Although the federal Fair Housing Act was enacted over 50 years ago, housing discrimination continues to be a problem in the country. Every year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) investigates thousands of housing discrimination complaints based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. This course reviews federal and state fair housing law protections, discusses key characteristics of protected classes, and explores activities that constitute fair housing violations. A review of court cases in which discrimination occurred will give licensees a better sense of discriminatory actions and how to prevent discrimination in their real estate practice.

The course concludes with a discussion of business practices that real estate professionals can develop to ensure compliance with the Fair Housing Act and to grow their business by embracing diversity.

Upon completion of the course, a student will be able to:

• explain the history and importance of the Fair Housing Act and how it is applied today
• identify and define protected classes under federal and state law
• recognize how to reduce or prevent discrimination in the housing industry
• identify unlawful practices in selling, brokering, and appraisal of residential real estate
• describe the real estate professional's rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act
• explain fair housing enforcement in North Carolina and by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Department of Justice (DOJ)
• recognize the benefits of incorporating diversity in your real estate business

All North Carolina real estate professionals who need four hours of elective CE to renew their licenses