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

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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