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Focusing on Closing the Racial Homeownership Gap

Louisiana REALTORS® • February 16, 2023

Did you know that the homeownership rate for Black Americans is 43%? The national average is 65%, and the disparity in these numbers can be corrected. REALTORS® have a unique opportunity to play a role in shaping the communities. This February, during Black History Month, is a chance to reflect on the contributions and achievements of African Americans, past and present, and to consider how we can help create more inclusive and equitable communities.


The history of African Americans in this country is one of resilience, perseverance, and overcoming great odds. From slavery to the civil rights movement and beyond, African Americans have been at the forefront of many of the defining moments in American history. There have been enormous contributions to the arts, sciences, and the economy, playing a crucial role in shaping the nation into what it is today.



It is important for REALTORS® to recognize and celebrate these contributions by educating themselves and others about the history of African Americans. This can involve visiting museums and historic sites, reading books and articles, or attending events and lectures that highlight the accomplishments of African Americans. By doing so, we can better understand the challenges that African Americans have faced and the ways in which they have succeeded by overcoming them.


Black History Month is also an opportunity to reflect on the ways that discrimination has influenced the lives of African Americans today. It is important to realize that as a REALTOR® you have the power and opportunity to create more equitable and inclusive communities. By advocating for fair housing policies, working to eliminate racial biases in the real estate industry, and supporting diversity initiatives, these statistics can drastically improve.


Ensuring that your marketing materials are inclusive and representative of the diversity of the communities that you serve and increasing access to homeownership for African American families by partnering with organizations that provide financial education and support can all pay great dividends. REALTORS® also have a platform to speak out against policies and practices that perpetuate racial inequities in housing.


As a REATLOR® in Louisiana and a member of Louisiana REALTORS®, you have a unique opportunity to play a role in shaping the future. Through education and advocacy the racial gap of homeownership can be eliminated.

REALTOR® RESOURCES

Consumer Guide Update: Preparing for Homeownership

By Louisiana REALTORS® • February 19, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on preparing for homeownership. This guide covers what prospective buyers should consider as they kick off the home purchase process, including the importance of credit scores, mortgage pre-approval, down payments, budgeting, and educational resources. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Preparing for Homeownership Escrow and Earnest Money Pricing Your Home Preparing to Sell Your Home Fire Damage and Policy Coverage Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with potential clients to ensure they have the information they need to be successful in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover property taxes.

Consumer Guide Update: Escrow and Earnest Money

By Louisiana REALTORS® • February 14, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on escrow. This guide covers what homebuyers should know about earnest money deposits, including the general terms and use cases in real estate transactions. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Escrow and Earnest Money Pricing Your Home Preparing to Sell Your Home Fire Damage and Policy Coverage Flood Insurance Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover preparing prospective buyers for homeownership.

2026 LR Officer Elections, RVPs & NAR Director Applications

By Louisiana REALTORS® • February 12, 2025
The Louisiana REALTORS® Board of Directors will conduct several elections this Spring. Interested candidates that meet the qualification who are looking to serve at either the state association level or the national association level are encouraged to view the criteria and submit an application. An application that is not submitted on the appropriate form or not submitted pursuant to the instructions shall not be considered as submitted timely.
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