Classic bedroom in white and beige tones. Double modern bed and carpet, arched walls with curtains. Molded walls and bookshelf, parquet. Neoclassic interior design

Terms to Avoid: Master Suite

Kayla Johnson Diversity, ethics, Fair Housing 52 Comments

By: Kayla Johnson The term “master suite” has been a standard term in the real estate industry for years, commonly used to describe the primary bedroom with an attached private bathroom (en-suite) in a home. However, discussions over the past few years have highlighted the potentially insensitive connotations associated with this term. The use of the word “master” to describe …

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Use These Tips to Alleviate DEI Fatigue

Lee Davenport, Ph.D Diversity, Fair Housing 1 Comment

By: Lee Davenport, PhD It’s in the numbers that offices and organizations focused on improving DEI and belonging leads to a more positive workplace environment. In doing your own research, you may have read stats and facts like these: “Organizations that implement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training are up to 21% more profitable than those that do not.” “​​DEI training …

The Courage to Advocate for Change with Elaine Gross

Lee Davenport, Ph.D Fair Housing 1 Comment

On this day of remembrance, we think about all that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for: Nonviolence Equality for Black Americans Peace for all The eradication of poverty Equal access to wealth, health and happiness We also recognize that we cannot move forward without looking into the past. It’s important to understand where we come from and our role …

3 Practical Ways to Make Fair Housing a Reality

Tezeta Roro Fair Housing, FHA Programs, Rental Properties 2 Comments

By: Tezeta Roro Though fair housing has become a hot topic in recent years, it has always been an important aspect of the real estate industry. It’s true that some states requre continuing education on fair housing, but the reality is that many do not, even with renewed interest and emphasis on the Fair Housing Act. And for the states …

Love Letters to Sellers: Why They’re Not a Good Idea

Neil Goradia Buyers, Customer Service, Fair Housing, Legal, Sellers 4 Comments

By: Neil Goradia Letters to home sellers from buyers may seem innocent enough, however, they pose a very real legal threat. As a real estate professional, you must steer your clients clear of using love letters during the buying and selling process. Useful Resources: Here are some resources to get you started. Use these to educate yourself and to provide …

What it Means to be an Ethical Real Estate Agent

Lee Davenport, Ph.D Code of Ethics, ethics, Ethics & Policy, Fair Housing 3 Comments

By Lee Davenport, PhD Should the public trust the real estate industry? As quiet as it’s kept, salespeople of any industry can get the nickname of “sleazy” or  “swindler” because that is not just the name of a Netflix show (for those of you that have seen the Tinder Swindler). For some of us, just hearing the words “Used Car …

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A Look at the Realities of Fair Housing

Kayla Johnson Diversity, Fair Housing 1 Comment

By: Kayla Johnson In April, we commemorate the Fair Housing Act of 1968. It’s imperative that we understand the history of decisions that still affect generations and those within the communities that we serve as real estate professionals. It’s also important that we understand and are aware of our own unconscious bias, which can be an eye-opening experience. Only then …

How to be a Fair Housing decoder

Uncovering Bias to Interrupt Fair Housing Inequities

Lee Davenport, Ph.D Fair Housing 4 Comments

By Lee Davenport Have you noticed from shows like “The Tinder Swindler,” “Dateline,” “Snapped,” and the ID channel that abiding by the law is not automatic or even intuitive for everyone? It’s April, but our mommas did not raise any fools—we understand that this very important factoid impacts all aspects of life. Real talk: just because laws are in place …

New and Improved Year, New and Improved Appraisals

Blog Contributor [Demographic-based grouping], Fair Housing, Sellers 2 Comments

By Lee Davenport Happy 2022, real estate friends! January is the perfect time to challenge yourself to see, stretch and grow your business. Coach’s Challenge This year I want to challenge everyone to identify and partner with real estate lenders and appraisers who actively use robust policies to prevent appraisal bias; and, in instances when appraisal bias may be discovered, …

Unfair Housing and the Part Left Out of Nursery Rhymes

Blog Contributor Classes & Education, Code of Ethics, Ethics & Policy, Fair Housing 2 Comments

By Lee Davenport A recent report by the National Fair Housing Alliance shows there were more than 28,000 fair housing complaints filed just last year. I repeat, there were TENS of THOUSANDS of fair housing complaints in the last year alone! Those numbers indicate that despite fair housing being the law of the land, we have a long way to …