New Orleans Saints, August 10, 2025
HBAGNO 2025 Rockin’ Bowlin’ Bash, July 24, 2025
Let the good times roll in New Orleans.
Greater New Orleans Home Builders Association (HBA)
Rockin’ Bowlin’ Bash
3016 S Carrollton Ave
New Orleans, LA 70118
July 24, 2025
4pm – 6:30pm
Individual Entry $50
Team Entry (4 players) $200
Children (8-17) $30
Spectator $30
Fair Housing: Building Communities Where Everyone Belongs
Fair housing isn’t just a law—it’s a commitment to justice, equity, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home. It’s about more than following rules. It’s about leading with integrity, treating people with dignity, and creating communities where every individual, regardless of race, background, gender, or ability, can live and thrive. At its core, fair housing represents the freedom to belong. And in real estate, that freedom carries real weight.
Buying or renting a home isn’t just a financial decision—it’s about futures, families, and finding where you belong. Fair housing protects that journey. It ensures that every person is treated equitably, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Professionally, it means real estate agents must uphold standards that go beyond transactions. They’re expected to treat all clients equally, regardless of race, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability. That’s not just good practice—it’s the law. And more than that, it’s what keeps our industry credible and our communities strong.
At organizations like LIBOR (Long Island Board of REALTORS®), fair housing is more than a checkbox—it’s a foundation. It’s built into everything they do: from training agents through bias-awareness programs and continuing education, to advocating for equity at the local and national levels. Their “Home for All of Us” campaign is a reminder that fair housing isn’t seasonal. It’s a year-round responsibility. Agents are encouraged to go beyond compliance. That means participating in programs like NAR’s Fairhaven simulation or earning the “At Home With Diversity” certification. It means promoting diverse voices in leadership, speaking openly about inequity, and shaping a culture of inclusion through everyday choices.
Some people may ask—haven’t we already solved this? Sadly, no. Disparities in homeownership still exist. Digital tools like algorithmic lending and AI-driven advertising have introduced new challenges that can unintentionally exclude protected groups. Where you live impacts everything: the schools your children attend, your access to healthcare, job opportunities, and the ability to build generational wealth. Fair housing laws don’t just protect people from outright discrimination—they safeguard the opportunity to build a stable and prosperous life.
Consider this real-life example. In the 1930s, a Black couple in California bought a home despite overwhelming prejudice. Years later, they sold that home to a Chinese family—not because of the price, but because they wanted to give someone else the same chance they had. Decades later, the house sold for millions. In gratitude, the Chinese family donated $5 million to a Black student resource center. One act of fairness created a ripple of opportunity across generations. That’s the power of fair housing. It doesn’t just change who owns a home—it changes lives.
If you’re a real estate professional, fair housing protects your business, your license, and your reputation. It signals to clients that they’re in good hands. If you’re a consumer, fair housing protects your right to access the home, the school district, and the community that fits your dreams. Behind the scenes, advocates are pushing for better policies, clearer lending practices, and resources for first-time buyers. You may not see it all—but it’s working for you.
There’s reason for optimism. More professionals now recognize that fair housing education isn’t a hurdle—it’s essential. Brokerages are investing in meaningful training that addresses real-world issues. States are increasing enforcement and adding new protections. And real estate associations are working daily to elevate fair housing to the center of the profession. Still, there’s work to be done. Discrimination—both overt and subtle—still happens. Some conversations are still uncomfortable. Representation in leadership doesn’t always reflect the communities served. Compliance remains uneven. The path forward demands more than intention. It requires action, accountability, and courage.
Whether you’re a broker, agent, property manager, or someone searching for their next home—you have a role to play. Be aware of your own biases. Stay informed with fair housing training. Engage in honest conversations about race, equity, and access. Treat every client with fairness, respect, and transparency. Support diverse voices and leaders within your profession. At LIBOR, fair housing isn’t just taught—it’s lived. It’s part of every class, every meeting, every decision. And it’s a standard that real estate professionals across the country are called to uphold.
We’ve come a long way, but true progress means shifting from reacting to injustice to actively building inclusion. That’s what fair housing is about—not just protecting rights but expanding opportunity. With stronger training, smarter policies, and a collective commitment to fairness, we can create neighborhoods that reflect the best of us: our values, our care for others, and our belief that everyone deserves a safe, welcoming place to call home. Fair housing is not just a goal. It’s a promise. One that starts with us.
More Homes Are Finally Hitting the Market
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home but have felt frustrated by limited choices, there’s a bright spot worth celebrating—housing inventory is on the rise.
According to the latest data from Realtor.com, the number of homes actively for sale across the country has increased by an impressive 36.6% compared to this time last year. That kind of growth means more options, more opportunities, and a little more room to negotiate—something buyers have not had in quite some time.
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors, put it clearly:
“Increased housing supply spells good news for consumers who want to see more properties before making purchasing decisions.” And he’s right. After years of low inventory and fierce competition, buyers can finally breathe a bit easier. While this doesn’t mean homes are sitting on the market indefinitely or that prices are falling dramatically, it does signal a meaningful shift toward a more balanced market.
When inventory is low, buyers often feel pressured to make fast decisions, waive contingencies, or bid far over asking price just to compete. With more homes available, that dynamic starts to change. You get time to compare properties, think carefully, and even negotiate on things like closing costs or inspection repairs—advantages that were rare just a year or two ago. But let’s keep things in perspective.
While the year-over-year increase is encouraging, we’re still playing catch-up. Compared to pre-pandemic years (2017 to 2019), there are about 29% fewer homes for sale nationwide. That means we’re not yet at what many would consider “normal” market conditions, and it helps explain why home prices are holding steady rather than falling. As Bill McBride, a respected housing analyst from Calculated Risk, explains:
“Currently inventory is increasing year-over-year but is still well below pre-pandemic levels.”
This is expected. After years of underbuilding, supply chain issues, and skyrocketing demand, returning to a typical housing inventory will take time. Still, the upward trend is a win for today’s buyers—and in some cities and regions, that rebound is happening faster. Real estate is always local. What’s happening in Phoenix may look very different than what’s happening in Pittsburgh or Atlanta. Some markets are seeing faster inventory rebounds than others, which means buyers in certain areas might already be experiencing more favorable conditions.
If you want to know what things look like where you live, the best move is to connect with a local real estate agent. They’ll know how your area compares to national trends and whether now is a smart time to make your move. Housing supply is growing. That means more homes to choose from, a little less stress, and a better shot at finding a place that checks all your boxes. It’s not a buyer’s market yet, but it’s a much friendlier one than we’ve seen in years.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to jump back into the home search, this might be it. So ask yourself—what kind of home are you looking for? What’s your budget? What neighborhoods feel like home?
A local agent can help you answer those questions, guide you through your options, and get you one step closer to the front door of your next place.