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Fair Housing & Diversity

Fair Housing & Diversity is dedicated to promoting equal housing opportunities and fostering inclusive communities where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We provide education, resources and advocacy to help individual housing providers and communities understand their rights and responsibilities under fair housing laws. By embracing diversity and working to eliminate discrimination, we strive to create welcoming environments where people of all backgrounds have equal access to safe, affordable and quality housing.

During the summer of 2024 several of your colleagues proposed the formation of a Diversity Committee within Springfield REALTORS® governance structure and your Board of Directors agreed. Now renamed the Fair Housing & Diversity Committee, we have developed Mission and Vision Statements and updated our Commitment to Diversity.

Mission 

Springfield REALTORS® are dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair housing opportunities for all. We will educate and empower our members to honor diversity and inclusion. We will strive to build strong community with mutual respect and positive collaboration to best serve the diverse needs of our clients.

Vision

Springfield REALTORS® Diversity Committee is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible real estate industry that reflects the diverse and ever changing tapestry of our community. We recognize that each individual is unique and brings a valuable perspective that enriches our shared work. Through education and awareness, we aim to break down barriers, promote fair housing, and ensure all members and clients feel respected, valued, and genuinely served.

Commitment to Diversity

The Commitment to Diversity was originally written in early 2020 following the tragic death of George Floyd in Minnesota. The language was created to reaffirm our belief that all persons deserve to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect. The Commitment has been reviewed and renewed to reflect the future of Springfield REALTORS. Our Board of Directors will sign the Commitment at the beginning of each new year and all new members will sign it during their new agent training reinforcing the importance of fair housing and diversity. The Commitment represents an ongoing dedication to learning and fostering a culture where all individuals are welcomed, respected and treated fairly. We remain committed to evaluating our practices and strengthening our efforts each year to create a world free of housing discrimination.

Springfield REALTORS® Stands Behind and Supports NAR's Stand on Fair Housing and Diversity

Throughout the course of your career, you will likely work with buyers and sellers inclusive of many different backgrounds. As a REALTOR® sworn to uphold a strict Code of Ethics, you must treat all clients equally, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The REALTOR® commitment to inclusive service delivery is perhaps the strongest in real estate.

NAR's Culture & Impact Commitment Statement: The National Association of REALTORS® represents REALTORS® in communities across the country. NAR fully embraces 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. Through inclusive collaboration and mutual respect for our colleagues, we focus on the principles that matter to the organization, such as bridging the wealth gap by advocating for property rights for all and building best-in-class talent that is trustworthy, accountable, adaptive, and informed. These principles drive how we engage each other to reach our common goals. We commit to bringing fairness, parity, and the best in ourselves to our day-to-day interactions. These beliefs are essential to empower REALTORS ® as they preserve, protect and advance the right to real property for all within the ever-evolving real estate landscape.

REALTOR® Code of Ethics & Fair Housing Requirements Under NAR Rules

The NAR Code of Ethics is a set of professional standards established by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) that guides REALTORS in their dealings with clients, customers, the public and other real estate professionals.

It emphasizes honesty, fairness, integrity, professionalism and protection of clients’ interests. REALTORS are expected to provide competent service, avoid discrimination, disclose relevant information, protect confidential information and treat all parties fairly.

The Code goes beyond legal requirements by establishing ethical responsibilities that REALTORS agree to uphold as members of NAR.

NAR Training Requirements

REALTORS are required to complete Code of Ethics training consisting of 3 hours during each 3 year cycle as established by NAR. The current cycle is January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027.

REALTORS are further required to complete 2 hours of Fair Housing/Anti-Bias training coinciding with the Code of Ethics training cycles.
These trainings are required to maintain your membership with NAR.

REALTORS can verify their completion of these required trainings by checking with the NAR site at nar.realtor or with your local Association.

Training Requirements for Oregon REALTORS® 

Members of Oregon REALTORS® must complete a minimum of 30 hours of Continuing Education every 2 years in connection with their license renewal. This training includes the 2 hour Law and Rule Required Course (LARRC) plus a 2 hour Fair Housing Course approved by Oregon REALTORS® plus a minimum of 26 hours of approved Continuing Education Courses.

REALTORS® are required to retain copies of their Course Certificates for review by the Oregon Real Estate Agency, if requested.

Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act) is a landmark federal law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing. Enforced by HUD, it ensures equitable access to housing regardless of protected characteristics. (US Departmentf Housing and Urban Development).

Overtime, the original Federal legislation has been amended to prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of seven core characteristics.

They include:

Race

Color

Religion

National Origin

Sex

Disability

Familial Status

Oregon Adds five Protected Classes:

Source of Income

 

Sexual Orientation

 

Marital Status

 

Gender Idenitity

 

Domestic Violence Victims & Survivors

 

Note that local communities/municipalities may add additional protected classes. Always check with your local authorities to make sure you have the correct list of protected classes.

Training Information & Course Options

Fairhaven: A Fair Housing Simulation (fairhaven.realtor)

- No Cost

- Online Course

 

At Home with Diversity (https://www.nar.realtor/education/designations-and-certifications/at-home-with-diversity-ahwd)

- Instructor Lead

- Classroom Setting

- AHWD (At Home With Diversity) Certification

 

Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing (https://www.nar.realtor/fair-housing/bias-override-overcoming-barriers-to-fair-housing)

- Instructor Lead

- Classroom Setting

 

REALTORS® Commitment to Excellence (http://c2ex.realtor)

- C2EX is a Code of Ethics Equivalency Course

Eight Ways to Uphold Fair Housing Standards

Graph courtesy of REALTORS® Association of South Central Wisconsin

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