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Fair Housing Month highlights everyone's right to own property

by jmaloni
Wed, Apr 13th 2011 09:00 am

by Alice Miranda

2011 President,

Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors

April is Fair Housing Month, and Realtor associations across the country are showcasing their commitment to removing barriers to homeownership. For many families in America, achieving homeownership represents the American way of life.

This marks the 43rd anniversary of the 1968 landmark Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability. The National Association of Realtors also supports equal opportunity on the basis of sexual orientation, incorporating that support into the Realtor code of ethics, which Realtors subscribe to.

Realtors work tirelessly to build communities and believe people have a right to live wherever they can afford to live. In this vein, Realtors believe it's imperative to recognize Fair Housing Month and reconfirm our commitment to upholding fair housing laws and our commitment to offer equal professional service to everyone. Realtors continue to take advantage of the education, programs and events related to fair housing and diversity through their National Association of Realtors.

The Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors is also part of the 28-member Erie County Fair Housing Partnership. The partnership is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting equal opportunity in housing for all residents of Western New York. The partnership has a diverse representation from various segments of the community. Through the commitment and collaborative efforts of its members, the partnership has been successful in increasing public awareness regarding the importance of equal opportunity in housing. Western New Yorkers are encouraged to participate in the many local events brought together by members of the Erie County Fair Housing Partnership. Visit their website at www.ecfhp.org.

We take this month to acknowledge the key to the American Dream and the right to own property, but we also commit ourselves to promote inclusion, diversity and fairness in the housing industry every month. Homeownership is a win-win for us all.

The Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors is one of more than 1,800 local board and associations that comprise the National Association of Realtors and is "the Voice for Real Estate" in the Western New York area.

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