What role should Realtors, as civic leaders, take in reducing inter-group tensions when they arise?
Joe Molinaro: Realtors help long-term residents in a price-appreciating community by assisting them to purchase housing using many available housing affordability programs, sponsoring homeownership classes and more. Realtors often work with local community-based nonprofit organizations to help long-term homeowners use their increasing equity to improve their homes. In addition, realtors and the Realtors Association often sponsor or participate in community-based activities to reduce tensions and improve community relations. Recently, NAR began a Housing Opportunity program to provide better information to Realtors about programs in their states and communities that assist people in buying homes. And for many years, we have had a diversity program that includes a training program called At Home with Diversity that improves the ability of Realtors to effectively reach out to all racial and ethnic groups in their community. Our diversity program also includes programs to increase the succ
