Events

Virtual Classroom: Homeownership and LGBTQ+ Consumers (DE & I Certification Program)

> CLICK HERE for a complimentary registration for Homeownership and LGBTQ+ Consumers (DE & I Certification Program)

Ohio REALTORS® supports Diversity and Inclusion, as well as a continued commitment to Fair Housing as part of its core values.  Take your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to the next level by achieving your DE & I Certification.

Participants who complete this certification will gain a better understanding of how to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment and promote equity for all.

For 2024, this new certification is being offered as an Ohio REALTORS member Benefit, free to all attendees!

DE & I Certification Overview

• 10 virtual (live online) classes offered, one per month, beginning in March 2024.
• Each class provides 1 hour of Real Estate Continuing Education (CE).
• Certification requires completion of 6 out of 10 classes.
• NAR’s Fairhaven & Bias Override Courses each qualify as one of the 6 courses required for this certification.

We’re excited to offer as our first DE & I Certification course Homeownership and LGBTQ+ Consumers, with presenter Alex Cruz.

Homeownership and LGBTQ+ Consumers

This presentation is thought-provoking and interactive with attendees sharing experiences; he covers impressions and understanding of the LGBTQ community; how attendees’ impression/understanding has evolved over the years; provides definitions to common terms associated with LGBTs; Privilege for Sale refers to what heterosexual couples take for granted that LGBT couples might not be allowed such as paid leave if your spouse/partner passes away, different tax treatment for hetero v. LGBT couples; also a discussion on ‘coming out’; plus, a review of statistics on purchasing power for the LGBT community.

Due to the high volume of attendees, this presentation will be produced as a Zoom webinar.  This course will require submitting two code words upon conclusion in order to qualify for CE credit.

CE Logistics (Please read):

• This livestream webinar is certified for 1-hour of real estate credit, DE & I Certification course credit.
• Active participation will be monitored using codewords, which will be shared during the program for attendees to report afterwards. 
• Per ODRE requirements, you must be present for 90% of the program to receive credit.

Presenter: Alex Cruz, ABR, GRI, CNE, AHWD

Alex is a multi-million-dollar producing REALTOR® for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty in Cleveland, Ohio, where he has brought his extensive sales and customer-centered experience to the world of real estate.  Prior to entering his current role as Director of Education and Member Services for the LGBTQ + Real Estate Alliance, he served as their inaugural National Vice President.  Alex is the Co-Chair of the newly formed Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices FoREver Pride Network.  Additionally, he serves as a Director for Ohio REALTORS® and as a member of their Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee.  He also serves on the Board of Directors for Plexus, the LGBTQ & Allied Business Chamber of Commerce for Northeast Ohio.

Additional upcoming offerings to earn the DE & I Certification:
April 30 - Fair Housing Trends and Resources
May 30 - Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing
June 27 - Do’s & Don’ts of Working with Special Needs Clients
July 25 - The Color of Real Estate
Aug. 29 - Cultural Differences and Etiquettes for Global Business
Oct. 24 - Bias in Appraisals: What Agents and Appraisers Need to Know
Nov. 21 - Fair Housing for the Property Manager
Dec. 17 - Life’s Not Fair, but Digital Advertising Must Be

Contact: Deanna Wright, Professional Development Coordinator -

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