Fair Housing Month - EQUAL ACCESS FOR ALL

At Hinton Real Estate Group, we’ve always believed that home is more than a roof over your head—it’s a place where families grow, dreams are built, and futures are shaped. As a Black woman-owned business located in the heart of downtown Ypsilanti, we’ve been committed to helping clients across Southeast Michigan navigate homeownership with fairness and integrity for more than two decades.

Each April, we take time to reflect on and recognize Fair Housing Month, a reminder of the importance of equal access in real estate and the impact it has on every corner of our community.

The History Behind Fair Housing Month

Fair Housing Month was established in response to one of the most difficult moments in our nation’s history. Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law just one week later, on April 11. This groundbreaking law made it illegal to discriminate in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or family status.

Since then, April has become a time to raise awareness, continue the work of dismantling housing discrimination, and uplift the importance of inclusive communities.

Why Fair Housing Still Matters Today

While the law was a major step forward, we still have work to do. Discrimination may not always be obvious, but it can still show up in lending decisions, appraisal bias, or lack of access to certain neighborhoods.

At its core, fair housing is about giving every person a fair shot at building a life they’re proud of—no matter who they are or where they come from. And that’s a value we carry into every client interaction.

The Bigger Picture: Why Fair Housing Is So Important

Fair housing isn’t just a real estate issue—it’s a community issue. When more people have the chance to live where they choose, without bias or barriers, our neighborhoods grow stronger and more connected. Here’s what that looks like:

• Reducing Segregation: Fair housing laws help break down old systems of segregation, encouraging more diverse, inclusive neighborhoods.

• Better Health and Safety: Stable housing leads to better physical and mental health. A safe, clean environment benefits everyone.

• Educational Opportunities: When families have access to good schools through housing options, their kids have a better shot at success.

• Economic Mobility: Access to housing in job-rich areas boosts financial growth for individuals and local economies alike.

• Stronger Communities: Inclusive neighborhoods tend to be more engaged, resilient, and supportive.

• Protecting Human Dignity: At the end of the day, fair housing is about fairness, justice, and treating people with the respect they deserve.

Our Commitment at Hinton Real Estate Group

Fair housing isn’t just something we support during April—it’s part of who we are every day. Whether you’re buying your first home or exploring new opportunities, we’re here to help you:

• Understand your rights as a buyer or seller

• Connect with down payment programs like MSHDA

• Navigate mortgage options including FHA and VA loans

• Advocate for your goals in today’s competitive market

We believe in giving every client a clear path forward—because homeownership shouldn’t be limited to a few. It should be within reach for everyone.

Helpful Resources for Buyers and Renters

Know Your Rights:

• HUD Fair Housing: www.hud.gov/fairhousing

• Michigan Department of Civil Rights: www.michigan.gov/mdcr

Homebuyer Programs:

• MSHDA Down Payment Assistance: www.michigan.gov/mshda

• Washtenaw Housing Education Partners: www.washtenaw.org

Report Discrimination:

• HUD Hotline: 1-800-669-9777

• MI Civil Rights Hotline: 1-800-482-3604

Let’s Keep Moving Forward—Together

Fair Housing Month is about remembering where we’ve been—and looking ahead to where we’re going. At Hinton Real Estate Group, we’re proud to be part of that journey.

From Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor, Belleville to Detroit, and everywhere in between—we’re here to help people move forward, build wealth through real estate, and feel confident every step of the way.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just have questions about what’s possible—we’d love to talk.

Let’s work together to make homeownership more accessible, fair, and empowering for all.