What We Do
A Special Charge
NAREB’s special charge is predominantly, to ensure that African Americans are treated fairly as land use and urban planning policies are developed. Most REALTISTs® live in the communities we serve, and it is as our obligation to restore and preserve communities where African American homebuyers and homeowners can depend on their homes being their greatest asset, now and into the future.
The NAREB® Advantage
Realists service the home-buying needs of African Americans and others through our 110 board network located in 38 states. Network with appraisers, developers, financial services professionals, asset managers, housing counselors, mortgage brokers, real estate agents, and brokers, all working together to make homeownership affordable, sustainable, and attainable for our nation’s homebuyers.
NAREB works on behalf of real estate professionals and homebuyers to:
- Champion Unwavering Professional Integrity: Setting the gold standard for trust in real estate
- Uphold a Rigorous Code of Ethics: Ensuring accountability and transparency in all dealings
- Mandate Professional Certifications and Accreditations: Elevating industry standards and expertise
- Advocate Relentlessly for Sustainable Homeownership: Protecting and expanding access through impactful public policies
- Forge Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with trade groups, civil rights organizations, and financial institutions to empower African Americans and minority communities in achieving their homeownership dreams
Fair Housing
On April 11, 1968, one week after the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Rumford Fair Housing Act of 1963 into Law to end or quell the civil unrest, protests, and riots in many U.S. cities. NAREB national and local leaders were instrumental in pushing for and litigating to ensure the full implementation of the Fair Housing Law. The signing of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1968, which came to be known as the Fair Housing Law, not only prohibited discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, creed, and national origin but also helped to expand business and career opportunities for Black Americans operating in the real estate industry and those interested entering the real estate profession.
The NAREB's 5 Pillars
NAREB (National Association of Real Estate Brokers) has a "5 Pillars" program designed to address key areas impacting African-American homeownership and wealth building. These pillars represent NAREB's strategic focus to improve economic and housing conditions for African Americans. Here’s a summary of each:
1
Faith Based & Community Engagement
religious organization in their respective community. A large percentage of professional Black Americans belong to a civic or professional organization. Therefore, NAREB’s relationship with Faith-based and civic Institutions allows the association to target Black American consumers nationwide to: (1) Educate our audience about homeownership, and (2) Inspire them to purchase real estate. NAREB’s Strategic and MOU Relationships will be nurtured under this pillar.
2
Women Investing in Real Estate (W.I.R.E.)
+ Men Investing in Real Estate (M.I.R.E.)
NAREB has identified Black women as a high-potential target market group of consumers to reach and penetrate to focus their attention on spending power on investing in real estate, pursuing home ownership, and growing existing practitioners’ careers in real estate. W.I.R.E. will focus on the development of effective educational tools and techniques for Black women consumers as well as for Black women real estate professionals. Specifically, the goals of the initiative are to: Increase access to financial information and capital for Black women; Increase home ownership and real estate investment for Black women as well as the development of affordable housing for and by Black women.
3
DEI & Small Business
The majority of NAREB members are small businesses that qualify for most diversity and inclusion initiatives. We will focus our attention on educating and informing NAREB members about the income generation possibilities available through minority certifications and minority procurement opportunities. This initiative will also focus on strengthening leadership skills, business development, and mentorship. As important, NAREB will reach back into our communities to serve on local board and commissions to add our expertise as it relates to housing needs in our communities as well as inspire the next generation of real estate entrepreneurs through participation in career days on college and high school campuses.
4
Multigenerational Wealth
NAREB understands that wealth building concepts, plans, and execution should be addressed on a multi-generational basis. In that regard, NAREB has developed age and life-style specific initiatives to reach and inform audiences about wealth building and homeownership. NAREB initiatives include: (1) the NAREB Youth Leadership Academy, (2) the NAREB Millennial Movement – focused on Gen Z and Millennial consumers, and (3) Efforts to inform senior citizens on key elements to prepare for and keep legacy wealth.
