Section 2: Fair Housing and Diversity

Section 2: Fair Housing and Diversity At the conclusion of this section, you should be able to: discuss the One America Principles and fair housing, describe the Philosophy of Inclusion, describe the Equal Professional Service Model; and analyze and answer questions about fair housing cases. Review this section’s learning outcomes. Present and emphasize the four points regarding fair housing and diversity.   Explain how fair housing laws support and complement diversity. Explain that Fair Housing and Diversity make legal and economic bottom-line sense. ©NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

The One America Initiative Opportunity Celebrate differences Embrace shared values Responsibility One America Initiative Summarize: The One America Principles shown on this slide are the basis for this program. The principles were designed to create a diverse democratic community, where there is opportunity for all and responsibility for all. Democracy and diversity are respected and even celebrated. Shared values are embraced and create unity. Just as it’s important to understand and value how each of us is different, it’s also very important to understand what we have in common. Ask students to read the One America Principles.   Ask: “How many people already knew about the One America Principles? Are there any questions, comments, or concerns about incorporating these principles into real estate practice?”

Discriminatory acts Be wary of: Steering Discrimination in advertising Some of our behaviors may not be apparent to even ourselves – so we need to be very observant and careful. At Home with Diversity

Predatory lending Abusive and predatory lending practices as defined by NAR: Home equity stripping Diminished personal credit standing Violations of federal consumer protection statutes and regulations Ask participants if they have experienced predatory lenders. Ask participants how they assist their clients so that they do not become victims of predatory lenders. At Home with Diversity

NAR Code of Ethics REALTORS® have a long history of supporting the letter and spirit of our nation’s fair housing laws. Through the Code of Ethics, all REALTORS® pledge to conduct their businesses in accordance with its tenets, and to observe its spirit in all of their activities. Article 10 outlines NAR’s commitment to equal opportunity in housing:   The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Effective January 1, 2008 Article 10 Duties to the Public Emphasize that the NAR's Code of Ethics is the REALTORS® commitment to fair housing and diversity. At Home with Diversity

Providing equal service Offer a variety of choices: at the most favorable terms and conditions, in all communities where existing, with complete access to all financing and insurance, with reasonable accommodations Say: To avoid steering, make every effort to provide equal professional services. You can treat clients “differently” based on their cultural background and what’s necessary to communicate effectively with them, but you must ALWAYS provide equal professional service. Ask: “What is equal service? How would you explain it to a new agent?” Explain or discuss the terms. At Home with Diversity

Tips for affirmative practices Post the fair housing poster so that it can be seen by all. Read and follow the REALTOR® Fair Housing Declaration. It is a reminder to incorporate fair housing in your daily practice by: providing equal service, using inclusive advertising, and celebrating differences. Ask participants what methods they use in their practices as guidelines for themselves, and to inform clients.   Discuss how a commitment to fair housing can assist in future business. Displaying the fair housing posters in public office spaces is a good way to let clients and the public know that you support and abide by fair housing laws. At Home with Diversity

Tips for affirmative practices (cont’d.) Incorporate the Equal Professional Service Model into your practice to protect you and your clients from discrimination. Use systematic procedures - for qualifying buyers, getting listings, conducting open houses, keeping records, and contacting clients. Obtain and use objective information. Let the customer set the limits. Offer a variety of choices. At Home with Diversity

Section 2: Summary In this section we: reviewed and discussed the One America Principles and fair housing, discussed the Philosophy of Inclusion, identified ways to apply the Equal Professional Service Model, and read, analyzed, and answered questions regarding actual fair housing cases. Conclude this section by asking the class probing questions based on the learning outcomes we expected above. At Home with Diversity