Housing Opportunity Program

Blueprints for Success

REALTORS® in state and local associations, small and large, have launched hundreds of affordable housing programs. Blueprints for Success shows you a representative sample. By looking them over, you will learn a lot about how to create a program, taking advantage of the resources NAR can offer, and how to become an effective advocate for housing opportunities with local elected officials, with the news media, and with others in your community.

If you are just beginning to work with your association to promote housing opportunities, this kit can provide ideas and resources. We hope you will keep in touch with us as you develop and launch your housing opportunity program.

Click a link below to open a file, or right-click a link to save the file to your computer's hard drive.

• Table of Contents (PDF: 46KB)
• Housing Opportunities: What's the Big Deal? - REALTORS® are ideally situated to improve housing opportunities where they live. They are the first stop for the prospective homebuyer or renter. REALTORS® also have the clout to bring about needed changes in local, state, and federal housing policies. Read more > (PDF: 1.43MB)
• Get the Facts on Affordable Housing - It is commonly believed that affordable housing lowers neighboring property values. However, this notion is simply not borne out by the facts. Read more > (PDF: 1.75MB)
• Work with Elected Officials - Housing issues are local, and affordability problems vary by community. The most direct way to create housing opportunities is often at the city and county level. Read more > (PDF: 1.3MB)
• Work with the News Media - Local print, broadcast, and online media can be powerful allies in delivering your message to large segments of the population. Read more > (PDF: 1.27MB)
• Work with Your Community - Fear drives much of the local opposition to affordable housing. While legitimate concerns may be expressed about excessive population density or traffic congestion, many residents fear decline in property values, increased crime, or simply the unknown. Read more > (PDF: 1.13MB)
• Model Housing Opportunity Programs - While no one has found a "silver bullet," a wide range of approaches are paying off. REALTORS® are educating the public as well as prospective homebuyers. They are participating in coalitions to shape public policy and introduce innovative financing models. Read more > (PDF: 4.36MB)

Download the complete Blueprints for Success booklet (PDF: 10.9MB)