About eight years ago, I had the privilege of listening to Nate Bowling speak at a Genuine Hustle Realtor event. As he delved into the intricacies of lending practices, real estate laws, and the not-so-distant history of our city, I was both captivated and horrified. It was a moment of awakening, realizing my own ignorance about the systemic racism that had deprived so many people of color of generational wealth right here in Tacoma. The revelation felt surreal, yet undeniably true.

Blaming my lack of awareness, I took it upon myself to explore further, uncovering the harsh reality of how systemic racism had entrenched itself, limiting opportunities for communities of color. The seeds of change were planted for all who attended that event. Over the years, our industry has witnessed efforts to undo the damage. Realtor organizations, including those we associate with, are now actively engaged in education and candid conversations addressing implicit biases, microaggressions, aging CCR’s and much more. 

Personally, I delved into resources like "The 13th Amendment" on Netflix (a must-watch for every American) and books such as "The Color of Law." These explorations were eye-opening and fueled a commitment to be a force for positive change in our community.

Windermere, the organization we proudly align ourselves with, has adopted a profound commitment to equity and diversity. Through partnerships with organizations like HomeSight, Windermere is actively contributing to providing financing opportunities for low-to-moderate income home buyers who have historically been underserved. Recognizing the stark statistical gaps in homeownership rates for people of color, the fund is a small step toward bridging the gap. 

At RM Home Specialists, our journey toward inclusivity and fairness in real estate is deeply rooted in these transformative experiences. We want to be more than just agents – we want to be catalysts for change. We understand the importance of bridging the affordability gap and creating opportunities for everyone to experience the security and joy of owning a home.

For every home we sell, we contribute and on MLK day today, we ask you to join us. Your donation can be a powerful step toward creating a future where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated. Together, let's continue the journey toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

Our mission is to embrace and empower a diverse community of clients and friends on their journey towards the many advantages of homeownership. We approach everyone exactly where they are, fostering a relationship built on openness and transparency. In tandem with our commitment to inclusivity, we hold a deep respect for the unique differences that enrich our communities — be it in culture, personal choices, or race. Our dedication to fair housing practices ensures that everyone is treated with the utmost fairness and equality.

If you share our passion for building a more inclusive and equitable society, we invite you to learn more about the impactful work of the Sam Smith Fund through a brief video [link to video]. Your support, in the form of a donation to the fund, can make a meaningful difference in closing these gaps and fostering a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.

To contribute or inquire further, please follow this donation link. For additional information, feel free to reach out to me or Madison directly. Together, let's make homeownership a reality for all and create a community where diversity is not just celebrated but embraced.

-Regina