Leading the movement for Democracy in Housing since 1949

Message From Our President - Felicia Guidry

Houston Black Real Estate Association (HBREA), is a Local Board of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the oldest minority trade association in America. HBREA’s members are distinguished by the trade name “REALTIST” and they subscribe to the HBREA core principle of “Democracy in Housing.” For 74 years, The Houston Black Real Estate Association has served the Greater Houston and surrounding areas leading in education and empowering minority communities to obtain the American Dream, homeownership. From advocating for Fair Housing Opportunities and Fair Lending Laws to Community Development and Housing Construction to Developing Citywide FREE Housing Fair models and Community FREE Financial Education workshops, HBREA is INVOLVED.

Black Americans incurred over a Billion Dollar loss of equity/wealth and drastic reductions in their rate of homeownership as a result of the combined impact of the subprime debacle, predatory lending practices, and the foreclosure crisis. In response to this dilemma, our theme is “Reset and Align for Greater” Join HBREA as a Community Partner, helping to Educate and Empower Houston Communities to reach their greatest potential which ultimately enriches the City we all love. This year, together we can Reset with innovation, connectivity, and productivity. We have a vision and believe Aligning strategic relationships, partnerships and collaboration will create economic growth and sustainability.

HBREA is keenly aware that for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and communities of color, prosperity and growth is not equitable for all. There is a need to do more, to create momentum, to impact our economy, and to expand prosperity. As we move forward at this pivotal moment in time HBREA is undertaking the development of strategic initiatives that will benefit all our stakeholders, members, and businesses. We believe our strategy to Reset and Align with our partners is key to accomplishing the goal.

HBREA commits to integrating NAREB’s national strategy to Rebuild, Restore and Retain by way of using our Five Pillars.

1.            Faith-Based & Civic Engagement

2.            Women Initiatives-Women Investing in Real Estate (W.I.R.E.)

3.            Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Small Business

4.            Multi-Generational Wealth Building

5.            Government Relations/Advocacy

By using these Pillars we will strengthen and grow a strategic collaboration of real estate, small businesses, financial services, policy, advocacy and other stakeholders that will focus on improving economic inclusion for African Americans in Houston and surrounding areas through homeownership and other financial economic empowerment vehicles. Homeownership remains the number one wealth building vehicle for African American families.

However, Homeownership rates for African Americans in Houston and surrounding Harris County declined more than any other racial and ethnic group from 2010 to 2021. The rates fell from 37% to 31% in the city and 41% to 37% in the county. Currently, the African American homeownership rate is only 32% in the city and 41.9% when you include the surrounding areas. With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, current inflation and looming recession, it is more imperative now than ever before to align ourselves with great partners like you. Join us in as we focus on democracy in housing that will bring wealth creation via home ownership to the forefront. Your support will increase our reach to impact our economy and expand prosperity to those who are most underrepresented. It’s time for Houston to Reset and Align together for Greater!