April is Fair Housing Month

As outspoken supporters for fair housing issues and homeownership, Alameda Association of Realtors® will join the nation as it honors Fair Housing Month this April. For over 100 years Realtors® have promoted and protected the dream of property ownership for millions of Americans and strongly support the Fair Housing Act.

This year is the 45th anniversary of the 1968 landmark Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability. Throughout 2013, Realtors® are also celebrating the centennial of the Realtors® Code of Ethics and the comprehensive protections it provides to consumers.

“As leading advocates for homeownership, Realtors® strive to promote inclusion, diversity and fairness in today’s housing industry,” said Sally R. Han, President. “Realtors® work hard to build communities and an environment where everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, sex or disability can choose where they want to live. It is important to take time to recognize Fair Housing Month in order to promote awareness about fair housing laws.”

This year the Alameda Association of Realtors®  has focused on educating their members and the community on the importance of Fair Housing. A proclamation claiming April as Fair Housing Month was sponsored by the organization and presented by Mayor Marie Gilmore during the April 16 City Council meeting. Their monthly marketing meeting included guest speakers from the Alameda Development Corporation and the California Association of Realtors® to present valuable information on affordable housing. The month will be rounded out by a Fair Housing Workshop “Rules of the Road” where members will hear from experts to discuss current issues and how they can ensure individuals are being fairly treated in accordance with the law.

Through the years the National Association of Realtors® has also developed education on diversity and fair housing laws for its Realtor® members. Those programs and resources have helped educate Realtors® across the country on the importance of inclusive housing practices and the promotion of diverse homeownership.

“The Alameda Association of Realtors® has developed and implemented fair housing education, programs and resources for its members because Realtors® believe homeownership is an investment in everyone’s future,” said Han “This month Realtors® reconfirm our pledge to protect home buyers and sellers and diverse and thriving American communities.”

The Alameda Association of Realtors®  has been serving its members and the community of Alameda for over 90 years. For a list of local Realtors® please visit the Members page on the Alameda Association of Realtors®