Always interested in increasing the availability of affordable housing, Columbus REALTORS® hosted a Tiny Home Forum to explore the viability of diminutive dwellings as an affordable and energy efficient alternative for buyers who might be priced out of the conventional market. A Housing Opportunity Grant from the REALTOR® Party helped make it possible – including an on-site tiny house for participants to tour!
Issue Spotlight: Housing Inventory & Affordability
Addressing housing affordability starts with adding to the nation’s severely limited inventory. The U.S. is facing an underbuilding gap of at least 5.5 million units, translating to a $4.4 trillion underinvestment in housing. NAR is advocating for solutions at all levels of government to make housing more affordable, available, and accessible. See our latest federal legislative priorities at FlyIn.realtor. . Housing Inventory & Affordability Resources Housing Inventory and Affordability Discussion Series Part 1: Adding Supply is the Solution As housing costs climb, the dream of homeownership is slipping away from more people. Experts on both sides of the aisle agree...
Traverse Area REALTORS® Develop Grassroots Network of Housing Advocates in Northwest Michigan
For years, the Traverse Area REALTORS® have worked to build coalitions focused on developing much-needed workforce housing. With the support of Housing Opportunity Grants, it is now participating in an ambitious campaign that will create a network of engaged, informed grassroots housing advocates in neighborhoods throughout the region.
Virginia REALTORS® Join in Partnership to Address Rural Housing Opportunities
The Virginia Association of REALTORS® was first struck by the isolation and vulnerability of many rural regions across the Commonwealth when a string of tornados hit. So, when the non-profit organization Housing Virginia approached VAR to partner in a Rural Housing Initiative grant it had received from the USDA, the association agreed wholeheartedly. With 5 of its local associations and the use of Housing Opportunity Grants, the two organizations conducted a series of Rural Housing Forums across the state to address housing challenges particular to rural areas.
Greater Greenville REALTORS® Promote “Missing Middle” Housing
Greenville, S.C., faces significant shortages of affordable housing, and the existing supply is diminishing rapidly. Using a Housing Opportunity Grant, the local REALTORS® co-hosted a Housing Forum to show policy makers how they could break down barriers to developing housing in the essential “missing middle” range.
Working with State Legislators, Tennessee REALTORS® Have April Declared Fair Housing Month in The Volunteer State
Median housing prices in Tennessee have increased over 22%, and newcomers are coming to the state in droves, so the values of fair housing and equal opportunity housing are more important than ever. To elevate and amplify conversations and advocacy promoting these principles, the leadership of Tennessee REALTORS® spearheaded an effort to have the state legislature pass a resolution making April Fair Housing Month at the state level.
Unveiling the Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook
Housing supply and affordability rose to the top of the list of priorities for state and local REALTOR® association staff on an issues survey conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) late last year. Another takeaway? It will take action at all levels – federal, state, and local – to close the widening gap of five million missing housing units throughout the country.
Making Unfair Housing History
We’re midway through Fair Housing Month, and REALTORS® across the country are pursuing bold goals to substantially narrow racial and ethnic homeownership gaps – work that will continue year-round.
Midwest City-Del City-Moore Association of REALTORS® Helps Provide Fair Housing Training for Development/Construction Industry and Property Managers
Fair housing law applies to far more than just the typical home-sale transaction. To reach developers, architects, contractors, planners, CPAs, attorneys, county assessors, lenders, social workers, property managers, and maintenance personnel – as well as REALTORS® – in central Oklahoma, the Midwest City-Del City-Moore Association of REALTORS® collaborated with a local coalition to offer training in fair housing issues.
New Hampshire REALTORS® Dispel Myths About Housing Development with Videos Targeting Members, Public, and Volunteer Planning and Zoning Boards
New Hampshire REALTORS® had solid data refuting the concerns and misunderstandings that were impeding development of much needed housing in the state, but they knew no one was going to read lengthy documents. To get the correct and accurate information where it was needed, they produced and distributed a set of five-minute videos to educate consumers, legislators, and opinion makers.