SALINA – For decades, Realtors − members of the National Association of Realtors − have supported a free, open market that embraces fairness and equal opportunity for all buyers and sellers. Members of the Great Plains Association of Realtors which includes Barton County strongly support the Fair Housing Act. This legislation was first passed in 1968 and now prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status and national origin.
This year, Realtors from the Flint Hills, Great Bend, Russell, and Salina areas will join Realtors across the country to embark on a yearlong commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act to raise awareness for fair housing issues.
“Realtors continue to recognize the significance of this important act and reconfirm our commitment to upholding fair housing law, as well as our commitment to offering equal professional service to all in their search for a home or property. Realtors work hard to build strong communities and neighborhoods where all people can live and prosper,” said Charles Ross, president of GPAR.
Over the years, NAR has developed educational information on diversity and fair housing laws, programs and resources that have helped educate Realtors across the country on the importance of inclusive housing practices and the promotion of diverse home ownership. During the yearlong commemoration, NAR will further examine community fair housing issues and advocate for changes to the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Realtors will focus on three key elements in 2018: acknowledging the organization’s changing role in the fight for fair housing, understanding how we as a nation are constantly improving our commitment to fair housing and ways realtors strive to lead efforts to address fair housing policy issues.
“Fair housing protects the American Dream of home ownership for all citizens, and Great Plains Association of Realtors looks forward to commemorating the anniversary and supporting the development of healthy and diverse communities,” Ross said.
This week, the Great Plains Association of Realtors is a sponsor of the City of Salina’s Fair Housing Seminar event which is scheduled for Friday, April 27, and is planning for other events within the region throughout the year. In addition, the association is promoting the commemoration on social media and with its communication to members.
Locally, GPAR board members include Wayne Rathbun, Kevin Keller and Kim Vink.
For more information, visit www.FairHousing.realtor, or contact Jill Mick, association executive, by calling 785-825-4607 or emailing greatplainsae@gmail.