The Virginia Association of REALTORS® is an advocate for fair housing.
2008 marks the 40th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.
The Virginia Association of REALTORS® (VAR) actively supports the Fair Housing Act through education and a commitment to the principles of fair housing.
“People have a right to live wherever they can afford to live, and Virginia’s REALTORS® are on the front lines, working with buyers and sellers to see that they receive and enjoy the benefits of a housing market free from discrimination,” said VAR President Pat Jensen of Charlottesville.
“We remain committed to America’s policy of fair housing and pledge to continue their work toward increasing public awareness about fair housing laws and the issues surrounding discrimination,” added Jensen. The National Association of REALTORS®, along with VAR, have successfully advocated for fair housing training requirements for real estate licensees.
Realtor education programs include NAR’s “At Home with Diversity®” program, which educates REALTORS® about being sensitive to and aggressive in meeting the homeownership needs of a diverse society. The course aims to meet the nation’s fair housing commitment by giving REALTORS® the tools they need to serve culturally diverse home buyers. More than 25,000 REALTORS® have completed the course.