Statement from DEI Committee

At Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® (RRAR), we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential to the future of real estate. As REALTORS®, our work goes beyond transactions—we build and support communities. Embracing DEI isn’t just an ethical choice; it’s a commitment to serve every individual fairly, honor our profession’s standards, and help foster thriving, welcoming neighborhoods and communities.

Our commitment to DEI is crucial because it directly impacts equitable access to housing and ensures that our industry reflects and respects the diversity of the communities we serve. When REALTORS® understand and appreciate various perspectives, they provide better service, build stronger client relationships, and contribute to an industry where everyone feels valued and welcome.

     DOWNLOAD THE NEW DEI TOOLKIT      

To support our members on this journey, we’re re-introducing the Diversity Alliance Toolkit. This resource is designed to help REALTORS® adopt inclusive practices, be a starting point in addressing and overcoming unconscious biases, and enhance cultural competency. By providing practical guidance, education, and tools, this toolkit empowers REALTORS® to serve all clients more effectively, ensuring each person feels respected and supported.

Using the Diversity Alliance Toolkit will position our REALTOR® members to be better leaders in the community, allowing them to meet the needs of diverse clients and build trust in a rapidly evolving market. By working together and embedding what you’ll learn in this toolkit in our everyday practices, we can create an industry where every client has equal access to opportunities and every REALTOR® contributes to a better world.

2023-2025 RRAR STRATEGIC PLAN          

Diversity Alliance Pledge

As REALTOR® members, we pledge to value and be intentional on diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization through our communications, training, and initiatives. We will champion these efforts to foster an equitable opportunity platform for all of our membership and client communities.

By agreeing to the Diversity Alliance Pledge, your firm/business will promote and encourage your associates to complete the following training within one year of signing the pledge.

Why Words Matter

As a community-serving association committed to advancing equity and inclusion for all, it is critical that RRAR demonstrates in words and actions its commitment to becoming an anti-racist, multicultural association. All RRAR staff and members can help move the REALTOR® brand forward on this journey by being mindful of and consistent in the words we use to describe the diverse individuals and communities we serve. 

We hope that this invaluable part of the toolkit will help guide and educate you in your everyday conversations with colleagues and clients.

• Diversity is the practice or quality of creating a community comprising people of different ages, cultural backgrounds, geographies, physical abilities and disabilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, sexual orientations, etc.
• Equity means that resources are distributed based on the tailored needs of a specific audience. Equity recognizes that some communities will need more—or different—access compared to other communities. *Equity and equality do not have the same meaning. Equality is based on giving everyone exactly the same resources, while equity involves distributing resources based on the tailored needs of a specific population. 
• Inclusion is the act or practice of behaviors and social norms that ensure people feel welcome. In the workplace, inclusion is the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to the organization’s success.
  
  

• Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), established in 2003, is a national nonprofit trade association dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities within Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. AREAA serves as a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals. They are one of the national multicultural real estate organizations that NAR and RRAR partners and supports.

• LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance (The Alliance), established in 2020, is a nonprofit association committed to empowering the LGBTQ+ community on their journey to homeownership. The Alliance advocates for fair housing policies and provides resources to ensure equitable treatment within the real estate industry. They are one of the national multicultural real estate organizations that NAR and RRAR partners and supports.

• National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), established in 2000, is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing sustainable homeownership with the Hispanic community across the United States. They are one of the national multicultural real estate organizations that NAR and RRAR partners and supports.

• National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), established in 1947, is a professional trade association dedicated to “promoting democracy in housing.” Founded by African-American real estate professionals who were excluded from industry associations, NAREB advocates for equal housing opportunities and supports African-American real estate professionals. Their members are known as “Realtists.” They are one of the national multicultural real estate organizations that NAR and RRAR partners and supports.

For a full dictionary we recommend utilizing the Center for the Study of Social Policy Key Terms & Concepts and the American Psychological Association’s Inclusive Language Guide.

REALTOR® Value Proposition

In today’s competitive real estate landscape, data shows that DEI-driven business practices are not only socially responsible, but also highly profitable. Brokerages that prioritize Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion initiatives can be 30% more profitable than their competition and are 70% more likely to capture new markets.

