May 2005
Word Count 629
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Realtors Work to Eliminate Barriers to Homeownership for Minorities
More American families own their homes than ever in history, but still not all Americans
participate equally in the American dream of homeownership. Who is on the front lines to help all
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families from all incomes get into their own homes? If you guessed Realtors , you are right.
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Realtors are the people who introduce homebuyers to communities and help lower the barriers
that keep minority families from enjoying the fruits of homeownership.
Statistics tell the story about the persistent gap in homeownership. The U.S. Census recently
released data showing that minority homeownership has hit an all time high during the first
quarter of 2005. According to the Census, 15.7 million minority families now own their own homes
or 51.6 percent, as opposed to 70 percent of white households.
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“Realtors do more than manage property transactions,” said (full name of local
board/association president). “We help make the communities in our nation „home‟ to millions of
America‟s families.”
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Each day, Realtors serve as the first point of contact for all homebuyers who are in search of a
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place to call home. Realtors know that it makes good business sense to work with people of
diverse backgrounds. Using their expertise of the housing market and knowledge of a community,
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Realtors assist potential homebuyers on finding the best financing options.
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Beyond bringing value to the real estate transaction, Realtors serve as educators, builders and
advocates for the cause of minority homeownership. In response to the need to expand housing
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availability, the National Association of Realtors created the Housing Opportunity Program in
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2002 to give Realtors another outlet to make homeownership a reality in their own communities.
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Since that time, state and local Realtor associations have sponsored or created more than 200
programs to address local housing affordability such as the one sponsored by the (full name of
board/association).
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Realtors in many parts of the country, including those of us in (name of local city/town),
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participate in the NAR Ambassador for Cities Program. This program helps Realtors join with
mayors in their cities to promote local housing opportunities through public-private partnerships.
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“Realtors embrace a commitment to make the face of homeownership in America look like
America,” said (last name of local/state association president).
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On a national level, Realtors advocate for legislation that promotes vibrant communities and a
level playing field for minorities to find a place to call home. We also partner with other
organizations to honor those groups or individuals who give outstanding service to the cause of
minority homeownership.
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For example, the National Association of Realtors serves as a major sponsor for the national
HOPE (Home Ownership Participation for Everyone) Awards program that recognizes up to
seven individuals or organizations that are making outstanding contributions to homeownership in
America.
Begun in 2001, and granted every other year, the HOPE Awards showcase homeowner
education programs, finance initiatives, pioneering leadership, exceptional homeownership
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projects, and Realtors who themselves have made a difference. NAR and its partners
recognized the third HOPE Awards winners on May 10 at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The
individuals and organizations honored this year each help eliminate barriers to homeownership in
places as diverse as Quincy, Ill., to Indio, Calif.
The NAR and Habitat for Humanity also join forces to help build affordable housing for families
across the United States and around the world. Every year, members from both organizations
work together to sponsor a major home building project in the city where we hold our national
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Realtors convention and in other countries.
“We want minority families to share in the joy and benefits of homeownership,” said (last name of
state/local association president.) “Homeownership builds personal wealth and builds a stronger
housing market for the future that benefits our nation‟s economy.”
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