{"id":6928,"date":"2022-08-23T14:19:17","date_gmt":"2022-08-23T18:19:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/?p=6928"},"modified":"2023-12-11T12:14:37","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T17:14:37","slug":"how-inclusive-word-choice-helps-real-estate-professionals-connect-excel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/how-inclusive-word-choice-helps-real-estate-professionals-connect-excel\/","title":{"rendered":"How Inclusive Word Choice Helps Real Estate Professionals Connect and Excel"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><button id=\"listenButton1\" class=\"responsivevoice-button\" type=\"button\" value=\"Play\" title=\"ResponsiveVoice Tap to Start\/Stop Speech\"><span>&#128266; Listen to this article<\/span><\/button>\n        <script>\n            listenButton1.onclick = function(){\n                if(responsiveVoice.isPlaying()){\n                    responsiveVoice.cancel();\n                }else{\n                    responsiveVoice.speak(\"Whether you work in residential or commercial real estate, as a real estate professional, your success relies heavily on maintaining good relationships and gaining recommendations through word of mouth marketing. It\u2019s true across all industries, but especially real estate: your clients\u2019 experiences make or break your future business opportunities. And that means it is vital that you know how to make every person feel valued and included, including your colleagues, clients, and prospects. Knowing today\u2019s best practices for inclusive language is one great way to start. What is inclusive language? It\u2019s the intentional practice of choosing the best and most respectful words for other people\u2019s identities, backgrounds, and communities. The best part is that you don\u2019t need to be a diversity and inclusion expert to be great at it. You just need to know best practices, and commit to continued learning. Here are a few key guidelines to get started.\u00a0 Language Changes that Increase Inclusion Practicing inclusive language means learning the most respectful terms for other people and experiences. It also means questioning why you currently use certain terms and phrases that might be exclusionary or may inadvertently imply bias toward a specific group.\u00a0 In other words, it means being aware of your own language habits and asking yourself what assumptions you might be making that you are not fully aware of. Let\u2019s examine some common examples of non-inclusive language in the real estate industry, and what you can say instead to be more inclusive of your colleagues and clients.\u00a0 Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression Our brains process millions of pieces of information every second of every day, yet we are consciously aware of only a few. In order to make information processing more efficient, our brains take shortcuts that may lead us to incorrectly assume things about other people. For instance, we often make assumptions about what families, couples, or certain gender expressions look like.\u00a0 When meeting new people and introducing yourself, be careful not to make assumptions about them. Begin by introducing yourself. Provide your name and pronouns, then ask the other person if they\u2019d be comfortable sharing their own. For example, \u201cHi, I\u2019m Anna, and I use she\/her pronouns. May I ask your pronouns?\u201d Additionally, avoid using titles like Mr. and Mrs. and gendered written greetings like \u201cDear Sir\u201d or \u201cDear Madam.\u201d Instead, refer to your clients by their first and last names, or ask how they would like to be addressed.\u00a0 For additional guidance, we recommend this article: \u201cCan I Still Use Sir and Ma\u2019am? When Should I Use Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Mx? What to Do When You Don\u2019t Know Someone\u2019s Gender\u201d Also remember to avoid gendered language in listings and on client tours. Phrases like \u201chis and her closets,\u201d \u201cbachelor pad,\u201d or \u201cman cave\u201d are irrelevant and unnecessary. Instead, use phrases like \u201cdual closets\u201d and \u201cbonus room.\u201d Be conscious of how you might associate specific rooms or features with specific uses and gender roles. \u201cYou\u2019re going to love the kitchen\u201d isn\u2019t necessarily offensive, but if you say this sentence only to women, you\u2019re inadvertently referencing\u00a0 old-school gender roles.\u00a0 You should also avoid expressions that assume specific marital or familial relationships. Phrases like \u201cperfect for newlyweds\u201d and \u201cideal home to start a family\u201d will exclude individuals and unmarried couples, as well as those who are experiencing infertility or do not intend to have children.\u00a0 At its core, inclusive language isn\u2019t a matter of political correctness but of using the best, most precise, and correct terms to say exactly what you mean.\u00a0 Cultural Competency Another great rule to follow is to avoid using culturally-specific metaphors or expressions which may not translate well from country to country, region to region, or generation to generation. These phrases can be confusing and misleading. For example, reconsider phrases like \u201cballpark figures\u201d and \u201cgood as gold.\u201d Instead, look for language that is literal and direct. Race and Ethnicity Instead of \u201cmaster bedroom,\u201d \u201cmaster bath,\u201d or \u201cmaster closet,\u201d say \u201cprimary bedroom,\u201d \u201cmain bath,\u201d or \u201clargest closet.\u201d Although these phrases don\u2019t actually stem from racist origins, they do originate from patriarchal standards and can carry racial connotations that feel offensive or exclusionary to many people.