5
Government Relations
Over the course of NAREB’s rich history, barriers to homeownership have been identified, addressed, and eliminated based upon the association’s commitment to advocacy on behalf of equality and opportunity in our profession and for Black Americans seeking homeownership of their choice. NAREB will always use its powerful voice in support of support legislation or regulatory change designed to increase Black homeownership. Through our State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) report and our monthly SHIBA Bytes, NAREB will continue to educate, inform, and share with our members, elected and appointed officials, our community and its organizations on the homeownership needs of Black Americans and its importance to build wealth as well as strengthening communities.
SHIBA Solutions
SHIBA Report Summary
The State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) Report, produced annually by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), has been a vital resource for over a decade, evolving to reflect the changing landscape of housing challenges faced by Black Americans. In the wake of the housing market collapse and ongoing economic disparities, this report serves a critical purpose in addressing the systemic issues that hinder Black homeownership and community stability.
Impact and Purpose:
- Data-Driven Insights: The SHIBA Report provides in-depth analysis and data on housing trends, disparities, and barriers that specifically affect Black communities. By highlighting these challenges, the report equips stakeholders with the information needed to understand the current state of housing.
- Policy Advocacy: The Report actively informs policymakers and the public about the pressing issues within Black housing markets, advocating for policies that promote equitable access to housing and mortgage credit. NAREB has endorsed initiatives aimed at rebuilding the mortgage finance system to enhance loan accessibility for Black families.
- Awareness and Education: By raising awareness of the systemic inequalities that persist in housing access and affordability, the SHIBA Report educates the community about their rights and available resources. This initiative helps to empower individuals and families to navigate the housing market more effectively.
- Community Empowerment: The Report offers strategies and resources designed to promote financial literacy and homeownership opportunities among Black Americans. By focusing on empowerment, NAREB seeks to bridge the racial wealth gap and foster a more equitable housing landscape
Desired Outcomes:
The SHIBA Report aims to inspire actionable change by advocating for improvements in housing conditions and supporting initiatives that enhance Black homeownership. By addressing issues such as foreclosure mitigation, neighborhood revitalization, and disaster recovery, NAREB is committed to creating pathways to homeownership and economic stability for Black families.
Through this comprehensive approach, the SHIBA Report not only highlights the challenges but also presents solutions, ensuring that NAREB continues to be a leading voice in the pursuit of equitable housing for all.
The SHIBA Report
The SHIBA Report is very comprehensive. It provides a detailed view of the real numbers and facts that impact and impede Black families from realizing the dream of homeownership. NAREB is committed to changing the statistics through our members and industry relationships. Our goal is to continue to show Black families the issues that affect them and to bring solutions to overcome these barriers. Take time to review the Report, which was published in 2013. Since that time, NAREB has moved beyond the data to provide solutions. Please find out more at one of our many boards across the country or simply contact us at our corporate office.
The W.I.R.E Report
W.I.R.E. (Women Invested in Real Estate) Report highlights the impact and contributions of Black women in the real estate industry. It provides insights into their roles, challenges, and successes, while offering data-driven analysis and strategies to support their continued growth and leadership in building wealth through real estate.
NAREB® In Your Area
Since 1947, NAREB has been at the forefront of advocating for democracy in housing, tackling critical issues such as combating housing discrimination, promoting fair lending practices, addressing gentrification, and supporting urban renewal. We believe in fighting for fair and equal access to housing for all individuals while ensuring equitable lending opportunities for marginalized communities. By advocating for policies that protect existing residents and foster inclusive growth, we strive to encourage sustainable development that benefits all community members.
Join NAREB in our mission to expand opportunities for those who desire and are ready to maintain sustainable Homeownership. We believe that with the right resources and support, anyone can achieve this dream. Your participation, passion, and commitment to local board efforts are essential in closing the Homeownership gap for African Americans. Together, we can empower individuals and families to build lasting wealth through responsible and sustainable Homeownership!
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