Tomorrow's Association is Diverse

Diversity initiatives have helped these REALTOR^® associations to:

Capture emerging markets. “We want to be the voice for real estate in Greater Minneapolis,” explains Bill Gerst, vice president of public affairs for the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS^® (MAAR).

“With successful outreach there will be no reason for brokers and agents to join other real estate organizations.” With that philosophy, MAAR began over 15 years ago to strengthen opportunities for minority members.

Today, its thriving Multicultural Network of Real Estate Professionals makes MAAR a familiar presence in the area’s emerging markets.

Read the Minneapolis (Minn.) Area Association of REALTORS® case study: Gaining Visibility in New Communities: Dues Assistance and Networking

Increase membership. On the West Coast, diversity initiatives have paid off in spectacular membership growth. The Southland Regional Association of REALTORS® (SRAR) added 2,000 new members over the past three years – it’s now at 9,000 – because of activities such as a highly popular “multicultural mixer.” Says Brian Paul, director of member and community relations, “To be an effective organization, we have to meet the needs of our entire community. If we don’t, some other organization will take our place.”

Read the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS® case study: Widening the Network:"Ambassadors" Promote Diversity in Leadership

Gain positive media attention. In California’s Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® (SCCAOR) discovered through a member survey that one-half the 1,600 who have joined since January 2002 speak a primary language other than English. The Association has attracted media attention with its success in filling leadership positions with professionals of diverse national origins.

Read the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® case study: Planning for a Majority of None: Web Site, Mentors Reach Varied Groups

Create opportunities. Even small associations now consider diversity initiatives essential to their long-term survival. The demographic composition of the Rancho Southeast REALTORS® is typical of many West Coast boards. Yet diverse markets exist in a growing number of states. An example is central Tennessee, where an influx of Spanish speakers is motivating the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® to offer its members courses in language skills and cultural sensitivity. “We are attempting to help our members understand that by diversifying their client base they create more opportunities,” says CEO Helen Carter. “These opportunities multiply.”

Read the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® case study: Association Members — Think Globally, Sell Locally

Break barriers to sales.Much the same conclusion was reached by the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®, whose members serve counties in which 10-20 percent of residents are native Spanish speakers. The Association’s conversational Spanish course, which fills classrooms, focuses on the specific needs of the real estate industry by teaching phrases used in discussing matters such as currency and appointment times. Even a modest command of Spanish helps members, says Ann Brady, manager for programs and awards. “It helps to break the barrier.”

Read the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS® case study: Opening "Puertas" with Real Estate Spanish

Help heal cultural rifts. REALTORS® can have a positive influence over the ways in which communities respond to cultural differences. When disputes arose over the housing preferences of newly arrived Chinese Americans, the Arcadia (California) Association of REALTORS® helped to pave the way for political compromise and new zoning regulations that addressed the needs of all parties in the housing market

Read the Arcadia Association of REALTORS® case study: REALTORS® Help Bridge a Cultural Divide

Do the right thing. Many REALTORS® are committed to diversity simply because they feel it is the right thing to do. The board of the Colorado Association of REALTORS®, for example, recently adopted a pledge to take specific steps to promote racial and ethnic diversity. Local associations in the state are now reviewing the pledge, and many have already adopted it.

Read the Colorado Association of REALTORS® case study: Diversity Pledge Formalizes a Commitment

Why a Diversity Program?

Diversity Initiatives Strengthen Community Influence

It May Be Easier Than You Think

Racial and Ethnic Diversity Is the Hallmark of Today's Real Estate Market


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