April 05, 2007 — Austin
A place to call home is a big part of the American Dream, and fair-housing laws help make that dream come true. This year marks the 39th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. This landmark legislation ensures Americans have equal access to housing of their choice free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status and national origin. April is national Fair Housing Month, and Texas REALTORS® are gearing up for it.
“The 90,000 members of the Texas REALTORS® encourage all Texans to join us in celebrating the diversity of our great state,” said Avis Wukasch, chairman, Texas REALTORS®. “Together, we can embrace our differences and protect the American Dream for everyone.”
All real estate brokers and agents must follow fair-housing laws, which cover specific classes of people. Those who choose to be Texas REALTORS® also pledge to abide by a code of ethics, keeping issues of fairness to everyone at the forefront of their business.
The Texas REALTORS®, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the Texas Veterans Land Board, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Fannie Mae are providing Texas REALTORS® with the know-how to help more Texans become homeowners. These organizations have partnered in United Texas: Housing Initiatives that Work – a program aimed at educating REALTORS® about the best programs and resources for first-time homebuyers and those with special financing needs. The American Dream of homeownership should be attainable for everyone, and Texas REALTORS® are working to ensure just that.