Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Minnesota Realtors® thrives when we create experiences that foster a sense of belonging for our members, homeowners, and communities. We promote diversity within the Realtor® membership and include perspectives encompassing various backgrounds, lived experiences, expertise, interests, viewpoints, characteristics, and other qualities.

Minnesota Realtors® benefit when diversity is baked into every component of our organization. Our goal is to ensure members and leaders reflect a real estate industry where members represented and have equitable access to opportunity, industry insights that meets the evolving needs of homeowners, the community, and our association.

Inclusivity: We celebrate the rich tapestry of backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and perspectives within our community.
Equitable Opportunities: We are committed to providing fair and equal opportunities for professional growth and success.
Education and Awareness: We actively promote awareness and education to foster a more inclusive and informed real estate industry.
Community Engagement: We engage with diverse communities, valuing partnerships that reflect the varied fabric of the real estate landscape.
Accountability: We continually assess our practices, striving to eliminate biases and ensure that DE&I principles are embedded in every aspect of our association.

Below are resources and information as you continue to fight for fair housing and stand up for equity in homeownership.

Minnesota Realtors® Fair Housing Champion Award

2024 Nominations open now!

Do you know a REALTOR® dedicated to advancing fair housing and closing the racial homeownership disparity gap?

Nominations are now open for the inaugural Minnesota Realtors® Fair Housing Champion Award—created by the MNR DE&I Commitee.

This brand-new, annual honor recognizes Realtors® who are dedicated to advancing fair housing, expanding homeownership opportunities, and helping close the racial homeownership gap in Minnesota. The 2024 award recipient will receive a $1,000 donation to a non-profit of their choice within the housing industry.

The recipient will be announced and recognized at the 2024 UNITE! convention held in Duluth, from September 25–26. Make a nomination through the button below.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, August 23, 2024.

Nominate Here

Pathway to Achievement Program

The Pathway to Achievement Program is designed to promote diversity within the Realtor® membership. The program aims to increase multicultural representation in the real estate sector and enhance their chances of building a sustainable and prosperous career in the industry.

Pathway to Achievement forges an alliance between the recipient, sponsoring broker, a broker—assigned mentor, local association, and Minnesota Realtors®.

Program Award

One year of Realtor® association dues (local, state, and national)
Six months of MLS fees
Six GRI courses, which count toward C.E. (continuing education) credits
Free MNR UNITE! convention ticket

Learn more about our Pathway to Achievement program.

First-Generation Downpayment Assistance Advocacy

During the week of May 8, the Minnesota House and Senate passed the “First-Generation Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Fund” program, which was included in the final version of the omnibus housing finance bill (HF 2335). On Monday, May 15, Governor Walz signed HF 2335 into law.

This pilot program was brought forward by a diverse coalition of groups led by Minnesota Realtors® (MNR), the Minnesota Homeownership Center (the Center), and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

MNR and the Center commissioned a study that revealed lack of sufficient capital for a down payment was a key barrier to homeownership. Realizing the scope of the problem, MNR and the Center sought other partners, and enlisted Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. From there, more groups joined the fold and soon a coalition was advocating for passage of the “First-Generation Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Fund” at the Capitol.

The $150 million appropriated in the omnibus housing finance bill for down payment assistance for first-generation homebuyers, and specifically the $100 million in this for the coalition’s proposed pilot program (to be administered by Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation in partnership with CDFIs, nonprofits, and Tribal entities around the state), will open the door to homeownership for thousands of first-generation buyers —particularly those in communities of color. “It will help advance the goal of closing the racial homeownership gap in Minnesota and getting more first-generation homebuyers over the down payment barrier and into homeownership,” Julie Gugin, president of the Center, said.

Funds will be available in 2024.

Learn more at firstgendpa.org

NAR’s Fairhaven

Fairhaven is a fair housing simulation training for Realtors® that uses the power of storytelling to help members identify, prevent, and address discriminatory practices in real estate. Inspired by real stories, this innovative online experience has agents work against the clock to sell homes in the fictional town of Fairhaven, while confronting discrimination in the homebuying process.

Learners will also walk in the shoes of a homebuyer facing discrimination. The training provides customized feedback that learners can apply to daily business interactions.

Visit the town of Fairhaven to get started.