The more you understand and advocate for fair and equitable housing, the better you can serve your clients, your business and the overall housing market. April is officially Fair Housing Month, but you can use a number of resources and programs to advance fair housing all year. 

First, test your fair housing knowledge in Fairhaven
Fairhaven is a free, online simulation program from NAR that allows you to test your knowledge and compliance with fair housing principles through a variety of scenarios in the fictional town of Fairhaven that have been inspired by real fair housing cases. Playing the role of agent, you’ll have 60-100 minutes to close four real estate deals while encountering different examples of discrimination including race, national origin, disability, familial status, sexual orientation and gender identity. The immersive program allows you to identify, prevent and address discriminatory practices in real estate. https://FairHaven.Realtor

Second, learn to recognize and correct your own implicit bias
Even with the best of intentions, you may unconsciously associate stereotypes to different groups or have implicit biases you aren’t aware of and that can affect how you deal with clients and colleagues. Complete the 50-minute implicit bias training video from NAR, “Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing,” which runs you through scenarios. bit.ly/NAR_BiasOverride

Illinois REALTORS^® Diversity and Inclusion Initiative

Illinois REALTORS^® is committed to increasing equality in housing and diversity in the industry. Through its Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, real estate firms and offices can apply for grants to bring in experienced diversity trainers. The initiative also increases the number of Illinois Minority Real Estate Scholarships to encourage more minority students to pursue a career in real estate. https://learning.realtor/diweb/start