Apr. 2007
April is Fair Housing Month, and it's a month-long reminder of our right to "own, use, and transfer real estate and housing in a diverse marketplace, free from discrimination that is based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, and national origin."
In other words, it's about making sure folks have equal and affordable housing opportunities — and ensuring that the housing industry is also an advocate for equal opportunity when it comes to shelter. For many, owning a home is the epitome of the American Dream.
In fact, a National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) survey shows that both homeowners and renters see homeownership as a measure of financial security, and survey respondents said they would sacrifice luxuries like home electronics, cars, and vacations to purchase a home.
"Breaking down the barriers to homeownership" is the Fair Housing Act in a nutshell. Originally Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of race or color; national origin; religion; sex; familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18); or disability. The Fair Housing Act includes most housing, and prohibits such actions as:
The Fair Housing Act also applies to mortgage lending situations, stating that no one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability:
It's illegal for anyone to threaten, coerce, intimidate, or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right, or assisting others who exercise that right.
The Fair Housing Act is housing for everyone, but it's still an uphill battle for some. Although NAR found that homeownership rates have generally increased among minorities, there's a disparity between rates for African Americans, Hispanics, and other minority groups.
Low- and moderate-income families, as well as minorities, are the groups that homeownership often eludes the most. In the end, a shortage of workforce housing in many cities creates problems for everyone, especially those employed in key community positions, like police officers, teachers, firefighters, and
healthcare workers.
The National Association of REALTORS® and Texas REALTORS® in particular are responding to the need to increase affordable housing opportunities for everyone — now and throughout the year.
In 2001, NAR started an initiative to recognize outstanding contributions to minority homeownership. The annual HOPE (Home Ownership Participation for Everyone) Awards recognizes up to six organizations and individuals who are making outstanding contributions to the goal of increasing minority homeownership.
NAR also has an At Home with Diversity program, which educates real estate agents on being knowledgeable, sensitive to and aggressive in meeting the homeownership needs of our culturally rich "melting pot" society. At Home with Diversity and programs like it are offered year-round in Texas.
In addition, the Texas Association of REALTORS® created a program called United Texas: Housing Initiatives that Work. This four-hour course teaches Texas REALTORS® about various low-cost mortgage and downpayment assistance programs that can help more Texas families become proud homeowners.
To commemorate Fair Housing Month, Texas REALTORS® are sponsoring a series of radio messages statewide throughout April. You can hear them on any of the 130-plus Texas State Networks (TSN) stations.
If you think your fair housing rights have been violated, contact the federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and complete a Housing Discrimination Complaint Form. It's available for download on HUD's Web site, or you can contact the HUD office nearest you. You have one year after an alleged violation to file a complaint with HUD, but it's wise to file it as soon as possible.
If you are disabled, HUD can provide a toll-free TTY phone for the hearing impaired (800/927-9275); interpreters; tapes and Braille materials; and assistance in reading and completing forms.
The Fair Housing Act and HUD's regulations contain more detail and technical information. If you're interested in a copy of the law or regulations, contact HUD.
