Fair Housing: Moving Beyond Compliance to Real Change

Fair housing isn’t just a box to check—it’s a promise our industry is striving to deliver. Every April, we repeat the talking points and host the panels, but too often the conversation stops at compliance. That’s not good enough. And in today’s political climate, we need advocacy for inclusion, homes for everyone, now more than ever. We owe our communities more than lip service—we owe them action and accountability.

At this year’s NAR NXT panel, I had the privilege of joining an incredible panel and challenged my peers: What would it look like if we made fair housing the foundation of everything we do, not just in policy, but in daily practice? The answer is simple, but not easy: it would transform our businesses, neighborhoods, and industry’s reputation.

We intentionally dug into what matters, how to make fair housing principles natural in our everyday work.

At my firm, Sovereign Realty & Management, we’ve learned that partnering and collaborating with nonprofits and municipal groups isn’t just the right thing to do; it makes us better. When fair housing principles shape our operations, we serve more people, build stronger trust, foster stronger communities, and grow deeper, lasting client relationships. We talked about how to get a seat at the table to add value, and if there is no table, build one! Not because we have to, but because it makes us better at serving everyone. 

The panelists who joined me are leading by example, too: from advancing ADA accessibility, to advocating for commercial development that includes everyone, to championing down payment assistance and better legislation. The solutions are out there; what’s missing is the will to make them standard practice.

There’s a wealth of gems dropped in this panel, so be ready to pause and take notes for things you can implement right away in your business.

The panel conversation became particularly interesting when we explored how fair housing practices strengthen our businesses. We discussed concrete ways to build trust, expand our reach, and create lasting client relationships while ensuring everyone has access to housing opportunities. 

I walked away from this session more energized than ever about where our industry is heading. When we focus on doing what’s right, good business naturally follows.

It’s time for real estate professionals to move past performative gestures and commit to measurable, meaningful change. Fair housing is not a compliance issue—it’s the future of responsible business. 

Let’s stop asking, “What do we have to do?” and start asking, “What more can we do?”

I invite you to reflect: What steps will you take to make fair housing the norm, not the exception, in your business? I’m starting today by sharing fair housing – outside of Fair Housing month.  Fair Housing Every Day. 

Click here to view the panel.  I’d love to hear your thoughts. 

And remember #LiveSovereign!

Karen Hatcher, CPM®