Episode 298: Fair Housing and the Real Estate Bias You Don’t Notice
April is Fair Housing Month, which makes it the perfect time to explore the real estate bias you don’t notice—and how it affects clients, agents, and the industry as a whole. In this episode, we’re joined by Molly from Eugene, Oregon, a former teacher turned broker/owner, who is passionate about fair housing and diversity in real estate. Molly’s story and insights shine a light on how bias—often unintentional—shows up in our everyday work and how we can all do better.
Meet Molly: From Education to Advocacy
After five years as an agent, Molly opened her own boutique brokerage to better align with her values. As an MBA grad and former middle school teacher, she knew there was a better way to run a business—one that was client-focused and value-driven. Molly now leads a small, intentional office and serves as Chair of the Oregon REALTORS® Diversity Committee.
Why Fair Housing Became Personal
Molly’s journey into fair housing advocacy began when a trans client faced discrimination during escrow. This painful moment opened her eyes to the real estate bias you don’t notice until it affects someone close to you. Since then, she has been intentional about preparing her team and service providers to respect client identities and needs—something she now builds into her client onboarding process.
Proactive Practices That Make a Difference
One of Molly’s most impactful tools? A thoughtful buyer consultation that includes questions like: “What are your pronouns?” and “Are there any neurodivergent preferences we should consider?” By addressing potential issues up front, she ensures clients are respected throughout the transaction. She also educates lenders and title agents in advance to prevent missteps.
Leading at the State and Local Level
Molly helped create a DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) committee at her local board and now chairs the state-level Diversity Committee. Through these roles, she’s helped launch impactful events like Oregon’s Fair Housing Summit and secured over $14,000 in grants for education and outreach, including film screenings, housing panels, and bias training.
What Real Estate Agents Get Wrong
A major issue in real estate is the bias agents don’t realize they have. Many agents unknowingly steer clients by offering personal opinions about neighborhoods or schools. Molly encourages agents to be the “source of the source”—referring clients to third-party resources rather than making subjective judgments. This approach keeps the transaction fair and professional.
The Power of Systems and Documentation
To protect yourself and your clients, treat every transaction the same. Molly emphasizes the importance of consistent systems and record-keeping. She shared how detailed offer tracking helped dismiss a fair housing complaint during a multiple-offer scenario. Consistency isn’t just professional—it’s protective.
When Sellers Show Bias
Agents also need to navigate subtle (and not-so-subtle) seller bias. Molly advises setting expectations from the start, clearly stating your commitment to fair housing. Whether you’re dealing with jokes or direct comments, don’t be afraid to lead with your values. As Molly says, “Be the professional, not the people-pleaser.”
Overcoming the Fear of Getting It Wrong
Many agents avoid conversations about fair housing because they fear making a mistake. Molly reminds us that growth requires discomfort. She shares stories of moments when she got it wrong, learned from it, and became better. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.
Resources to Keep Learning
Molly recommends the book So You Want to Talk About Race, as well as NPR’s new Fair Housing 2.0 content and the At Home with Diversity course. She also encourages agents to take the Implicit Bias Test multiple times to see how results change depending on mood or time of day.
A Bigger Table for Everyone
At the end of the day, this work benefits everyone. Molly reminds us that by removing the real estate bias you don’t notice and creating inclusive systems, we serve more people—and do it better. It’s not about losing your seat at the table, it’s about making a bigger table.
Cheers to Advocacy
To wrap up the episode, Molly gives a shoutout to her friend and fellow fair housing advocate, Ashley Contreras. Their shared mission? Making real estate a safer, more equitable space for everyone.
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