SPOKANE, Wash. — Real estate professionals and community advocates in Eastern Washington are taking an important step toward expanding homeownership opportunities and strengthening industry collaboration across the region. Following a successful informational event held on March 7, 2026, efforts are underway to organize the Eastern Washington REALTIST board in partnership with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). Region XIV Vice President Nicole Bascomb-Green presented the vision and purpose of the organization, highlighting both its national legacy and local relevance to community leaders at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center.
Founded in 1947, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers was established to provide a professional platform for Black real estate practitioners who were historically excluded from traditional real estate organizations. For nearly eight decades, NAREB has championed its advocacy for equitable access to homeownership, professional development, and sustainable community growth nationwide.
As the organization continues to expand, Eastern Washington is being recognized for the growing momentum around equitable housing efforts. Local Realtor Latrice Williams, key organizer, emphasized that the work is both urgent and deeply rooted in social justice.
“The goal is to allow democracy in housing—opportunities for folks that didn’t see it happening, heavy on social justice, and making sure that we get the policy changes that we need to support the Black and Brown communities that are here in Eastern Washington,” Williams said.
Williams pointed to the Covenant Homeownership Program as a direct example of what coordinated advocacy can achieve.
“The Covenant program is a direct result of the advocacy from the national level and the state level,” she said. “Out of the study, we found that Black homeownership was the lowest percentage over decades. Legislators saw that something needed to change, and now we have a statewide program that allots 20% for a down payment for eligible residents.”
Serving on the governor’s oversight committee for the program, Williams noted that policy work remains ongoing, including efforts to advance the Community Reinvestment Program.
“A lot of us benefited in the nonprofit world to fund these communities and start these programs. Now we need to retain what we started and continue to grow it,” she said.
The formation of the Eastern Washington REALTIST board represents more than industry alignment—it signals a broader commitment to generational impact.
“We’re not just building houses—we’re building communities. We’re building generational wealth and fixing what was all messed up,” Williams said.
Organizers are currently seeking at least 10 founding board members to formally establish the chapter. Real estate professionals, developers, lenders, homeowners, and community members interested in advancing equitable housing are encouraged to get involved.
“We need people that care about people,” Williams added. “Anyone who wants to be part of meaningful change should be at the table.”