The National Association of REALTORS® has always gone above and beyond in ensuring that their members adhere to the Code of Ethics, which has higher standards than the industry norm. Within the Code of Ethics, the NAR has always ensured that Fair Housing is a core part of their standards with a focus on real estate equality. Their Fair Housing standards have always gone above the basic standards, to ensure that all REALTORS® are doing as much as they can to ensure their businesses are inclusive to all. As 2020 has become a year that has brought much attention to the lingering racial injustice within our country, here are some things you and your colleagues can do to show your commitment to championing equality within the Real Estate Industry.
Display the Equal Housing Opportunity Logo: Having the Equal Opportunity logo displayed both offline and online will help brand your business and show your commitment to potential clients that your business is inclusive to all, and a leader in real estate equality. Displaying the logo in the window of your office, on any printed materials, for sale and open house signs, as well as on any emails, websites and on social media will create a uniform message that you and your business is committed to Equal Housing Opportunity. Download the Equal Opportunity Logo.
Diversity & Inclusion Statement: Much like your mission statement, having a diversity & inclusion statement helps promote and define your business’ dedication to providing clients with equal treatment, regardless of their background. Having a statement that includes your commitment to providing top notch service to your clients in finding them the most appropriate property based on their needs and budget, versus their ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender or disability will reassure clients that you are professional and strive for equality in your business.
Self Examine: While you likely have been adhering to the NAR’s Code of Ethics, there is always room for self improvement in your daily work. Being able to sit down, and self reflect will help you make better decisions in the future. Maybe you have been doing good work, but reflecting on what you might be able to do better, or how you might be able to do things differently to improve your client’s experience in the future is always important and part of self growth. You can never stop learning, so by taking time to reflect on your current situation, and how you can do your job even better is an important step in ensuring you are able to do the best job you can for your clients.
Educate yourself on the importance of the Equal Professional Service Model: The Equal Professional Service Model is a model that was created by the NAR. It has four key steps that REALTORS® should apply when working with clients. The four steps are:
- Do I use systematic procedures?
- Do I have objective information?
- Has my customer set the limits?
- Have I offered a variety of choices?
You should be able to answer YES to all these questions when working with your clients. If not, you should reevaluate your work with your clients to ensure that you are able to answer YES. Understanding and adhering to this model will help you have an objective and fair outlook when working with clients in finding them their next property.
The NAR’s At Home with Diversity® certification: A day long course, this interactive workshop offers a range of insights and tools to REALTORS® to help them provide equal service to their clients, but also transcend racial and cultural differences. This course can also be taken towards REALTORS® continuing education credit requirements in most states.
These are some great ways that you can brand yourself as a leader in equality in real estate and showcase your commitment to your clients. Between the Code of Ethics, Fair Housing, and an ongoing commitment to deliver excellence in our community, we can together be leaders at the forefront of equality in real estate. Follow our blog for more great information, or learn about becoming a member today!
