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: Buying Land and Building a New Home

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 17, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on buying land and building a new home. This guide covers how to find land for sale, explains construction loans, and weighs the pros and cons of building a custom home. 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: Buying Land and Building a New Home Deeds and Titles Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Thank you for continuing to engage 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 property title theft.
5 Negotiation Secrets Smart Buyers Use to Get Better Deals

5 Negotiation Secrets Smart Buyers Use to Get Better Deals—And How a REALTOR® Can Help

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 16, 2025
Negotiating a real estate deal can be overwhelming, especially for buyers who don’t have experience with the process. Here are five key negotiation strategies smart buyers use—and how working with a REALTOR® provides a competitive edge.

Consumer Guide Update: Deeds and Titles

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 11, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on deeds and titles. This guide covers the difference between a deed and a title, common types of deeds, and title searches and insurance. 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: Deeds and Titles Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Marketing Your Home Thank you for continuing to engage 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 buying land / constructing a new home.
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