A view down a residential street at sunset.

Sundown Towns: A Dark Chapter in American History and the Enduring Impact on Real Estate

Kayla Johnson ethics, Fair Housing, Working with Clients 2 Comments

By: Kayla Johnson A number of historic practices in the United States—redlining and housing segregation; exclusion from the labor market and educational opportunities; and denial of voting rights, to name a few—have had lasting impact on Black and Brown communities’ ability to participate in the full breadth of wealth-building opportunities that should have been available to them. One lesser-known tactic …

Brown woman with beautiful afro unpacking her favorite books in her new home.

Homeownership is Up Among Single Women. Could Targeted Financial Literacy be Why?

Lee Davenport, Ph.D Fair Housing, Working with Clients 1 Comment

By: Lee Davenport, Ph.D Recent data from well-known online mortgage marketplace has some wondering: Why might single women be buying more homes than single men? Well, to better answer that question, it is important to examine a little history to figure out how we got here. As Women’s History Month quickly approaches, this is as good a time as ever …

The Complexities of Gentrification

Kayla Johnson Fair Housing 2 Comments

By: Kayla Johnson Gentrification is a complex and often controversial topic in real estate and urban development. It refers to the transformation of a neighborhood or community, typically in urban areas, where new, often more affluent residents move in. This often leads to changes in the character and the socioeconomic makeup of the area. The process is characterized by several …

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Land Back: The Role Real Estate Pros Play in the Movement

Lee Davenport, Ph.D Fair Housing, Land Use & Property Rights, Working with Clients Leave a Comment

By: Lee Davenport, Ph.D Are you working with clients who might have family land that they don’t remember? What about in your own family? You may be. For example, if your clients have formerly enslaved ancestors, they might have rights to land that they don’t know about. Let’s start with a little primer on the Land Back (or LandBack) Movement. …

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Microaggressions in Real Estate: How They Hurt Your Client and Your Business

Kayla Johnson communication, Customer Service, Diversity, ethics, Fair Housing 5 Comments

By: Kayla Johnson Microaggressions, or “everyday slights and insults that communicate negative messages to marginalized individuals, often unknowingly perpetuated by well-intentioned people,” as defined by Harvard professor Chester M. Pierce in the 1970s, happen constantly in every industry, even real estate. It’s imperative in real estate that industry professionals understand what they are and how they manifest. Microaggressions could undermine …

Happy African American woman with afro sitting on the couch in her apartment, talking on the phone

Where Are ‘All the Single Ladies’ in the Real Estate Market?

Lee Davenport, Ph.D Buyers, Fair Housing 4 Comments

By: Dr. Lee Davenport The below are all direct quotes from community members. These statements were made in 2020, even though they sound like they’re from a very different time. “I didn’t know I could buy a house without a man.” “I want to wait until I get married to buy a home.”  “I’m afraid to intimidate any potential suitors.” …

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 51 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 …