How the National Association of Realtors Advocates for Housing for People with Disabilities

Do you also believe that accessible housing is important for socializing and connecting deeply with your community? Our guest today is Bryan Greene, the Vice President of Policy Advocacy at the National Association of REALTORS® where he oversees all legislative and regulatory advocacy on behalf of the association’s 1.5 million members. Bryan joined NAR in November 2019 and spent his first year at NAR raising the association’s profile in Washington and nationwide on all fair-housing-related policy matters as NAR’s first Director of Fair Housing Policy. In this conversation, we discuss the challenges and benefits of living in a community that is accessible to everyone, even those with disabilities. We also discuss why it is important for realtors to be educated on accessible housing issues, and how they can help create inclusive communities. Listen and enjoy!

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 06:42] Opening Segment

Bryan introduces the National Association of Realtors How NAR advocates for laws and regulations in the interests of the real estate industry, as well as fair housing and consumer rights How to advocate for consumers with disabilities The importance of making sure accessible design is included in state building codes and promoting accessible housing at the community level

[06:43 - 13:25] Tax Breaks for Home Renovations to Accessibility

What the Fairhaven Program is about How the NAR helps agents learn about the Fair Housing Act NAR believes that accessible design is essential for inclusive communities, and is working to promote energy efficiency and fair housing tax policy together.

[13:26 - 20:14] Advocating for Accessible Communities

We should be aware of any legislation that may have implications for disability rights How a tax can incentivize an increase in housing supply, and as a result, it has also looked at how disability rights should be included in any such legislation. NAR has also been working with state housing agencies to explore ways that accessible housing can be expanded

[20:15 - 28:47] Closing Segment

There is a need for stronger enforcement of the disability rights laws and more accessible websites and public places

Want to connect with Bryan? Head to National Association of Realtors, empowering realtors to achieve their real estate ambitions!

 

Resources Mentioned:

The Before and After

Key Quotes:

"There's a lot that can be done at the community level to promote accessible design and accessible features and housing." - Bryan Greene

"Fair housing has been an opportunity for us to think about how we want to live, what kind of communities we want to have, and the need to make sure that as we build and plan communities today, that they include everyone." - Bryan Greene

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