The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has officially launched Fairhaven 2.0, an upgraded fair housing training platform designed to challenge members with dynamic scenarios, provide actionable insights, and offer an in-depth look at the history of housing discrimination. This innovative platform is now available to all NAR members and will play a key role in meeting the newly established fair housing training requirement.
A New Fair Housing Training Requirement
Starting in 2025, all NAR members will be required to complete fair housing training as part of the three-year Code of Ethics cycle. This mandate, effective from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, ensures that REALTORS® stay informed and proactive in upholding fair housing principles. Fortunately, Fairhaven 2.0 provides an accessible, online, and cost-free way for members to fulfill this requirement.
“NAR is raising the bar. Fairhaven goes beyond compliance to help members learn how to advocate for clients who experience housing discrimination,” says Alexia Smokler, NAR’s Director of Fair Housing Policy and Programs. “No consumer should miss out on a housing opportunity because of who they are. NAR is equipping members to stand up for clients and help build diverse, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.”
What Makes Fairhaven 2.0 Different?
Fairhaven 2.0 elevates fair housing education with an immersive, multimedia approach that challenges members to think critically and provides essential resources to enhance their understanding.
Key improvements include:
- Expanded Scenarios – Members will engage with real-world situations covering issues such as steering, sexual harassment, assistance animals, and lending discrimination.
- Historical Context – The new Fairhaven Historical Society brings fair housing history to life with animated videos featuring documents and photos from NAR’s archives. This addition helps members grasp the impact of past discriminatory practices, such as redlining and restrictive covenants, on today’s housing market.
- Actionable Takeaways – Practical tools and strategies empower members to identify and address housing discrimination in their daily practice.
Encouragement from SAR
The Sacramento Association of REALTORS® (SAR) strongly encourages its members to take part in Fairhaven 2.0 to stay informed and enhance their ability to serve clients fairly and equitably. SAR recognizes the importance of ensuring that all real estate professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to combat discrimination and foster inclusive communities.
Understanding the Ethics Training Requirement
As part of NAR’s ethics training requirement, all new member applicants must now complete two hours of fair housing training. Existing members must also complete two hours of fair housing training every three years to maintain their membership.
Making a Difference in Fair Housing
By launching Fairhaven 2.0, NAR is ensuring that its members are not only compliant with fair housing regulations but are also proactive advocates for equal housing opportunities. Understanding the history of housing discrimination and applying that knowledge to prevent future injustices is crucial in shaping fair and inclusive communities for all.
NAR members can access Fairhaven 2.0 today and take the next step in upholding fair housing principles and promoting equal access to homeownership.
