Training Session for Certified New Homesale Professionals

On September 29, 2009, Matt Grosh and I served as faculty members at a training session for Certified New Home Sales Professionals, which was held at the Lancaster County Association of Realtors. The three-day training was focused on marketing and selling new construction and offered continuing education credits to real estate agents with varied levels of experience.

The focus of my presentation was on the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and 1988 (FHA) and its effect on the marketing, advertisement and sale of new homes. The FHA provides for equal treatment of protected classes and individuals regardless of their race, religion or national origin. Matt Grosh focused his presentation on contract law and the effect of contract principles on agreements for the sale of real estate.

The seminar gave the participants an opportunity to discuss the methods by which they advertise and market their homes and how they avoid issues that could cause concern for disparate treatment in home sales. There were a number of questions regarding how to market properties without running afoul of the federal and state fair housing statutes. The discussion generated during the question and answer period was additionally informative and productive. There were approximately 25 real estate agents in attendance, many of whom are also members of the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County.