Diversity is a core value of PSAR. Realtors are the stewards of the right to own, use and transfer private property, and fair housing protects buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants. Our livelihood as REALTORS® is dependent on fair housing laws.
Resources, Training & Updates
This post was originally posted in January 2020, it has been updated a couple of times. It was last updated on August 4th to add NAR resources, book links, and interesting research compiled by the Non-Profit Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) about Redlining in San Diego County.
NY Newsday ran an investigative story in 2019 called LI Divided. The story made clear that in order to pursue the goals of the Fair Housing Act, we need to make sure that real estate agents are accountable, that we continue to improve the real estate culture and that we provide solid training.
NAR launched Fairhaven, a fair housing simulation training for REALTORS® that uses the power of storytelling and game-play to help members identify, address and prevent discriminatory practices in real estate. Inspired by real stories, this innovative online experience has agents work against the clock to sell homes in the fictional town of Fairhaven, while confronting discrimination in the homebuying process. Learners will also walk in the shoes of a homebuyer facing discrimination. The training provides customized feedback that learners can apply to daily business interactions.
PSAR's Board of Directors encourages all Realtors to enhance awareness of fair housing practices via this no-cost program. Be an advocate for fair housing and the future of our industry. Commit to combating discrimination in real estate. You can learn more about Fairhaven by viewing the promotional Video at the link shown below.
Get started NOW by visiting https://fairhaven.realtor/ to explore the fictional town of Fairhaven and assess how well you are adhering to fair housing principles.
Hate Speech: In 2020 REALTORS implemented rule changes to ensure that the REALTOR® Code of Ethics extends beyond real estate-related activities. It is now a violation for REALTORS® to use harassing or hate speech toward any of the protected classes under Article 10 of NAR's Code of Ethics. Those protected classes are defined by race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. Violators may be disciplined by punishment up to and including removal from the Association. . Read more here.
REALTOR Resources:
- Good Fair Housing Books provided by NAR
- Fair Housing resources provided by NAR
- NAR's Fair Housing Action Plan (ACT initiative)
- CAR resources
- New CAR Webpage Focused on issues related to diversity equity and inclusion (DEI)
- Fair Housing Legal FAQs provided by C.A.R.
- Fair Housing legal resources provided by C.A.R.
- Predatory Lending resources provided by C.A.R.
Other San Diego County Resources:
- San Diego County Fair Housing
- City of San Diego Fair Housing
- CSA San Diego Manages Fair Housing for Many Localities
- The San Diego Regional Alliance for Fair Housing
- LISC Report and Maps on Redlining in San Diego County
Join the discussions.
The Deliberately Fair Housing (DFH) Facebook Group is a private group open for interested professionals. It is a great place to find more current resources and updates. This group hosts monthly discussions online and also has a book club discussion group facilitated by Realtor Tim Ambrose and PSAR CEO Richard D'Ascoli.
PSAR also purchased copies of the book The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein. The Association is giving the book to members and civic leaders willing to participate in Reading Circles to discuss the book. Please contact support@psar.org for more information about obtaining a copy and joining a reading Circle.
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PSAR's mission is to empower Realtors.
Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth, and development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.