Resources for Fair Housing Month

By For Realtors April 6, 2021
Aerial shot of a suburban neighborhood

April is Fair Housing Month which commemorates the 1968 Fair Housing Act prohibiting discrimination in housing. Both the NC and the National Association of Realtors are offering tips and resources to spread the word this month, making it easier to market your business as being committed to fair housing.

The topic of Diversity is hotter than ever as evidenced in the National Association of Realtors and North Carolina Association of Realtors efforts towards raising awareness and education on the issues surrounding diversity, our Code of Ethics and adherence to Fair Housing standards.

New to both National and State Realtor® Associations, Diversity Committees have been formed to “promote REALTOR® voices in an inclusionary manner that reflects its members, local communities, and statewide diversity opportunities and initiatives.”

NAR’s Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Statement

“The National Association of REALTORS® represents more than 1.4 million REALTORS® in diverse communities across the country. NAR staff fosters a culture where diversity and inclusion are integrated into each of our five core values. Through inclusive collaboration and mutual respect for our colleagues, we focus on the principles that matter to the organization and drive how we engage each other to reach our common goals. We fully embrace perspectives from all walks of life—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin, socioeconomic status, political affiliation or any other qualities by which we may define ourselves. We commit to bringing out the best in ourselves, uncovering our hidden talents, and celebrating differences in our day-to-day interactions. These beliefs are essential as we serve our members who help fulfill the dream of home and property ownership in America.”

At Home With Diversity

NAR has developed and now offers a new course, At Home With Diversity, which addresses the topics of diversity, fair housing, and business planning development. The course is 6 hours and can be taken online or through various training centers and counted as CE credit and toward other certifications in most states. The course is discounted in the month of April in recognition of Fair Housing Month!

Fairhaven Simulation

Realtors® can take themselves through NARS’s Fairhaven Simulation, which simulates different scenarios and stories offering opportunities to confront discrimination in home buying and selling processes. The simulations will ask you to make choices and give specific outcomes based on those choices. You’ll be able to see discrimination from different angles and to learn more about applying the correct practices in real world transactions. Fairhaven Simulation videos and graphics can be found here: https://www.nar.realtor/fair-housing/fairhaven

NCAR’s Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Statement

NC REALTORS®, representing over 50,000 REALTORS® who reside in diverse communities across North Carolina, embodies our REALTOR® Code of Ethics, the governing document which protects the housing rights of all people, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We embrace equality and inclusivity, honoring individuals and respecting differing perspectives to reach common goals for the betterment of all. Racism and discrimination have no home in North Carolina. Adopted by the NC REALTORS® Board of Directors on October 15, 2020

NC Realtors Association has developed a learning center entitled, MOSAIC – Discussions on Diversity. Through Mosaic, Realtors can share their Diversity stories and learn from others’, learn about the holidays and observances of other cultures and populations and learn more about the Diversity Certification and Events. Here you will gain knowledge to assist you in being more sensitive and effective in dealing with clients.

To find out more about what’s going on at the state level, you can also join NCAR’s Facebook page.

Both NAR and NCAR have opportunities and events during April, Fair Housing Month. You can download pdf’s and articles to assist with Social Media, take the NC REALTORS® Visit Fairhaven Challenge to win fair housing swag , Earn CE on fair housing compliance with the virtual Focus on Fair Housing course on April 14 (CE included), and listen to real stories from peers-

All of this information can be found on NC REALTORS® website and is in your email box in the Realtor Rundown!

Resources for Inclusion of Minority Groups in Real Estate

National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP)
Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)
National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals

About the Author
Corrinne Loucks, NC Broker/REALTOR® • 828-773-1615 • [email protected]

A Realtor® in Boone and the High Country since 2003, I am passionate about offering my clientele superior service, innovative marketing, and a highly personalized, boutique-style experience. Upon moving to Boone, I started my real estate career as an Investor and was Broker-In-Charge of my own firm. Since then, I have excelled with other real estate firms and built a strong network of client friends. Together with my network of real estate-related professionals, along with my Professional Home Staging business, we will polish your home buying/selling experience with your goals as a priority. 

I’ve lived all over the United States from the NE to the SE and California before landing in Boone, NC. You’ve seen the signs, “The mountains are calling, and I must go?” Well, that was me 21 years ago! I love bluegrass music and, it seems, many of the great pickers were born in NC with a guitar in their hands! I sing, play a little mandolin and keyboards, and can be found at outdoor festivals and concerts when I’m not showing property! I also participate in many of our area’s outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to kayaking- the New River is my summer home! Caring for the needs of High Country residents is also very important to me. I serve in many ways, from preparing and serving meals at the Hospitality House to School Events to Habitat for Humanity Home Builds. In addition, I am honored to serve our community as a Licensed Foster Parent and Certified Guardian ad Litem, advocating for children in the courtroom.

The High Country of North Carolina is unique, with sizeable second home and student populations driving much of the market. It’s important that you work with a Realtor® like myself who is experienced and educated in the area, guaranteeing our success together. The acronyms behind my Broker title are not just letters - they stand for something;

 GRI - Graduate of the Realtor Institute. Brokers holding this designation have completed 12 3-day courses over 2 years or more for in-depth training.

 ABR - Accredited Buyer's Agent. An (ABR®) designation means your Realtor® has made extra efforts to raise the bar with additional courses and proven experience in serving BUYERS.

 SFR - Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification. Short sales and foreclosures are not for the faint of heart, and the courses I've taken arm me with the knowledge to assist clients in this area.

My business approach is founded on building lasting relationships based on commitment and trust, and much of my business comes from referrals from past clients. 

Make me Your Realtor of Choice, and work with someone you can trust to take your needs to heart and find the perfect property for YOU in the HIGH COUNTRY!