Every April, REALTORS® across the country commemorate Fair Housing Month, which signifies our recommitment to expanding equal access to housing. Fair Housing Month most importantly celebrates the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 with events and education that shines a light on housing discrimination and segregation.
When studying the history of housing in this country, it’s easy to think that discrimination in the real estate industry is an unsightly blemish somewhere far in our past. But the truth is that unfortunately this discrimination is still possible today. Residential segregation in America doesn’t happen by accident. Americans of different races live apart because of deliberate actions by public and private actors. There can even be ties to governing bodies perpetrating programs and incentives to keep different races and classes of people apart. But as community leaders, Realtors® have the opportunity to be a part of the transformative solution, providing equal service to all.
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Fair Housing Action Plan, abbreviated ‘ACT,’ emphasizes Accountability, Culture Change, and Training in order to ensure America’s 1.5 million REALTORS® are doing everything possible to protect housing rights in America. To help in this effort, NAR launched Fairhaven.realtor — 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.
So, what do these Fair Housing efforts look like locally? At Greater Chattanooga Realtors®, this month we are holding a number of Fair Housing classes to make sure that our members are up to date on the latest ways to maintain their vigilance and commitment to Fair Housing. Since NAR introduced Fairhaven in 2020 over 150 Greater Chattanooga Realtors® have completed or are in the process of completing the Fairhaven Fair Housing simulator. Simply put, Realtors understand the local markets and their impact on the real estate industry. Our members know how best to work with potential buyers and sellers, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.
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 work for our clients and community every day. That’s Who We R®.