DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION

As Realtors® sworn to strictly uphold a Code of Ethics, members of Williamsburg REALTORS are committed to treating all clients, members of the public, and each other equally, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

As an association, we are committed to:

Engage members with a culture and environment that is inclusive and inviting, offering programs, personal services, products and events that exceed member expectations.

Increase and strengthen the skills, professionalism and success of REALTORS® by providing a local real estate school and learning opportunities.

Ensure the Association is the recognized “voice” for the real estate industry in our local communities. Be a comprehensive, reliable source of real estate information.

Collaborate as an ally to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in real estate. Seek collaboration with other organizations to broaden our ability to serve the diverse membership.

Provide MLS tools and services that exceed member expectations while taking a proactive approach to the future of the MLS, and seeking opportunities to better serve the members.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Williamsburg REALTORS® demographics

VAR® demographics

TOOLS

In November 2020, NAR launched Fairhaven, a new fair housing simulation training for REALTORS® that uses the power of storytelling to help members identify, prevent, and address discriminatory practices in real estate.

In order to be successful in this industry, you need to diversify your business practices to reach everyone in your area. VAR have some tools for you to keep in mind throughout the year (and to save to come back to!) so you can continue to be inclusive in your business and everyday life. Learm more

Check out NAR’s Fair Housing page complete with information on the Fair Housing Action Plan. ACT emphasizes Accountability, Culture Change, and Training in order to ensure that American’s 1.4 million Realtors® are doing everything possible to protect housing rights in America.

nar.realtor/fair-housing

At Home With Diversity is an educational experience designed to present a picture of the changing face of the real estate industry. More importantly, the class teaches REALTORS® how to work effectively with—and within—a rapidly changing multicultural market.

Multicultural Organizations

Homeownership Reports by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers

National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)

Asian-American Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)

National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP)

The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance (The Alliance)

The Color Of Law

In this groundbreaking history of the modern American metropolis, Richard Rothstein, a leading authority on housing policy, explodes the myth that America’s cities came to be racially divided through the facto segregation. The book makes clear that segregation – the law and policy decisions passed by local, state, and federal governments that actually prompted the discriminatory patterns that continue to this day

Listen to the audio book

DEI Best Practices for Core Standards

This list of DEI program ideas and best practices provides guidance for associations to increase diversity and inclusive representation

Download DEI Best Practices for Core Standardst

We Get To Decide Where We Go From Here

Nate Johnson, A REALTOR from St. Louis, Missouri, and NAR’s 2021 Public and Federal Issues Liason shares his vision on where we go from here

Watch the video

DEI Recommended Readings

Recent E-News articles …

Veterans Day 2020: How to Better Assist Veterans in Their Home Ownership Process | Virginia REALTORS®

Native American Homeownership | Virginia REALTORS®

Black History Month 2021 | Virginia REALTORS®

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | Virginia REALTORS®

Virginia REALTORS® Celebrates Women’s History Month | Virginia REALTORS®

What Research Tells Us About Steering and Housing Discrimination | Virginia REALTORS®

Celebrating the Heritage of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community | Virginia REALTORS®

Celebrating Memorial Day with Intention | Virginia REALTORS®

Celebrating Pride Month 2021 | Virginia REALTORS®

Juneteenth 2021: From Slavery to Tulsa to Present Day | Virginia REALTORS®

View recommended books

Want to make a difference?

REALTOR® associations are designed to reflect the interests of their members and to promote the real estate industry. It is essential to have many different perspectives represented. This is YOUR association, and you have the ability to impact the real estate profession!
Serving your local or state-level association benefits your colleagues, your community, and the real estate industry. Volunteering can also benefit YOU! Getting involved with your professional association provides opportunities for strengthening relationships, building networks, and growing your business.

Volunteer

5 STEPS TO GET YOUR VOICE HEARD

01

Talk to your colleagues

Ask about experiences
volunteering with your local or state association. Find out what they gained from serving and what they recommend for getting involved.

02

Attend events

Look at the conferences,
workshops, trainings, and other events hosted by your association—many are free! Find one to attend!

03

Read your e-mails

Important information about
events, professional development opportunities, and volunteer positions often come via e-mail. Be sure to check them out!

04

Tout your accomplishments

Your skills, passions, and interests are all valuable to your association. Talk about your community involvement, professional successes, and personal achievements.

05

Volunteer to serve

Look at opportunities to serve on a committee or volunteer for an event—and sign up!