Fair housing is more than a list of dos and don’ts, rights and penalties, and mandatory continuing education.

As stewards of the right to own, use and transfer private property, fair housing protects our livelihood and business as REALTORS® and depends on a free, open market that embraces equal opportunity.

This page is a dedicated spot to house resources and tools to help REALTOR® members and associations learn more about fair housing.

 
NC REALTORS® Diversity & Inclusion 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 in October 2020

Fair Housing Declaration

Print a copy of the REALTOR® Fair Housing Declaration and post it in your office and/or association.

I agree to:
  • Provide equal professional service without regard to the race, color, religion, gender (sex), disability (handicap), familial status, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity of any prospective client, customer, or of the residents of any community.
  • Keep informed about fair housing law and practices, improving my clients’ and customers’ opportunities and my business.
  • Develop advertising that indicates that everyone is welcome and no one is excluded;, expanding my client’s and customer’s opportunities to see, buy, or lease property.
  • Inform my clients and customers about their rights and responsibilities under the fair housing laws by providing brochures and other information.
  • Document my efforts to provide professional service, which will assist me in becoming a more responsive and successful REALTOR®.
  • Refuse to tolerate non-compliance.
  • Learn about those who are different from me, and celebrate those differences.
  • Take a positive approach to fair housing practices and aspire to follow the spirit as well as the letter of the law.
  • Develop and implement fair housing practices for my firm to carry out the spirit of this declaration.
Courses

Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing – CE Available

This certificate course, offered by NC REALTORS®, helps real estate professionals interrupt stereotypical thinking so they can avoid fair housing pitfalls and provide equal professional service to every customer or client. Participants will learn about the mind science of identity, study how implicit bias can result in fair housing violations, and engage in interactive exercises to enhance communication skills and business relationships with clients of all backgrounds.

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Fair Housing and Beyond – CE Available

Fair Housing laws, beginning with the Fair Housing Act of 1968, were enacted to prohibit discrimination against certain protected classes. Real estate professionals must be familiar with both the theory and practice of Fair Housing when conducting business. This course covers discrimination and housing, types of violations, advertising rules, ADA, penalties, fair employment practices, fair credit practices.  It also explores anti-trust laws, bankruptcy protection, environmental considerations, and data security.

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At Home With Diversity certification


This course teaches sensitivity and adaptability to future market trends and illustrates the changing face of the real estate industry.

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Fair Housing: Understanding Accommodations & Modifications

Knowing the difference between accommodations and modifications makes all the difference. This course will help provide clarity on the three areas that generate several questions as it relates to landlord/tenant laws and intentions.

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Free Training Tools
  • Housing Point: Fair Housing Act Video Download – now FREE for all members
    This training video highlights numerous scenarios and provides risk management tips on how to meet the obligations under the Fair Housing Act.
  • Fairhaven Simulation Training – FREE for all members
    This interactive training simulation helps agents identify and confront discrimination in home buying.
  • Window to the Law episodes
    This video provides a Fair Housing Update and provides tips and tools you need now to understand and comply with this important law.
  • Legal Affairs publications
    Noncompliance with fair housing laws is a risk that responsible real estate brokers simply cannot assume as a cost of doing business. The Fair Housing chapter from Real Estate Brokerage Essentials is now a free download!
  • Free digital downloads from the REALTOR® Store
    Access nearly every fair housing brochure, handbook and publication for FREE here.
Articles
NAR Resources

Real estate professionals and consumers depend on strong fair housing laws and practices for our communities and economy to thrive. Discrimination distorts the housing market and closes the door on the American dream of homeownership for qualified buyers. NAR provides fair housing resources including policy advocacy, innovative programming and legal guidance. Explore NAR’s Fair Housing resources.

State & Federal Resources
 

Podcasts

reDefined Podcast

Facing Racial Discrimination in Housing
NC REALTORS® REdefined, Episode 21

reDefined Podcast

Fairhaven Training Overview
NC REALTORS® REdefined, Episode 25

 
 

Webinars & Training Videos

Lessons Learned from Long Island Divided with Bill Dedman, Reporter for Newsday
This webinar discusses Newsday’s Peabody Award-winning investigation, Long Island Divided and its documentary film Testing the Divide, which are raising awareness of illegal steering by real estate agents.

Fair Housing for Our Future with Bryan Greene, NAR’s Director of Fair Housing Policy
A webinar discussion on the impacts of the Long Island investigation, NAR’s response and ACT plan, and how that all applies to your business.

Really Brief History of Fair Housing with Nate K. Johnson, President of Real Estate Solutions
This webinar discusses the history and evolution of The Fair Housing Act and its impact on society. Discover how the changing face of America affects our politics and shapes our nation.