Above, from left, Teresa Palacios Smith, Cliff Long, Jamie Tian and Christina Tran
April commemorates Fair Housing Month, honoring the idea that anyone can live in the community in which they desire without fear of being met with discrimination. To better understand why real estate leaders have taken on the crusade of making this policy a universal reality, we asked some of our 2025 Real Estate Newsmakers the following question:
“As someone working on the frontlines of real estate, what steps still need to be taken to make Fair Housing a reality for all?”
Here’s what they had to say:
Crusaders
Cliff Long
CEO
Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association
“Housing affordability is the biggest threat to fair housing today. It drives the largest disparity in America and continues to be the top issue in every borough and city across the nation. Yet, it’s astonishing (and a travesty) that it isn’t at the forefront of every municipality, county, parish, state or national agenda. While we must remain vigilant against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability and marital status, we cannot overlook that affordability cuts across all these protected classes. When housing costs soar out of reach, discrimination becomes secondary because no one can be excluded from what they can’t afford in the first place. It is time to address this issue not as a community, but as a country.”
Crusaders
Teresa Palacios Smith
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
HomeServices of America
“Fair Housing is not just a policy; it’s a promise. Yet, bias and discrimination persist. When my parents bought their first home, our agent likely steered us toward a specific neighborhood because we were Hispanic, shaping our experience in ways we didn’t fully understand. You would think times have changed, but recently, a neighbor quietly mentioned that a new family moving in was Black, as if it were unusual. This was a stark reminder that bias still influences perceptions of who belongs where. To make Fair Housing a reality, we must commit to education (not just for agents, but for the public), enforce stronger protections and create real access to homeownership. Fair Housing isn’t just about compliance; it’s about justice, opportunity and ensuring everyone has a fair shot at the American Dream.”
Crusaders
Jamie Tian
President
Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)
“Fair Housing is something we all believe in, but there’s still work to be done to make it a reality for everyone. Education is key—not just for real estate professionals, but also for consumers, so they understand their rights and opportunities. We also need stronger enforcement of Fair Housing laws and greater access to affordable housing, especially in underserved communities. As agents, we play a huge role in advocating for equal opportunities and making sure every buyer and renter has a fair shot. At the end of the day, fair housing isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about creating more inclusive, thriving communities.”
Crusaders
Christina Tran
REALTOR®
Harry Norman, REALTORS®
“Fair Housing Month is a reminder that while progress has been made, there’s still work to do. Education is key. Buyers, sellers, renters and even industry professionals need to fully understand Fair Housing laws to prevent discrimination, whether intentional or not. Addressing implicit bias is another crucial step, ensuring all clients receive the same opportunities regardless of race, income or background. Increasing access to affordable housing and advocating for policies that promote diverse, inclusive communities is also essential. Lastly, enforcement needs to remain a priority. Laws are only effective if they’re upheld. Real change requires awareness, accountability and action from everyone.”
Visit https://www.rismedia.com/2025-newsmakers to learn more about this year’s Newsmakers.
