Realogy Holdings Corp recently announced the expansion of its pioneering Inclusive Ownership Program, now available for diverse independent brokerage owners interested in affiliating with any Realogy affiliated franchise brand including Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, CENTURY 21®, Coldwell Banker, Corcoran Group®, ERA® and Sotheby’s International Realty®. Diverse populations include women, self-identified LGBTQ+, veterans and self-identified ethnic and racial groups including Hispanic, Black, and Asian American and Pacific Islander.
Launched in 2020 with Coldwell Banker, the Inclusive Ownership Program is an industry-first initiative designed to attract and invest in the success of diverse brokerage owners who affiliate with one of Realogy’s brands by offering incentives that support their business growth and productivity. In addition to a waived initial franchise fee, benefits vary by brand and include financial incentives and exclusive education and mentorship opportunities such as a tuition discount to enroll in Realogy’s exclusive “Ascend: The Leadership Experience” program and assistance to attain a National Minority Supplier Diversity Certification (NMSDC). Owners in the program will also receive a complimentary membership and conference registration to an industry partner organization of choice, including the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA).
Evident by the 45 diverse franchise owners who joined Realogy brands in 2020, diverse entrepreneurs play a crucial leadership role in a growing industry. Through the Inclusive Ownership Program, Realogy aims to increase entrepreneurship opportunities for those who represent diverse markets and to help open doors and strengthen their representation in the industry.
“As a champion of equal and fair housing for all, Realogy’s leading brands must serve the unique needs of diverse communities they serve around the country,” said Sue Yannaccone, president and CEO of Realogy Franchise Group. “We are an industry of opportunity for all entrepreneurs, and the expansion of this groundbreaking ownership program demonstrates Realogy’s commitment to helping invest in and successfully move diverse leaders to what’s next in their business.”
Through this partnership, brokerages can enhance the ways in which they serve their diverse client bases as experienced by Coldwell Banker Omni Group in Santa Ana, California, owned by Tina Marie and Rich Hernandez. Joining the Coldwell Banker family as one of the first participants under the Inclusive Ownership Program last year, Omni Group has seen increased exposure in its efforts to reach and serve a more diverse clientele in their Southern California community.
“Through the program, we’ve been given the tools, structure (something independents don’t always have), mentorship and confidence boost to back up the hard work that goes into our business every single day to serve our beloved community,” said Tina Marie, owner of Omni Group.
For more information on the Inclusive Ownership Program and Realogy’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, visit Realogy.com/Diversity.