APRIL is FAIR HOUSING MONTH

“Homeownership is part of the American dream”, said 2008 NAR President-elect Charles McMillan. As the national leading advocate for housing issues, NAR is committed to removing disparities in homeownership and making the face of homeownership in this country look more like America.

Fair Housing Act

A federal law passed in 1968 and amended in 1988 with NAR support. The original law strove to ensure equal housing opportunity for all, making it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The amendments extended protection to families with children and persons with disabilities.

The Code of Ethics

Article 10 of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Code of Ethics provides that "REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. REALTORS® shall not be a party to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin."

A REALTOR® pledges to conduct business in keeping with the spirit and letter of the Code of Ethics. Article 10 imposes obligations upon REALTORS® and is also a firm statement of support for equal opportunity in housing.

Think you're pretty well versed in federal fair housing law? Answer these 12 questions to see whether you're ready to tout your fair housing know-how to your clients and customers. http://www.realtor.org/rmoquiz2.nsf/FairHousingQuiz?OpenForm

April is recognized as Fair Housing month nationally, but as REALTORS®, we are committed at all times and in each encounter to act professionally to uphold fair housing practices. Fair and equal housing is apart of you and your association’s pledge. You as individual members can show your support by earning the At Home with Diversity certification. The course will enrich your ability to deal with persons of varied styles.

At Home with Diversity Online Course® — 50% off for April!

Members who do not have a course in their area may take the At Home with Diversity® Online Course through REALTOR® University for 50% off of the regular cost in April only. Use coupon code AHWD50 when you register for the online course.

Your Texas Association of REALTORS has many educational courses that can satisfy your MCE and also earn your Affordable Housing Certification. There are 12 credit hours MCE built into the course. The United Texas course is becoming very popular. Go to TexasRealtors.com then to Education and Affordable Housing.

While April is Fair Housing Month, June is Homeownership Month. Our Fair and Affordable Housing campaign begins April 1 and goes through June. Below is a link to support materials.
http://www.texasrealtors.com/ae/resources/adresources/fairhousing.htm

Protect yourself and your association by being FAIR and Equal at all times.

Elizabeth James is your Texas Association of REALTORS Central Texas Field Representative. Pete can be reached at ejames@TexasRealtors.com or (512)971-8334.