Diverse real estate firms can better connect with a wider range of clients, form stronger relationships within the local community, demonstrate enhanced problem-solving abilities, and develop more creative solutions, all of which are essential to navigating the complexities of the real estate market and drive repeat business. The implementation of DEI initiatives is more than just an argument about moral imperatives—it’s a data-backed strategy for long-term success and growth.

Inclusive Behaviors & Resources:
Next, focus on actions and resources to help them achieve those actions. This section is all about how individuals and organizations can practice DEI in meaningful, everyday ways.

Action Summary

The data suggests that cultivating a diverse team of REALTORS® will directly impact a brokerages’ ability to understand and serve a broader range of clients, leading to increased revenue opportunities and expansion of market share. Inclusive environments empower REALTORS® to bring their whole-selves into their business, inevitably making them more valuable and competitive.

Additionally, it is important to consider how when at least one member of a team has traits in common with the client, the entire team benefits by better understanding that client (e.g. a REALTOR® who shares a client’s ethnicity is 152% likelier than another team to understand that client).

These actions should be taken by REALTORS® and brokerages in consideration of REALTOR® value/belonging and to enhance business profitability.

Consumer Value Proposition

Implementing DEI practices during client interactions is more important than ever with fair housing and housing affordability as hot topics in the current real estate market. A REALTOR’s® ability to communicate and offer solutions tailored to marginalized and underserved communities is key, not only to increase a REALTOR's ability to capture untapped, underserved markets, but also to support more equitable access to homeownership opportunities for people part of these communities.

Offering equitable access to homeownership empowers individuals within marginalized and underserved communities with opportunities to build wealth, obtain financial stability, foster economic empowerment and upward mobility in their local community, and facilitate the closure of the existing, significant wealth disparities. REALTORS® have the opportunity to become trusted advisors in marginalized and underserved communities, facilitating equitable access to homeownership through providing information about programs and resources that make owning a home possible.

PWCR's
The data suggests that providing educational programs, workshops, and comprehensive resources (referred to as PWCR’s) on topics like how to purchase a home, understanding lending processes and procedures, fiscal literacy, and how to increase income in the current jobmarket are actions critical to support and empower underserved and marginalized consumers. These actions should be taken by REALTORS® and brokerages in support of the consumer.

Inclusive Behaviors

Our Leadership and Membership at RRAR are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment within our marketplace and industry. We believe that diversity strengthens our industry and enriches our communities. We are committed to ensuring that every member of our association plays an active role in upholding these principles, promoting fairness, and ensuring that all individuals—regardless of race, gender, identity, or socioeconomic status—have the opportunity to thrive.

We believe that when everyone feels valued and included, our entire industry benefits. By fostering an environment where different perspectives are welcomed, we create opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth. Inclusion is essential to the success of our
organization and the communities we serve, ensuring that every voice is heard and every individual can succeed.

We call upon every member of our association to follow these principles, championing diversity in their daily practices and interactions. We encourage continued learning as diversity is an ever-changing subject. Together, we will lead the way in building a more just and inclusive real estate market, where fairness and opportunity are the cornerstones of our work.

Here are specific examples of inclusive behaviors that REALTORS® can use to foster inclusivity with clients from diverse backgrounds:

Using Inclusive Language in Communications
When emailing or speaking with clients, instead of assuming a client's marital status, address correspondence to "Dear [First Name] and [First Name]" rather than "Mr. and Mrs." Also, use “they” instead of “he/she” until you know your clients' preferred pronouns.

Highlighting Accessibility Features Proactively
During property tours, say: "This home has a first-floor bedroom and a step-free entry, which could be useful for clients with mobility needs." By mentioning accessibility features, you show awareness of diverse client needs without waiting for them to ask.

Including Information on Community Resources that Support Diversity
If a client expresses interest in local community life, provide them with information on diverse places of worship, bilingual schools, cultural festivals, or LGBTQ+ community centers. 
For example, you could say, “This neighborhood has a great cultural center that celebrates different community traditions and hosts language classes.”

