Focus on Fair Housing

A comedian once joked that home was just a place to keep your stuff.  Of course, as REALTORS® we know that home is much more.  Home is a place to feel safe, to celebrate, to raise families, to build wealth, and to build dreams. Through homeownership we also build community.

Sadly, for many in America, a home as a place to thrive is elusive.  Homeownership rates for Black Americans are still lower than in 2010; while the reasons for that have deep socio-economic reasons, including affordability, reports of discrimination are still far too common.

The National Association of REALTORS® reported in the “2022 Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in the U.S.” that 46 percent of Black/African American homebuyers reported being steered toward or away from specific neighborhoods.  Similar numbers were reported by Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino buyers. White/Caucasian buyers were at 35 percent.

Other forms of reported discrimination included refusal of a homeowner or agent to show a particular property; purchase offer being denied for suspected discriminatory reasons, as well as stricter requirements and access to types of loans. Adhering to Fair Housing practices can be as complex as understanding discriminatory lending practices or as a simple as word choices in a listing.

Regardless, adherence to Fair Housing practices not only ensures a level playing field but it also makes the home buying and selling experience better and more enjoyable for everyone.

April 21 Free Seminar

We encourage everyone to attend the 2^nd annual Focus on Fair Housing presented by the
Real Estate for All Alliance.  This one-day virtual event on April 21 features nationally recognized speaker Marki Lemons-Ryhal, who will present a keynote address as well as conduct conversation among REFAA members.

We also will be joined by Deb Diesing, Florida REALTORS® instructor, presenting a two-hour continuing education course, Be the Change – Fair Housing and You.

Merrick Damon, Founder, President, and CEO of the MerrickDamon Family of Companies, will speak about the importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in real estate. Finally, Florida REALTORS® Vice President of Law and Policy & General Counsel, Juana Watkins will share information about some of the legal impacts of fair housing, including some fascinating cases that impact our REALTORS®.

It promises to be an interesting and powerful day. Please join us. Register today.