Yesterday, I completed a course called The History of Diversity in Home Ownership. This course, provided by SPAAR (St. Paul Area Association of Realtors) is part of the continuing education requirements for all Minnesota REALTORS®.  While this kind of class is of critical importance to those of us working in real estate, it helped me learn some important things I would want to know and understand even if I wasn't a realtor.

As a member of the National Association of Realtors, I follow a code of ethics that ensures equal professional services to any person regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. This is an important commitment because it serves to counter the sad history of housing inequality so many have suffered in Minnesota and all across the country. 

Housing inequalities are about much more than housing. Unfair housing practices have contributed to all sorts of other problems and subsequent inequalities in our communities and nation today. In other words, it's not just a problem of the past, it's something that has shaped our present reality, and gaining a better understanding of where we've been is essential for building better future for all.

Would you like to know more? A deeper knowledge about housing equality isn't just for realtors like me. Let me encourage you to learn more about it! A good starting point would be watching the TPT (Twin Cities Public Television) documentary, Jim Crow of the North. It's an eye-opener!

CLICK HERE OR ON THE IMAGE BELOW

As a Realtor®, one of my core values is to generously support initiatives to help those who are in need of affordable housing opportunities. One of the organizations I support is Urban Homeworks. I will be sending them a special gift this December and  I'm pleased to learn that gift will be matched. If you would like to learn more about Urban Homeworks or join me in making a contribution, CLICK HERE.

​A generous donor has pledged to match new donations and increased gifts from past donors up to $50,000 from now through December 31st. That means you can double your impact by donating to innovative community development today! With holidays approaching, we celebrate the generosity of so many of you who continually choose to share your abundance with the broader community. Thank you for perpetuating the hope!  CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE