Potential homeowners find useful information at real estate networking event
Photo by Abraiya Ruffin
By Abraiya Ruffin
Special to the Outlook
Real estate could be the perfect opportunity to generate income and secure economic growth for some individuals.
Others see it as much more than that.
“Our mission is to get out and increase Black homeownership in the community,” said Darrell Wills, president of Tallahassee Association of Realist. “That’s how you build generational wealth.”
That’s the point that the association tried to drive home last Friday night at a social networking event at the Hotel Duval. Attendees heard about the business of real estate, how to expand clientele and the importance of teaching others about the benefits of engaging in real estate.
A 2021 survey showed that Blacks make up just 6 percent of home buyers and sellers compared to Whites (82 percent). In many cases the sticklers for Blacks are bad credit, lower income. Not knowing the value of homeownership is also another proven setback for Blacks.
Those facts, said Wills, make reaching Black families a priority. Realtors traditionally have proven to have the toolkit that can direct families to lenders and other resources that can help them overcome the common challenges.
“We bring awareness to the discrepancies that happen with Black homeowners,” Willis said. “Once we show them the blueprint of being able to sit down and purchase a house, they’re blown away because they thought it was so difficult and unattainable.”
The networking event attracted dozens of realtors and leaders.
“This was an eye-opener, TAR is so educational not only for homeowners but also for realtors,” said Deanna Green, a realtor. “I can see lasting relationships will develop through this association; not only with other realtors but also clients. We’ve connected with the right set of people here.”
Tallahassee Mayor Pro Tem Dianne Williams-Cox, an advocate for affordable housing, applauded organizers of the event.
“We need to have realtors who understand where we come from and show us how we too can become homeowners,” Williams-Cox said. “I love the vision here because it’s not just for Black people; it’s for all people who have challenges and need help.”
