HAR no longer using ‘master’ to describe rooms
The Houston Association of Realtors has stopped using the word “master” to describe bedrooms or bathrooms, a change prompted by a group of real estate agents that requested a review of the term.
The association agreed to update the phrase to “primary bedroom” and “primary bath.” It implemented the changes in its Multiple Listing Service and on har.com June 15.
“This topic is currently being debated across the real estate industry, and the national standards organization for MLSs will be considering a similar change that could make ‘primary’ the new standard nationally,” according to a statement from HAR.
Tiffany Curry, a Houston real estate broker who recently became the first African-American owner of a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise, supports the change.
“‘Master’ represents a stigma and place in time that we need to move forward from. As a progressive, di
city, Houston should be reflective of its citizenship,” said Curry, a past National Association of Realtors board member.
Some builders have already dropped the term. David Weekley Homes, for example, calls a home’s primary bedroom an “owner’s retreat.”
The National Association of Realtors said it is focused on addressing discrimination that still occurs in housing transactions. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has advised NAR that the term “master bedroom” is not discriminatory and does not violate fair housing laws.
“NAR sees no reason that real estate professionals cannot use the term, as there is also no evidence that it has any historical connection to slavery or any other kind of discrimination,” NAR President Vince Malta said in a statement.
The local realty association said its MLS Advisory Group regularly reviews terms and fields used in its computerized property system. Changing the use of “master” to describe bedrooms and bathing rooms has been considered previously, the association said.
“The overarching message was that some members were concerned about how the terms might be perceived by some other agents and consumers. The consensus was that ‘Primary’ describes the rooms equally as well as ‘Master’ while avoiding any possible misperceptions,” according to a memo sent this week to members.
While HAR will no longer use the nomenclature, it said it would not block agents from doing so in their marketing materials and in the remarks sections and photo descriptions.
The national association said it is not aware of any other Multiple Listing Services that have made a similar change.
Some, though, seem to be keepverse an open mind.
“We are aware that the topic is currently being discussed around the real estate industry. While we haven't made a decision yet on any changes, we will certainly assess the situation with our board,” said Kim Bragman, San Antonio Board of Realtors chair, in an email. “We are always here to listen to feedback from our membership and the community we serve,” she wrote.
Emily Chenevert, CEO of the Austin Board of Realtors, said the group is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and “will continue to consider all opportunities to create inclusivity within our market.”