The Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® (OBAR) led local efforts this April to recognize National Fair Housing Month, which marks the anniversary of the 1968 passage of the Fair Housing Act and calls on communities to renew their commitment to equal access and housing for all.
In support of this effort, OBAR collaborated with local governments to spotlight the importance of inclusive housing policies. At OBAR’s request, Dare County and the towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Manteo each adopted official proclamations affirming their support of fair housing.
In a step toward developing more long-term housing solutions, OBAR secured a $3,000 Housing Opportunity Grant from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to aid the work of the Dare County Housing Taskforce, chaired by OBAR’s Government Affairs Director, Donna Creef. T
his is the first time OBAR has received grant funding from NAR, a significant milestone that reflects the organization’s expanding role as both a trusted resource for REALTORS® and a proactive partner in addressing community needs. The grant will help advance the taskforce’s initial goals and priorities, as outlined in its 2024 Final Report. These priorities include fostering community awareness and empathy, reducing barriers, and providing practical tools to support the development of affordable and accessible housing throughout Dare County.
OBAR also hosted Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing, a course designed to help members recognize and address implicit bias in real estate. The program was supported by a second grant from NAR, a Fair Housing Grant, which allowed OBAR to offer the course at a reduced cost to members. The course was taught by Tikola McCree, 2024 chair of the NC REALTORS® Diversity Committee and current vice chair of NAR’s Fair Housing Policy Committee.
“Everyone deserves a fair chance at finding a home,” said OBAR President Christi Bryant. “By partnering with local leaders and investing in member education, we’re working to make that vision a reality here in the Outer Banks.”
To learn more about OBAR’s advocacy work, visit www.outerbanksrealtors.com.
The color of bias is green. I was told this by a contractor 2 generations ago.