Fair Housing Month comes to a close

As we close out Fair Housing Month, the importance of the law, and the impact it has had, remains vital to our industry.

Back in 1866, the Civil Rights Act granted full citizenship to all males born in the country, regardless of race, and the right to inherit, purchase, lease, sell, hold or convey real and personal property to all citizens. This was the first step into fair housing, though the act itself wasn’t passed until more than a century later in 1968. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson right after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the act is an important law guiding the real estate industry.

Fair housing remains a priority for Realtors®. As recently as 2010, there were laws being created to protect would-be buyers. Eight years ago, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection was created, which amended the Truth in Lending Act and other consumer financial laws to provide mortgage-related abuses and ensure availability of responsible, affordable mortgage credit.

Through the National Association of Realtors®’ Code of Ethics, Realtors® promise to provide professional service to any person. Realtors® prove time and time again how essential they are to homeownership, and how everyone deserves the right to it.

PAR has created an infographic for you to share on the timeline of fair housing milestones. Feel free to share. Download the infographic as a PDF.