by Tony Conant, 2021 KCRAR President
June is in full swing, and I know we’ve all been bored waiting around for the market to pick up, right? Just kidding. I know it’s been a stressful time for many of us, but June serves as a reminder of two very important causes. June is National Homeownership Month and Pride Month.
I felt that Phillip Phillips’ 2012 song “Home” could be applicable to us in more ways than one as we navigate this hectic time, while also trying to acknowledge the difference we are making in our community and in the lives of each of our clients.
Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you’re not alone
We’re in this together, right? Even though we’re working through an exceptional time in the market with a housing inventory of less than one month in our region, it’s crucial we understand that we’re all in the same boat and treat one another with respect and support.
I’m gonna make this place your home
This line feels like the perfect summary of what we do for a living. We help our clients find their homes, not just their houses. Homeownership Month reminds us that even though you don’t necessarily have to own a piece of property for it to be your home, something so special happens when you do own your home.
And everyone should have the right to access homeownership, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We cannot forget about our country’s shameful history of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. I’m so grateful that our REALTOR® Code of Ethics now prohibits that kind of discrimination, but there’s still work to do. That’s why KCRAR’s Advocacy and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committees have been working for the passage of the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act (MONA) in the Missouri Legislature, which would legally prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity not just in housing, but also in employment and public accommodations.
Homeownership can be a life-changing source of pride and financial stability that everyone should have equal access to if that is their goal. Let’s remember that as we navigate this time of low inventory, and support each other as we help our clients achieve that goal.