Avoiding Steering and Allowing Clients to Lead Neighborhood Choices
If a client asks, "Is this a safe neighborhood?" rather than providing a subjective opinion, you could respond by offering objective resources and encouraging them to explore on their own.
For instance, say: "Safety can mean different things to different people, so I recommend checking out public resources like local crime statistics or neighborhood watch programs. You might also want to visit the area at different times of the day to get a feel for it personally. I’m here to help with any questions as you explore what’s best for you." This approach offers valuable information while allowing the client to form their own impression, respecting both their autonomy and the Fair Housing Act’s guidelines.

Respecting Clients’ Financial Backgrounds and Preferences
For clients with modest budgets, REALTORS can show respect by providing options in their price range without making them feel judged. For example, instead of saying, “This area might be too expensive for you,” try: “Let’s explore a range of homes in different neighborhoods to see what best fits your priorities and budget.”

Creating Culturally Neutral Marketing Materials
When writing property descriptions, avoid phrases like "traditional family home," which may not resonate with single clients, childless couples, or LGBTQ+ clients. Instead, say “spacious home ideal for gatherings” or “property with a flexible layout” to create broader appeal.

Providing Fair Housing Information in Initial Meetings
During your first meeting, provide clients with a brochure or a quick overview of their fair housing rights. For example, you could say: “I believe it’s important for everyone to be aware of their rights to fair treatment in housing. Let me know if you have any questions about this.”

Offering or Recommending Translation Services When Needed
If you have a client who speaks primarily Spanish, offer materials in Spanish or suggest working with a colleague fluent in the language. Say: “I want to make sure you feel fully comfortable throughout the process, so I have some information in Spanish, or I can connect you with a bilingual team member.”

Creating a Comfortable, Inclusive Environment at Showings
When clients bring children to showings, prepare by having small toys or a coloring book in the car for children to enjoy while parents focus. If showing a property to a large family, avoid assuming they’ll want a lot of space by default—ask what’s most important to them in a home layout.

Staying Informed on DEI Best Practices in Real Estate
To better serve clients from diverse backgrounds, take a course on cultural competency in real estate or subscribe to newsletters on inclusivity trends in housing. For example, if you learn about new regulations affecting immigrant homeowners, keep that knowledge current and relevant in case questions arise. You can then say, “I stay updated on how regulations impact homeowners, and I’d be happy to share insights or answer any questions you might have.”

Additional Resources

TRAINING
● Designations & Certifications
○ At Home with Diversity® (AHWD)
● National Association of REALTORS®
○ Fairhaven: A Fair Housing Simulation
○ Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing Training Video
● edX | CatalystX
○ Leading With Effective Communication (Inclusive Leadership Training)
● Coursera | University of Pennsylvania
○ Optimizing Diversity on Teams
● Microsoft eLesson
○ Unconscious Bias

RESOURCES
● Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®
○ RRAR’s Professional Standards (Mediation/Ethics Complaint/Arbitration)
● NC REALTORS®
○ NC Realtors Legal Hotline: (336) 294-1415
● National Association of REALTORS®
○ Before You File an Ethics Complaint
● The North Carolina Real Estate Commission
○ Questions & Answers on Fair Housing
● Fair Housing Violations
○ Information on filing a complaint directly with HUD
○ Filing a complaint about a real estate licensee with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission
○ North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings Housing Discrimination Complaint Process

PODCASTS
● Ensuring Fair Housing for All with NAR’s Bryan Greene
● NPR: Why banks are fighting changes to an anti-redlining program
● NPR: Redlining’s Ripple Effects Go Beyond Humans
● Stuff You Should Know: How Housing Discrimination Works
● Advertising without Discrimination

REFERENCES
● Merriam Webster
● How Diversity Can Drive Innovation
● Radically Diverse Workplaces
● 2023 Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America
● How Much Are Rents Going Up? See How Prices Have Changed
● National Housing Conference - Paycheck to Paycheck
● REALTOR Demographics and Statistics in the US

Acknowledgments
RRAR’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee extends heartfelt gratitude to Felice Mitchell of Central Bank, our 2024 Committee Sponsor, for her unwavering support of our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.