On June 2, the National Association of REALTORS® hosted a webinar, “REALTOR®-Led Initiatives Turning Barriers into Doorways,” bringing together housing advocates, association leaders and policy experts to showcase how REALTORS®—that is, members of NAR—are helping more families achieve homeownership despite ongoing market challenges. The event was part of NAR's broader National Homeownership Month campaign, which highlights the role real estate professionals who are REALTORS® play in expanding access to housing opportunities and promoting sustainable homeownership.
The webinar focused on real-world strategies that state and local REALTOR® associations are using to address obstacles such as affordability, limited housing inventory, financing barriers and inequities in housing access.
Presenters included:
- Judy Covington, AHWD, CRS, a REALTOR® from California and NAR housing issues liaison
- Amy Peterson, ABR, CRS, a REALTOR® from Minnesota and chair of NAR’s Housing Opportunities Committee
- Alexia Smokler, NAR director of fair housing policy and programs
- Elayne Weiss, NAR senior policy representative of federal housing
- Laurie Benner, NAR manager of community development advocacy resources
- Lisa May, Maryland REALTORS® director of advocacy and public policy
- Jamie McMillen, Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® vice president of advocacy
Speakers discussed how advocacy efforts, community partnerships, grant programs and fair housing initiatives can help create pathways to homeownership in communities across the country. They said REALTORS® are uniquely positioned to connect consumers with resources, advocate for policy solutions, and help communities expand housing opportunities.
NAR members can also make an impact by making their voices heard.
Weiss encouraged members to call their members of Congress to advocate for passage of two pieces of legislation: the More Homes on the Market Act and the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.
“These are not partisan asks,” she said. “These bills have strong bipartisan support, and Congress needs to hear from REALTORS® that this matters.”
Weiss also urged REALTORS® to call their members of Congress to support full funding for critical federal housing programs. “These programs make a real difference in communities, and do not underestimate your voice at the state and local level,” she said.
Smokler said NAR is continuing to support fair housing initiatives and shared resources members can use to ensure they’re treating each client with the same level of care and service.
Webinar attendees received practical examples and actionable ideas to apply in their own markets, with a focus on turning barriers into opportunities through local leadership and collaboration.
In the Cleveland-Akron area, for example, the association has leveraged housing opportunity grants and other REALTOR® Party resources to support consumer education, McMillen said. The association has created short videos and billboards to educate the public on the homebuying process and on available down payment assistance programs and other resources.
“National Homeownership Month serves as an opportunity to recognize the benefits of homeownership, from building generational wealth to strengthening neighborhoods and communities. NAR's monthlong campaign also highlights resources available to REALTOR® associations, including grants, advocacy tools, research and educational materials designed to help more Americans achieve the dream of homeownership,” says Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer.
Watch NAR’s National Homeownership Month page for a recording of the June 2 webinar. NAR will continue to equip its members with proven approaches that can help increase housing access and support future homeowners nationwide.
