We are Texas REALTORS®
Texas REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation
The Texas REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation is a 501c(3) charity promoting and encouraging workforce housing and homeownership opportunities in Texas. Since 2003, the foundation has provided grants that often support organizations that provide low income populations affordable housing, educational opportunities, and financial guidance in the homebuying process. Learn about the program’s success.
Education
The National Association of REALTORS® presents an online workshop from the mind science experts at the Perception Institute that helps members avoid implicit bias in their daily business interactions. Perception explains how people’s brains’ automatic, instant association of stereotypes with particular groups can cause them to treat those who are different unfairly, despite the best intentions and often without conscious awareness. Perception then applies these concepts to the everyday work of REALTORS® and offers strategies to override bias in order to convey respect, ensure fairness, and improve business relationships.
At Home With Diversity (AHWD) is a National Association of REALTORS® certification designed to present a picture of the changing face of the real estate industry. It prepares REALTORS® to work effectively with today’s increasingly diverse pool of homebuyers by addressing the topics of diversity, fair housing, and business planning development.
The Texas REALTORS® Housing Initiatives Committee in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission developed a fair housing course that is part of the Texas Affordable Housing Specialist (TAHS) certification.
How the Fair Housing Act Affects You
The act protects you and everyone else from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability—those are called the seven protected classes. People can’t discriminate or tell their agents to discriminate in the sale or rental of property on the basis of the act’s protected classes. Read more about the act from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
File a Complaint
If you believe you have been unfairly treated related in activities related to housing, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the association of REALTORS®, or both.
Federal Fair Housing Complaints
HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity handles complaints of discrimination under the federal Fair Housing Act and discrimination and other civil rights violations in housing and community development programs.
Complaints Against a REALTOR®
If you believe a REALTOR® has violated the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics, you may file a complaint with the association of REALTORS®.