Introducing the Black Real Estate Agent Program™, presented by HomeLight
Providing financial, educational, and career support for aspiring agents.
What is the Black Real Estate Agent Program™?
HomeLight created the Black Real Estate Agent Program™ in February 2021 to improve the rate of homeownership for Black Americans. According to research by Deloitte, fewer than 6% of active real estate agents and brokers identify as Black, but more than 11% of the population is Black. The program’s goal is to increase the number of top-producing Black agents in real estate by eliminating barriers to entering the field.
The program provides financial and business support for brand-new Black real estate agents. HomeLight will help cover many of the onboarding costs for new agents, includingpre-licensing classes, agent exams, and some technology and marketing needs. Program participants will be paired with an established real estate broker who can serve as a mentor and advisor. And we will provide ongoing training and education for new agents above and beyond what they can expect from their brokers.
Why are we concerned about systemic racism in real estate?
The homeownership rate for Black Americans hit a historic low in July 2019, impacting neighborhoods and families, school quality, and generational wealth. By sponsoring Black real estate agents and providing them with tools to achieve high-production success, we hope to make a difference.
Systemic racism has oppressed Black Americans for decades. We’ve seen the direct effects of racist laws and lending policies in real estate. By blocking Black Americans from buying homes anywhere they wanted to live, the government and the real estate industry have both contributed to the social justice issues permeating our country today.
HomeLight believes that every American deserves to own a home. We also believe it is our responsibility to support solutions to end systemic racism.
Who is qualified to apply for the program?
We’re seeking aspiring Black real estate professionals who are:
- Between the ages of 18 and 35
- Interested in a career in real estate, but not currently established as an agent
- Committed to spending five to ten hours per week working with mentors or on continuing education
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
For more information, read our FAQs.
What will the program provide?
Selected applicants will receive up to $5,000 in benefits, including:
- Fees for pre-licensing classes and the licensing exam
- Up to $500 to spend on marketing
- One year subscription to CRM software
- One year of brokerage fees, MLS fees, and Association fees
- Continuing education from experts on everything from negotiating contracts to building ads on social media
- A mentor who is well-established in real estate and who can offer support and advice
Kick start your real estate career with HomeLight
How social justice intersects with real estate
We dig into history to explain how we got here and what still needs to be done to increase racial parity and homeownership rates. - visit our Agent Resource Center
Visit our Agent Resource Center
