WASHINGTON (JUNE 1, 2021) – National Association of Realtors® President Charlie Oppler issued the following statement today as President Joe Biden travels to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre and unveil new initiatives designed to close racial wealth gaps. The administration’s proposals focus primarily on expanding opportunities for small business and home ownership.
“The horrific acts of violence and property destruction that occurred in Tulsa 100 years ago and the subsequent public and private policies that frustrated the recovery of ‘Black Wall Street’ help illustrate why racial wealth gaps persist in America today,” said Oppler, a Realtor® from Franklin Lakes, N.J., and the CEO of Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International. “We commend the Biden Administration for its commitment to closing the gap, specifically by focusing on the intergenerational wealth building opportunities offered by property and home ownership.
“NAR is particularly encouraged by the administration’s most recent efforts to address inequities in the home appraisal process, and we support a thorough review of the current appraisal system alongside both public and private stakeholders. We look forward to working with White House and HUD on other upcoming rulemakings that seek to more effectively combat housing discrimination and redress the legacy of residential racial segregation.”
The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.4 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.