Daily Real Estate News  |  April 1, 2008  |   April Marks 40 Years of Fair Housing
As America celebrates the 40th anniversary of Fair Housing Act this month, REALTORSŪ continue to be outspoken advocates for fair housing, working with home buyers and sellers to ensure they receive equal access to affordable housing and homeownership.

The Fair Housing Act protects the basic right of all Americans to pursue the dream of homeownership, free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status and national origin. NAR has a strong commitment to fair housing through partnerships with real estate diversity partners, education, and grant and award programs.

“REALTORSŪ build communities and play a vital role in advancing fair housing laws and improving access to affordable housing,” says NAR President Dick Gaylord. “NAR and its 1.3 million members pledge to continue our work educating home buyers and homeowners in our communities about fair housing laws, discrimination, and predatory lending practices, making the dream of homeownership viable for all Americans.”

What NAR Is Doing

• Pushing for flexible FHA. NAR is working with Congress to make permanent the new FHA conforming loan limits, mandated by the economic stimulus package, so that Americans can access affordable financing in all areas of the country. REALTORSŪ also continue to push for a stronger, more flexible FHA program, to give more first-time buyers access to affordable and safe financing options.

• Educating real estate professionals. For the past decade, NAR has been educating REALTORSŪ through its “At Home with Diversity” program to be sensitive yet aggressive in meeting homeownership needs of a diverse society. More than 25,000 REALTORSŪ have completed the course. In celebration of Fair Housing Month, NAR is waiving the program fee for any local or state REALTORŪ association that sponsors the course in April. Members can also save 50 percent off the online course this month.

• Rewarding progress. NAR also embraces fair housing by recognizing the efforts of individuals and organizations that advance minority homeownership. NAR joins together with five real estate diversity partners in sponsoring the HOPE Awards (Home Ownership Participation for Everyone). The awards showcase exceptional individuals and organizations that are working to increase minority homeownership, revitalize communities and expand affordable housing opportunities.

• Making a visible commitment. In 2007, NAR proudly contributed $1 million to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project. The memorial is due to open on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in 2009.

• Funding special programs. In addition, NAR’s Community Outreach Department provides financial resources to local and state RealtorŪ associations for programs and activities that advance smart growth, diversity and housing opportunities. Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded twice a year; more than $239,000 was awarded in 2007.

— REALTORŪ Magazine Online

Learn More

Economy: Impact of higher loan limits

Fair Housing Resources at REALTOR.org

NAR President's Report: Fair Housing