\u00a0 We cannot emphasize this rule enough. People from marginalized racial and ethnic groups already face many hurdles in property ownership. For instance, racial covenants are still common in home deeds, and mortgage applicants who are Black are denied 84% more often than applicants who are White. With that context in mind, it\u2019s easy to see how discriminatory language and behavior from a real estate professional could easily trigger a negative emotional response, impacting not only your relationship with that person but also your brand reputation. Equip Yourself with the Right Tools to Succeed Implementing inclusive language takes time and education, but the right tools can support your personal and professional development. You might begin by taking an inclusive language course or enrolling in unconscious bias training. For more industry-specific guidance and in-depth information, read The Inclusive Language Handbook: A Guide to Better Communication and Transformational Leadership by Jackie Ferguson and Roxanne Bellamy. Remember: small steps toward inclusive language can help you form better relationships and build momentum toward a more sustainable business. Kaela Sosa, CDE, is Curriculum and Programming Manager at The Diversity Movement as well as one of its founding members. With a degree in Psychology and Gender Studies, Kaela has fought for the visibility and acknowledgement of issues pertaining to underrepresented groups for nearly a decade. Connect with her on Linkedin.\", \"US English Male\");\n                }\n            };\n        <\/script>\n    <\/br><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you work in residential or commercial real estate, as a real estate professional, your success relies heavily on maintaining good relationships and gaining recommendations through word of mouth marketing. It\u2019s true across all industries, but especially real estate: your clients\u2019 experiences make or break your future business opportunities. And that means it is vital that you know how to make every person feel valued and included, including your colleagues, clients, and prospects. Knowing today\u2019s best practices for inclusive language is one great way to start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is inclusive language? It\u2019s the intentional practice of choosing the best and most respectful words for other people\u2019s identities, backgrounds, and communities. The best part is that you don\u2019t need to be a diversity and inclusion expert to be great at it. You just need to know best practices, and commit to continued learning. Here are a few key guidelines to get started.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6929 size-large lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.05.53-PM-1024x675.png\" alt=\"A smiling multiracial couple receives the keys to a new home from a real estate agent, smiling Black man and woman rent new apartment\" width=\"1024\" height=\"675\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.05.53-PM-1024x675.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.05.53-PM-600x395.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.05.53-PM-300x198.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.05.53-PM-768x506.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.05.53-PM-1536x1012.png 1536w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.05.53-PM-2048x1350.png 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/675;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Language Changes that Increase Inclusion<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practicing inclusive language means learning the most respectful terms for other people and experiences. It also means questioning why you currently use certain terms and phrases that might be exclusionary or may inadvertently imply bias toward a specific group.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In other words, it means being aware of your own language habits and asking yourself what assumptions you might be making that you are not fully aware of. Let\u2019s examine some common examples of non-inclusive language in the real estate industry, and what you can say instead to be more inclusive of your colleagues and clients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/library\/%20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8874 size-large lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NEW-TDM-Library-Display-Ad_Large-B-1024x341.png\" alt=\"TDM Library. Your one-stop-shop for update DEI Resources. Explore with a free trial. Click here to learn more.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"341\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NEW-TDM-Library-Display-Ad_Large-B-1024x341.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NEW-TDM-Library-Display-Ad_Large-B-600x200.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NEW-TDM-Library-Display-Ad_Large-B-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NEW-TDM-Library-Display-Ad_Large-B-768x256.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/NEW-TDM-Library-Display-Ad_Large-B.png 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/341;\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our brains process millions of pieces of information every second of every day, yet we are consciously aware of only a few. In order to make information processing more efficient, our brains take shortcuts that may lead us to incorrectly assume things about other people. For instance, we often make assumptions about what families, couples, or certain gender expressions look like.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When meeting new people and introducing yourself, be careful not to make assumptions about them. Begin by introducing yourself. Provide your name and pronouns, then ask the other person if they\u2019d be comfortable sharing their own. For example, \u201cHi, I\u2019m Anna, and I use she\/her pronouns. May I ask your pronouns?\u201d Additionally, avoid using titles like Mr. and Mrs. and gendered written greetings like \u201cDear Sir\u201d or \u201cDear Madam.