Black Realtors® Champion Homeownership and Industry Representation

This February, PAR honors Black History Month by recognizing a few of our Realtor® members in the Black community. Here’s how real estate has transformed their lives and why they believe representation is crucial in the industry.

Annette Collier, Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors®

Annette Collier has been a Realtor® for 28 years and currently serves as the president of GPAR, as well as the chair of PAR’s Local Leadership Council. Previously, she’s been the chair of GPAR and PAR’s DEI Committees, and she’s served on the PAR Board of Directors for many years.

Collier’s decision to become a Realtor® was greatly influenced by the educational opportunities she saw in real estate. The various designations she’s earned have allowed her to broaden her knowledge and apply it to her business, making her a better Realtor® all around.

“Real estate changed my life because it allowed me to serve people and be a part of making their dreams come true,” Collier says. “They know that as a Realtor®, I will advocate and advise them when I am called upon. As a Realtor®, I am proud to not only be the salesperson or property manager, but also a long-term friend who does not end the relationship at settlement. I am here for them even after the sale.”

Collier stresses the importance of raising the Black homeownership rate, which sits at about 44.1%, according to the National Association of Realtors® most recent Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America.

“It is imperative for people to know that this industry is open to all people,” she states. “As many know, I have been a DEI supporter and hope that the doors remain open for all to participate. What we look like should not negate the importance of cultural representation. When we love and accept others, we all prosper because there is peace and a willingness to be involved for the betterment of the real estate industry.”

“Real estate changed my life because it allowed me to serve people and be a part of making their dreams come true. They know that as a Realtor®, I will advocate and advise them when I am called upon.” – Annette Collier, Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors® President.

S. Dave Hudson, Tri-County Suburban Realtors®

Dave Hudson – or more familiarly known as “Super Dave” – has been a Realtor® since 2013 and currently serves as the president of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Board of REALTIST and as a member of his local board of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

Prior to becoming a Realtor®, Hudson worked as a trainer/AE for his local multiple listing service for five years. There, he had the opportunity to form personal relationships with Realtor® staff and learn more about Realtor® associations.

“Real estate is a byproduct of my primary business. I’m in the people business. Actually, I have a PhD in People-ology with a concentration in Helping Others,” Hudson jokes. “This industry has allowed me to grow my personal and professional networks, which has provided me with exposure to more opportunities and relationships than I could have ever imagined – from attending client weddings in Israel to partnering with national developers. I keep winning because I have good friends and family, who have good friends and family, who have good friends and family.”

“As president of PMBR, I/we focus on increasing Black homeownership,” he adds. “Blacks have really low representation in all facets within the real estate industry. Our highest representation is 6% of the industry as real estate brokers and agents.”

“To increase representation, we need more Black real estate professionals to be more visible in black communities, to influence, impact and instruct. In return, we’ll also increase Black homeownership and Black wealth. Increased representation leads to increased wealth, which leads to increased representation. Let’s grow this cycle!”

Javier Nichols, Bucks County Association of Realtors®

Javier Nichols has been a Realtor® since 2017 and serves on PAR’s and BCAR’s Boards of Directors, and as the chair of BCAR’s New Member Success Committee.

When he and his wife purchased their first home and their real estate agent did not meet their expectations, the experience sparked his passion for pursuing a career in the industry. He had spent a decade as a top sales agent in the car sales business before realizing he could make a more significant impact by helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership.

Nichols prides himself on his ability to help others navigate the buying/selling process, as well as his own family members, who, with his help, have acquired their dream/forever home and become successful property investors. He is also happy to be able to educate Realtors® nationwide on the critical importance of their role and the power of a hands-on approach.

“Growing up in my neighborhood, I never encountered a Black individual in the role of a real estate professional,” Nichols says. “It would have opened my eyes to this career path if I had. Representation is crucial. It raises awareness and establishes a clear pathway to homeownership and becoming a real estate professional, which generates more economic growth for the Black community.”

“Growing up in my neighborhood, I never encountered a Black individual in the role of a real estate professional. It would have opened my eyes to this career path if I had.” – Javier Nichols, Bucks County Association of Realtors®