVID-19 Pandemic (National Association of REALTORS®, 2020)
How to Talk About Fair Housing and Diverse Homeownership (National Association of REALTORS®, May 2017)
Fair Housing, Equal Opportunity for All Brochure(link is external) (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2011)
Fair Housing Marketing Outreach Tools(link is external) [Available in several languages] (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)
REALTOR® Fair Housing Declaration (National Association of REALTORS®)
What Everyone Should Know About Equal Opportunity in Housing(link is external) Item 166-799 (REALTOR® Store)
NAR “At Home With Diversity” Course (National Association of REALTORS®)
Fair Housing Grants(link is external) (REALTOR® Party)
Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP)(link is external) (HUD)