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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. You'll open up new windows of opportunity as you gain knowledge in serving diverse populations.

DE & I Certification Overview

  • 10 virtual classes (Live Online) are offered, one per month.
  • 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 both qualify as one of the 6 courses required for this certification.

DE & I Certification Application & Renewal

Once you have completed the required 6 classes to obtain your DE & I Certification, please submit an application to receive your certification. The certification will be valid for 2 years, due for renewal in the 3rd year following initial certification. To obtain a 2-year renewal, you will need to attend 2 qualifying DE & I classes that you haven’t participated in previously.

Click on the Class Registration Links Below to Start Your DE & I Certification

Homeownership and LGBTQ+ ConsumersJanuary 17 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm

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

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.

Do’s & Don’ts of Working with Special Needs ClientsFebruary 14 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm

Presenter: John Young

The percentage of special needs people in the US is increasing at an alarming rate and currently accounts for 1 in 4 Americans. The National Association of REALTORS® has put a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to make sure that all clients are treated fairly and equitably. It is critical that REALTORS® learn a proper standard of practice when caring for their special needs or disabled clients. This session covers things agent should and should not do in the real estate transaction.

The Color of Real EstateMarch 14 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm

Presenter: Julia Lashay Israel

The Color of Real Estate takes an in-depth look at the history of practices and policies that have contributed to today’s homeownership gap. You’ll learn how to create a lasting impact in society and in your real estate business by implementing diverse business strategies that ensure fair housing for all. Walk away with a better understanding of the importance of our role as REALTORS.

Bias in Appraisals: What Agents and Appraisers Need to KnowApril 11 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm

Presenter: Melanie McLane, ABR, CRB, CRS, EPRO, GREEN, GRI, RAA, RSPS, PSA, SRES, SRS

Can you recognize when and how bias can appear in appraisals? Can you recognize your own bias? In this session, we’ll discuss the requirements under Fannie Mae and USPAP prohibiting bias from being a part of any appraisal.

Fair Housing for the Property ManagerMay 16 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm

Presenter: Marc Cunningham

Complying with fair housing isn't just good business practice; it's the law. Fair housing starts with the federal Fair Housing Act and continues through state and local regulations. This course isn't just a fair housing overview, it will educate property managers on what they should and should not be doing in their day-to-day business operations. We'll keep it practical and address current fair housing hot topics in the property management world such as how to handle service animal requests.

Life’s Not Fair, but Digital Advertising Must BeJune 13 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm

Presenter: Trista Curzydlo, Esq.

Social media websites and digital advertising mediums make target marketing a particular demographic easier than ever before. Find out when target marketing becomes “stating a preference” under the Fair Housing Act and what risk reduction techniques you need to enact.

Unconscious Bias in Real EstateJuly 18 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm

Presenter: Julia LaShay Israel

Unconscious Bias in Real Estate delves into how the brain unconsciously produces bias and how these unconscious biases impact your business. You’ll learn how to become more aware of your behaviors, empowering you to be more intentional about your actions.

Increasing Generational Wealth Building for Underserved CommunitiesAugust 15 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm

Presenter: Monica La Crue, Freddie Mac Affordable Lending Manager

Join industry experts to discover best practices in working with homebuyers using estate planning, down payment assistance (DPA) and affordable lending solutions.  Explore opportunities and ways homebuyer education can help engage homeowners.  Strengthen your role as a trusted advisor for your clients and the communities you serve.

Daily DEISeptember 12 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm

Presenter: Leigh York

We're all learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities, associations, and brokerages. How do I avoid the awkwardness of it all? How do I expand my sphere to include a more diverse reflection of my market? In this session, we'll discuss appropriate and effective ways to diversify your business and create a sense of belonging within your sphere.

Overcoming Government Loan Program BiasOctober 10 | Virtual Class (Live Online) | 1 Hour CE | 11 am - 12 pm

Presenter: Marion Napoleon

During this session, attendees will delve into the complexities of government loan programs and the potential biases that may exist within these programs. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical examples, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented communities and explore innovative solutions to overcome bias and promote inclusive homeownership.

 

Contact: Deanna Wright, Professional Development Coordinator -