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REALTORS® Observe National Fair Housing Month

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

April marks the 42nd anniversary of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, which strives to ensure equal housing opportunity for all. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the largest trade association in the country, and the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®, whose 4,000 REALTOR® and affiliate members on the Peninsula and in the South Bay are members of NAR,  join the nation in recognizing National Fair Housing Month.

Signed into law in 1968 and amended in 1988, the Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status and national origin.

"By expanding marketing efforts to reach all populations, valuing diversity, becoming experts on housing programs, and being active in our communities, REALTORS® are on the front lines in making the promise of the Fair Housing Act a reality," said Jeff Bell, president of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS®.

Bell said already in 2007 Santa Clara County was recognized as the California county with the highest percentage of immigrants; 36 percent of its population was born outside of the United States. However, studies show minority homeownership comprises a very low percentage of the population.

"Diverse neighborhoods and schools strengthen communities, and minority population growth is vital to sustaining housing markets," Bell said.

To mark National Fair Housing Month, on Tuesday, April 27, the local trade association is offering the National Association of REALTORS®' At Home with Diversity certification course for all REALTORS® and affiliates. The course teaches REALTORS® and affiliates how to increase their sensitivity and adaptability to future market trends and how to transact business across cultures, generations and other differences. More than 25,000 REALTORS® have completed the program.

Bell said real estate professionals are prohibited by law from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. "REALTORS® conduct their business and activities in accordance with a strict Code of Ethics, which imposes obligations upon them and is also a firm statement of support for equal opportunity in housing," Bell said.

Bell said home sellers or landlords cannot instruct the licensed broker or salesperson to convey any limitations in the sale or rental because the real estate professional is also bound by law not to discriminate. Under the law, a home seller or landlord cannot establish discriminatory terms or conditions in the purchase or rental; deny that housing is available, or advertise that the property is available only to persons of a certain race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

A prospective buyer has the right to expect that housing will be available without discrimination or other limitations based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. This includes the right to expect housing in your price range made available to you without discrimination; equal professional service; the opportunity to consider a broad range of housing choices; no discriminatory limitations on communities or locations of housing; no discrimination in the financing, appraising, or insuring of housing; reasonable accommodations in rules, practices and procedures for persons with disabilities; non-discriminatory terms and conditions for the sale, rental, financing, or insuring of a dwelling; and to be free from harassment or intimidation for exercising fair housing rights.

"Fair housing means opening the doors to homeownership for everyone in America whose goal it is to own a home, regardless of their race, creed, educational or even religious background," Bell said. "REALTORS® are committed to doing just that."

Buyers or renters who believe they have experienced discrimination, may file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged discrimination.


The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.

For further information, please contact Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, email , or phone (408) 200-0109.

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