President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the federal Fair Housing Act which provides protections based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.

Illinois REALTORS® works to make sure members understand Fair Housing regulations by urging them to post information from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in their offices and the association publishes an article, “What Every Broker Should Know.”

The association urges the state Brokers License Law be amended to include language so “panic peddlers,” or those who try get people to move by telling them minority residents are moving into a neighborhood, can be prosecuted.

The National Association of REALTORS® works with HUD to craft new language for the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

Five local Illinois associations adopt a Code for Equal Opportunity in Housing as a result, and Illinois REALTORS® urges remaining local associations take the same step.

Illinois REALTORS® signs an Affirmative Marketing Agreement which underscores the association’s commitment to have members follow Fair Housing laws.

A broad coalition of REALTORS®, elected officials and federal regulators force a suburban Chicago municipality to repeal ordinances which limited minority homebuyers from moving to the community. Both NAR and the state association said the ordinances promote racism.

Illinois REALTORS® backs bills which would stop local governments from adopting “integration maintenance” ordinances which effectively worked to prevent minority homebuyers from locating in a community. Separately, Illinois REALTORS® signs a five-year extension to the Affirmative Marketing Agreement.

Illinois REALTORS® successfully pushes to rename the state’s real estate laws the Illinois Real Estate Licensure Act, removing all gender references in accordance with fair housing guidelines. The association also works with HUD to present seminars looking at the fair housing issue.

A panel, which includes Illinois REALTORS® and the Leadership Council for Metropolitan Open Communities, is formed to alleviate misunderstandings and conflicts surrounding fair housing disputes. Illinois REALTORS® includes in its efforts a commitment to educate members about fair housing.

Illinois REALTORS® holds two seminars on fair housing and works with HUD to sponsor a seminar series on fair housing.

Fair housing training, called “Brokers, Buyers and Bias,” is offered by NAR and is promoted by Illinois REALTORS® for all members.

HUD and Illinois REALTORS® sign another five-year affirmative marketing agreement which binds the association to fair housing regulations.

With the addition of familial status and disability to the list of protected classes, Illinois REALTORS® devotes a portion of its magazine to explaining the changes.

The association notes the 15^th anniversary of voluntary affirmative marketing agreements; members are urged to adhere to the pacts.

Illinois REALTORS® signs a voluntary affirmative marketing agreement with 20 local associations in the state.

Fair housing is the focus of a two-day conference in Springfield. Plans are already being made for a conference the next year.

The Partnership for Home Ownership (PFHO) is created to educate homeowners on the purchase process and assist them in acquiring residential mortgage financing.

Illinois REALTORS® teams up with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) to launch a first-time homebuyer pilot program. Twenty-four first-time homebuyers attend the first workshop.

Illinois REALTORS® takes part in NAR’s One America program by training instructors in diversity outreach.

NAR includes fair housing language in its Duties of Service section of the Code of Ethics.

PFHO administered more than $36.7 million in IDHA funds and provided first-time buyer education in more than eight REALTOR® associations. Illinois REALTORS® holds a fair housing breakfast at its annual convention.

The Partnership for HomeOwnership (PFHO) receives $75,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to underwrite the costs of financial counseling for new buyers. Illinois REALTORS® formally reaffirms its commitment to fair housing. Illinois REALTORS® contributes funding for first-time homebuyer counseling to PFHO for its first-time homebuyer program.

Fair housing resources for members and the public are now on the association’s website. The website also has Spanish language resources and forms. Members are urged to take courses to help them follow the law.

The Partnership for Home Ownership is the recipient of NAR’s HOPE award in national recognition of work to promote fair and affordable housing.

The Fair Housing Field Guide for REALTORS® is provided to Illinois REALTORS® members.

On the 40^th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Illinois REALTORS® earns notice for its Home Power program which provides forgivable $10,000 grants for affordable housing in partnership with the Chicago Federal Home Loan Bank. Through the Partnership for Home Ownership, 460 REALTORS® were trained on providing financial counseling to program participants.

PFHO noted for efforts to help those with disabilities stay in their homes.

The association holds its first Multicultural Summit which focused on the housing needs of the state’s growing Hispanic population.

Illinois REALTORS® produces the Guide to Property Management and Residential Rentals which outlines fair housing responsibilities for members.

The state association builds three Habitat for Humanity homes, and continues efforts to educate members about the legal necessity of following fair housing rules.

Illinois REALTORS® produces a series of videos explaining to members the finer points of fair housing law as it applies to meeting the needs of the disabled.