Fair Housing prohibits discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. So it is unlawful to discriminate against Asians and Whites (for example) by not allowing them to have access to benefits that other races have access to.  The mantra for real estate is "treat everyone the same." Period.

Since I would define this program as a "handout" and not a "hand up", I would not work with a buyer availing themselves of this program. 

Wow this is surprising, even for a government agency.

It's discriminatory and a Fair Housing violation. No inherent risk about it. When does this stop? 🙄
"Exclusively" is the problem!

I am with Mr. Wayne Martin - nuff said!

Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate 

I will not be one to violate a Fair Housing Law:) Katina 

No. Another example of why discrimination will never end. We should just look at people as buyers, sellers, or renters. That program sounds like it's doomed from the start anyway.

These programs are already being challenged in court due to how they violate fair housing laws.  California has a similar program for illegal aliens that has gone to the governor's desk for signature.  I do not know if it was signed or not, but I suspect it will be given that it's California.  I'm sure that will face a lawsuit as well.

Happy to work with anyone, however if they want to get involved with some govt program they will have to do it on their own time.

I learned to say no a long time ago to buyers and sellers who are not a match for me and my values.  I still take offense for municipalities offering grant money for down payment assistance here in my county.  This sets the buyer up for future foreclosure if they cannot afford the property they are purchasing.  Your question poses a hard no reply for me Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate .

Glad I don't live where this is happening.

     The "Have to have family living in WA since 1968" is interesting for the "deep roots" Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate . But here is the bigger problem.. for ANY first time home buyer here and in other states.

     Run away inflation and dollars not stretching far enough is the real issue... the why and how to get a handle to reduce expenses needs emergency room attention STAT.

Washington is one of many American states in which first-time homeownership is becoming increasingly unaffordable. Nearly 84 percent of households in the Pacific Northwest cannot afford a median-priced new home in the state, according to the Building Industry Association of Washington.

Exclusivity for ANY group/groups = Exclusion of other group/groups

"homeownership benefits exclusively for minority groups"

I don't know enough about it. 

Affirmative action was in place for many years at learning institutions without any hint of illegality. 

I hear the bells going off big time with this!

Navigating the nuances of the Covenant Homeownership Program raises important considerations for you as a REALTOR. Although Washington’s program may be legal at the state level, it’s crucial to understand the potential implications on federal Fair Housing laws. Working with buyers or sellers involved in such initiatives could expose you to risks, including accusations of discrimination.

Your commitment to fairness and compliance is key. Always ensure that your practices align with federal guidelines to avoid legal challenges. Keeping informed about how programs like this can impact your clients helps you maintain ethical standards. In the end, prioritizing inclusivity and adherence to Fair Housing laws protects everyone involved in the home buying process.

I couldn't work with this program due to the vagueness of the verbiage.

A competent agent would assess this to see if the client benefits.