What Does Fair Housing Mean to You?

To commemorate Fair Housing Month, we asked members from the NJ Realtors® Equal Opportunity/Cultural Diversity Committee what Fair Housing means to them.

Providing equal professional services for all, in accordance with the Fair Housing Act and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. — Eileen Cahill

Everyone has the right to homeownership and should be treated equally. I treat everyone the way I would like to be treated in any business transaction—fair, honest, transparent and given the best advice so I can make an informed decision. — Penelope Gomes

Treating people as I would want to be treated. Respecting different cultures, customs and trying to look beyond my own judgments based on first impressions. Looking for ways to always improve on how I treat others. — William Koumas

Fair housing means that anyone who can purchase should be able to purchase wherever they would like to live. It further means that all homes that are within their target purchase power that are available for sale, they should be made aware of. — Kathleen Morin

Fair housing to me means equal opportunity for everyone! Period! It means that everyone should be able to get safe, clean affordable housing according to their means. It is a fair cooperation between landlord and tenants, sellers and buyers. As a NJ Realtor® , I do my utmost to follow all the laws, guidelines and moral implications of the words fair housing. — Sheryl Simon

Fair housing means treating everyone the same no matter who they are. I tell my agents there’s only one of two things to worry about: does your client have the money or do they have a prequalification or preapproval. — Vivian Ruggeri

Prior to Fair Housing laws, my grandparents were limited to places they could live due to their religious background. Because of fair housing, communities are open to all. Everyone should have the opportunity to own a home and build roots within the communities they live and work. — Ilene Horowitz

Discrimination can take many forms and occur at different stages of a housing transaction for renters, homebuyers, and those applying for a mortgage and homeowners’ insurance. Fair housing laws guarantee rights to obtain housing regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. Additionally, many state and local laws prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Discrimination can be subtle and difficult to prove. Violations, although sometimes unintentional or made in ignorance of the laws, could have costly penalties with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Upholding fair housing laws and offering equal professional service is relevant. Advice from me, a trained Realtor®, can prove to be invaluable for avoiding any mistakes. — Tolonda Ross