For many of us owning our own home represents the American way of life. It is our right to live wherever we choose and can afford to love. The month of April is the 42nd anniversary of the 1968 Fair Housing Act. The purpose of this act is to ensure equal housing opportunity for all. The Fair Housing Act is meant to open doors for everyone in this country so that all Americans can own a home and fulfill their dreams.

However, most of us are not aware just how extensive fair housing laws are. The term "Fair housing" means that discrimination through the laws and regulations put in place by the Fair Housing Act is prohibited. These laws established by the 1968 Fair Housing Act include the sale or rental of housing, financing or other related transactions as well as the provision of housing-related services. The Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 was established to ensure that housing is always available to all people regardless of their racial, cultural or physical factors.

Information provided by the National Association of Realtors and the U.S. Census data shows that more than 75 percent of white households own their home while only about 50 percent for African American and Hispanic households own. With current efforts, minority groups in the home ownership category has accounted for more than 50 percent of first-time buyers in 2010.  This is a great boost for the economy and for building up communities all over this country.

Realtors are seen as community builders. They understand that giving Americans the opportunity for homeownership is not only a dream, but necessary to build communities. They know that the diversity of neighborhoods and schools is what strengthens communities and growth from the minority population is vital.

Real estate agents know that while going through the stress and excitement that home buying brings, you should not have to worry about being treated fairly. Your realtor can provide you with resources and information and educate you about your rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. All realtors are trained and educated to provide equal housing opportunities to all Americans. 

While the month of April is the anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, realtors are active year round in support of this act and believe in opening those doors for all Americans to home ownership.