A specialmessage fromNAR

For decades, Realtors— members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR)— have supported a free, open market that embraces fairness and equal opportunity for all buyers and sellers. Members of the Santa Fe Association of Realtors along with Realtors across the country strongly support the Fair Housing Act, legislation first passed in 1968 and that currently prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, and national origin.

Local Realtors are delighted to join in the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Act to raise awareness about housing issues. Local Realtors continue to recognize the significance of this important act and reconfirm their commitment to upholding fair housing law, as well as a 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.

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 homeownership. During a 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 homeownership for all citizens, and NAR along with its state and local affiliated associations looks forward to commemorating the anniversary and supporting the development of healthy and diverse communities. For more information, visit www.FairHousing.realtor to learn about the commemoration, find materials and resources, and see what Realtors are doing in the across the country to advance fair housing.

In other spring news, Realtor members and the leadership of the Santa Fe Association of Realtors will participate in the Region XI Leadership Conference being held this year in Albuquerque at the Sandia Resort & Casino. The April 11-13 conference and networking opportunity is an annual event provided to Realtors located in the Rocky Mountain Region XI which changes state venues from year to year. New Mexico is honored to host the Region XI Leadership Conference this year. In addition to a customary caucus meeting and networking events, the conference will host one of NAR’s New “Members Edge” events. This one-day, high-energy event is geared toward Realtors who are eager to learn cutting-edge technologies and business practices, the latest industry news, and NAR resources that can benefit members’ business and clients. This is a wonderful opportunity to access nationally-recognized real estate experts right in our own back yard.

Rubel “Paco” Arguello is chief executive of the Santa Fe Association of Realtors. Contact him at paco@sfar.com.