Pleasanton, CA — Our job as REALTORS® is to assist everyone on their journey to homeownership.
Technically, the official definition is “a person who acts as an agent for the sale and purchase of buildings and land.” If you ask the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), they define a REALTOR® as “a federally registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.”
Sounds simple enough, right?
Ask any REALTOR® and I bet you would get a very different definition compared to either one of the above. While we all approach our duties as a REALTOR® very differently, one thing that remains the same among all true REALTORS® is their commitment to making homeownership in this country available to everyone regardless of color, race, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, and familial status.
On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson made discrimination in housing unlawful. Years later, the tradition of celebrating Fair Housing Month in April was born to remind us why discriminating in housing based on any of the above criteria is very much prohibited.
The importance of this law resonates deeply within the NextHome organization. Along with our 5,300+ members across the country, we are committed to ensuring that everyone with a desire to own a home can use our services to find or sell their next home with comfort and security, knowing they will be treated fairly and equally.
We also recognize that to see the change, you must be ready to lead the change. It is for this, and many other reasons, that NextHome has partnered with the National Association of REALTORS® to provide all of our brokers and agents with the opportunity to take the At Home With Diversity® certification course – as an included member benefit, at no additional cost.
We’re committed to ensuring our members have the full expertise and tools they need to navigate an ever-changing multicultural marketplace, and it’s our commitment to every past, current and future client working with a NextHome associate on their real estate needs.
Instructed by our Vice President Imran Poladi, the certification course teaches diversity sensitivity, how it applies to U.S. Fair Housing Laws, and ways to do business in the diverse real estate market we swore an oath to uphold. Our NextHome members will gain invaluable knowledge of the legal aspects, as well as the business etiquette for specific cultures, ways to expand their business to better serve international clients, and much more.
Fair Housing Month and our partnership with NAR to offer At Home with Diversity® to all NextHome members come together to further our mission of “enriching lives by helping people find their next home.” The certification course speaks directly to our core values of Diversity, Teamwork, Professionalism, Fun, Integrity, and Commitment.
The real estate industry plays a critical role in helping bridge the gap between generational wealth and achieving the American dream. NextHome will continue to lead and ensure there is an opportunity for all by partnering with those in our industry that share the same values and passion we have when it comes to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our focus remains clear – we will continue to ensure homeownership for all who desire it.
This content was originally published here.