DEI – Richmond Association of REALTORS®

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The National Association of REALTORS® represents more than 1.5 million REALTORS® in diverse communities across the country. Through inclusive collaboration and mutual respect for our colleagues, we focus on the principles that matter to the organization and drive how we engage each other to reach our common goals. We fully embrace perspectives from all walks of life—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin, socioeconomic status, political affiliation or any other qualities by which we may define ourselves. We commit to bringing out the best in ourselves, uncovering our hidden talents, and celebrating differences in our day-to-day interactions. These beliefs are essential as we serve our members who help fulfill the dream of home and property ownership in America.

Education

At Home with Diversity® (AHWD)
NAR Certification

By developing a business practice rooted in inclusion and equality, REALTORS® can help buyers of all cultural backgrounds achieve the dream of homeownership. The At Home With Diversity® (AHWD) certification course covers how to work effectively with diverse populations so you can build business success in today’s multicultural real estate market.

Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing
NAR Certificate Course

This course helps real estate professionals interrupt stereotypical thinking, avoid fair housing pitfalls and provide equal professional service to every customer or client. Participants will 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.

Fair Housing
Multiple Dates Per Year

This class satisfies the Virginia requirement that all real estate licensees complete 2 hours of Fair Housing education prior to license renewal. In this class, you will learn the intricacies of state and federal fair housing laws, trending and historical discriminatory practices and how to best protect yourself from costly complaints.

Fairhaven: A Fair Housing Simulation
On-Demand eLearning

Inspired by real stories, Fairhaven is an interactive simulation training to help REALTORS® identify, prevent, and address discriminatory practices in real estate. Agents work against the clock to sell homes in the fictional town of Fairhaven while confronting realistic scenarios where discrimination can occur. This training is available to all NAR members at no additional cost.

Resources

DEI Committee

The RAR Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee develops strategies and promotes education and awareness around the values of equity and inclusion in the REALTOR® community, while also seeking opportunities to better represent the diversity of the Association’s membership. Committee applications open each Fall.

Marketing Content

The Fair Housing Advertising Guidelines from the Virginia Fair Housing Office states that if models are used in real estate advertising should portray persons in equal settings and indicate to the general public that the housing is open to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, elderliness, or national origin. RAR has developed a diverse set of images that can be used royalty-free in your marketing materials.

Philanthropy

REALTORS® do so much more than just real estate – they are community leaders. RAR supports and works with a variety of nonprofits that support affordable housing and greater equity in Central Virginia, including the Partnership for Housing Affordability (PHA) and Community Land Trust (CLT).