From Coast to Coast: A Look at How REALTORS® are Helping Families Build Generational Wealth Through Homeownership

In every part of the country, REALTORS® have agreed on a common goal: we are all striving to help as many people as possible achieve the American Dream of homeownership, and to build generational wealth through homeownership. As part of the annual celebration of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the real estate profession comes together to commemorate the passage of the Act and to reflect on housing discrimination and segregation, in the past as well as in the present. Fair housing month signifies a re-commitment to advancing equitable opportunities and expanding homeownership.

If you are unfamiliar with the Fair Housing Act, the National Association of REALTORS® reports that Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, as well as in other housing transactions, in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1968. It covers racial, ethnic, religious, and sexist issues, as well as family, national origin, and disability aspects of housing transactions.

So, why is fair housing so significant to REALTORS®? The Fair Housing Act generally prohibits five different types of discrimination in housing sales and rentals:

1. To refuse to sell or rent, or to otherwise make unavailable a dwelling because of a person’s membership in a protected class.

2. Discrimination in the terms, conditions, or privileges of a sale or rental of housing, or in the provision of services in connection with the same.

3. Use of advertising that expresses a preference for or against certain persons because of their membership in a particular protected class.

4. Representations that a dwelling is not available for sale or rent, when in fact it is available.

5. Attempts to induce a person to sell or rent a dwelling by referring to the prospective entry of persons of a particular race, color, sex, religion, national origin, handicap, or familial status.

Through advocacy, innovative programming and legal guidance, the National Association of REALTORS® has advanced its commitment to fair housing. At the local level, it is key to speak with our colleagues, teammates, and partners about keeping accountable and making fair housing a priority in our businesses. America is the melting pot of the world, Texas is the melting pot of our nation, and the Central Texas area is the melting pot of our state. Together we can help all qualified buyers in our increasingly diverse community attain homeownership.

Intro to Divorce Real Estate: Jacque Smith of Independence Title, Cindy Reeder of RE/MAX Capital City and Ashley Hibbetts of Amerifirst Mortgage