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Fair housing is more than a legal obligation — it’s a reflection of who we are, both personally and professionally. It represents dignity, equality, and the fundamental right of every individual to live, grow, and thrive in the community of their choice.
Housing is not just about transactions — it’s about people, futures and the freedom to belong.
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Professionally, fair housing means conducting business with integrity and transparency. It requires real estate professionals to treat all clients equitably, regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, disability, and all other protected characteristics.
Upholding fair housing laws isn’t optional; it protects our industry’s credibility, strengthens consumer trust and ensures the sustainability of the communities we serve.
At LIBOR, fair housing is a core value woven into everything we do. Our mission is rooted in ethical conduct, inclusive communities and consumer protection. We equip members with the tools and training to uphold fair housing every day — from mandatory continuing education and immersive bias awareness courses to real-time legal guidance and advocacy at every level of government.
As real estate professionals, we also must work to shift the culture. That means going beyond compliance. We lead by example, encouraging open conversations, supporting diversity in leadership, and promoting member participation in programs like NAR’s “Fairhaven” simulation program and “At Home With Diversity” certification.
Through our “Home for All of Us” campaign, we educate the public about housing discrimination and help consumers understand their rights.
Fair housing isn’t about checking a box. It’s about building communities rooted in fairness and a sense of belonging.
Why fair housing still matters
Some may wonder: Haven’t we already solved this? But fair housing is not a finished chapter — it’s a living issue that continues to demand attention and action. Disparities in homeownership rates persist, and new technologies, such as AI-driven marketing and digital screening tools, raise new concerns about unintentional bias.
The neighborhoods we live in significantly impact everything — access to education, healthcare, jobs and generational wealth. Fair housing laws protect a consumer’s right to pursue homeownership or rental opportunities without facing discrimination based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, family status or any other protected class.
These laws help ensure real estate professionals act in the best interests of all clients, with fairness and professionalism.
The ripple effect of inclusion
There is a story that perfectly illustrates the lasting impact of fair housing. In the 1930s, a Black couple in California, the Thompsons, purchased a home despite widespread discrimination. Years later, they sold it to a Chinese family, reportedly choosing them not because they offered the highest price but because they wanted to extend the same opportunity they had been given.
Decades later, the home sold for a multimillion-dollar figure. In gratitude, the Chinese family donated $5 million to a Black student resource center, honoring the original act of fairness that gave them their start. That’s what fair housing can do: Create a legacy of opportunity, bridge communities and empower families across generations.
Why this matters to professionals and consumers alike
For real estate professionals, fair housing is about more than ethics — it’s good business. It protects your license, your reputation and the integrity of your service. Leading with fairness and empathy builds credibility and trust in a diverse marketplace.
Consumers should care because fair housing shapes their ability to access opportunities that lead to stability and upward mobility. Behind the scenes, organizations like LIBOR are fighting every day to protect these rights, advocating for fair lending practices, zoning reforms and first-time homebuyer programs.
You focus on finding the right home. We focus on ensuring you have the right to do it — fairly, safely and confidently.
Progress and the path forward
There’s reason for hope. More professionals now view fair housing education as essential, not just a requirement. Many brokerages are investing in meaningful training that addresses real-world challenges, not just hypothetical scenarios. States are strengthening enforcement, adding protected classes and increasing resources for fair housing agencies.
We’re proud to be building intentional systems that make equity part of the industry standard. We advocate for legislation like the Transparency of Co-op bill, support local housing nonprofits, and provide monthly legal updates to our members.
But challenges remain. Discrimination still happens — sometimes subtly, sometimes systemically. Too often, conversations about race and equity are avoided. Leadership doesn’t always reflect the communities we serve. Compliance varies from region to region.
True accountability requires not only internal policies but also external oversight, more vigorous enforcement and a commitment at every level.
What every professional can do
Change happens one conversation, one showing, one decision at a time. Every real estate professional can practice intentional awareness by avoiding assumptions, checking personal biases, and ensuring that every client is treated with respect and fairness.
Education and training are essential. They help professionals recognize the impact of historical housing discrimination, avoid exclusionary language, and make more informed, better decisions. At LIBOR, we ensure that fair housing is an integral part of our onboarding process, continuing education and everyday conversations.
We must also normalize this conversation. That means making fair housing a consistent part of events, programming and public outreach, not just once a year in April. We can collaborate with community partners, amplify diverse voices and ensure that fair housing is viewed not as a political issue but as a professional excellence.
What gives me hope is that the conversation has moved from the margins to the mainstream. We’re not just reacting to injustice anymore — we’re proactively building a better future. With stronger training, more innovative policies and deeper partnerships, we can ensure that every person has the chance to find a place they can truly call home, without fear, without discrimination and with full dignity.
Doreen Spagnuolo is the CEO of Long Island Board of Realtors. You can connect with Doreen on Instagram and LinkedIn.
