February is Black History Month, a time of celebrating the culture and history of an important part of the fabric of America.  The Fair Housing and Inclusion committee had a lively discussion about topics related to our local marketplace regarding homeownership and the home buying process for people of color. Please know that challenges affect our local real estate market and the committee plans to use each month to highlight some important information to help Realtors recognize local fair housing issues and create opportunities for change.  It all starts with us.  For example, did you know that the racial homeownership gap today is virtually the same as when the Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968?

Below is the national average, 45%, but the Black homeownership rate today in Berkshire County, according to NAR data is only 33.5% of our black population.  One in four residents of color report that their housing does not meet their needs, and people of color report taking much longer to find housing and experiencing higher rates of housing unaffordability.

In Pittsfield, the homeownership rate for Black residents has historically been lower than for white residents, with 2020 data indicating that 34.8% of Black residents in the county live in just three, historically redlined, census tracts in Pittsfield. Expect to hear more from the Fair Housing & Inclusion Committee this year on how REALTORS can help widen the opportunity of homeownership in our community, learn about and overcome bias and make change in 2026!  We are gearing up for some great outreach in April, Fair Housing Month. All volunteers are welcome and we ask that you please support these efforts.