Real Estate Professionals
The real estate profession and its practices have a history of racism, including redlining, unequitable lending practices and discriminatory covenants. For decades, people of color were denied the Realtor® designation. The formation of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers in 1947 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 created a blueprint for change. Progress is being made, but the work is far from over. Just Deeds is committed to working with Realtors® because the roots of systemic racism are deep and housing discrimination still exists.
Every Realtor® can support the Just Deeds Project to identify and remove racial covenants from property deeds. It’s a simple process that can be done during real estate transactions at no cost to Realtors® or their clients.
There are many ways real estate professionals can get involved.
Learn about the Realtor Code of Ethics, Fair Housing Action Plan and Diversity Certification.
During real estate transactions, be sure to educate your clients on these covenants and work with them to remove discriminatory covenants during closing. Download this disclosure to provide to your client.
Support the Minnesota Realtors® Pathway to Achievement Program, which provides financial assistance and mentoring support to encourage more people of color to become Realtors®.
Take part in classes sponsored by MAR that provide insights and education on understanding cultural differences and bringing fair housing practices to the forefront.
Participate in the Homeownership Opportunity Alliance, a group dedicated to closing Minnesota’s homeownership gap.
Videos and testimonials.
A few Minnesota Realtors® share their reactions in helping with The Mapping Prejudice project, which maps the racial covenants within the Twin Cities area. These racially restrictive covenants stopped many people of color from buying property and building wealth for most of the last century.
Request a Just Deeds speaker to address your neighborhood, school or community group.