\u201d Instead, refer to your clients by their first and last names, or ask how they would like to be addressed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For additional guidance, we recommend this article: \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/sir-maam-mr-mrs-ms-mx-what-to-do-when-you-dont-know-someones-gender\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I Still Use Sir and Ma\u2019am? When Should I Use Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Mx? What to Do When You Don\u2019t Know Someone\u2019s Gender<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6930 size-large lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.10.20-PM-1024x676.png\" alt=\"Black female real estate agent in kitchen showing gay couple around new house\" width=\"1024\" height=\"676\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.10.20-PM-1024x676.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.10.20-PM-600x396.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.10.20-PM-300x198.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.10.20-PM-768x507.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.10.20-PM-1536x1014.png 1536w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.10.20-PM-2048x1352.png 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/676;\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also remember to avoid gendered language in listings and on client tours. Phrases like \u201chis and her closets,\u201d \u201cbachelor pad,\u201d or \u201cman cave\u201d are irrelevant and unnecessary. Instead, use phrases like \u201cdual closets\u201d and \u201cbonus room.\u201d Be conscious of how you might associate specific rooms or features with specific uses and gender roles. \u201cYou\u2019re going to love the kitchen\u201d isn\u2019t necessarily offensive, but if you say this sentence only to women, you\u2019re inadvertently referencing\u00a0 old-school gender roles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should also avoid expressions that assume specific marital or familial relationships. Phrases like \u201cperfect for newlyweds\u201d and \u201cideal home to start a family\u201d will exclude individuals and unmarried couples, as well as those who are experiencing infertility or do not intend to have children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At its core, inclusive language isn\u2019t a matter of political correctness but of using the best, most precise, and correct terms to say exactly what you mean.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Cultural Competency<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another great rule to follow is to avoid using culturally-specific metaphors or expressions which may not translate well from country to country, region to region, or generation to generation. These phrases can be confusing and misleading. For example, reconsider phrases like \u201cballpark figures\u201d and \u201cgood as gold.\u201d Instead, look for language that is literal and direct.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Race and Ethnicity<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of \u201cmaster bedroom,\u201d \u201cmaster bath,\u201d or \u201cmaster closet,\u201d say \u201cprimary bedroom,\u201d \u201cmain bath,\u201d or \u201clargest closet.\u201d Although these phrases don\u2019t actually stem from racist origins, they do <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shoutoutuk.org\/2020\/01\/16\/master-bedroom-an-antiquated-term-that-must-be-addressed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">originate from patriarchal standards<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and can carry racial connotations that feel offensive or exclusionary to many people.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We cannot emphasize this rule enough. People from marginalized racial and ethnic groups already face many hurdles in property ownership. For instance, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2020\/02\/15\/us\/racist-deeds-covenants\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">racial covenants are still common in home deeds<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/black-mortgage-applicants-are-denied-84-more-often-than-whites-301460171.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage applicants who are Black are denied 84% more often than applicants who are White<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. With that context in mind, it\u2019s easy to see how discriminatory language and behavior from a real estate professional could easily trigger a negative emotional response, impacting not only your relationship with that person but also your brand reputation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Equip Yourself with the Right Tools to Succeed<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6931 size-large lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.13.46-PM-1024x673.png\" alt=\"Mature indian man shaking hands with financial advisor at home. Happy smiling couple greeting broker with handshake at home. Multiethnic mid adult man and hispanic woman sealing a contract.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"673\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.13.46-PM-1024x673.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.13.46-PM-600x394.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.13.46-PM-300x197.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.13.46-PM-768x505.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.13.46-PM-1536x1009.png 1536w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Screen-Shot-2022-08-23-at-2.13.46-PM-2048x1345.png 2048w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/673;\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implementing inclusive language takes time and education, but the right tools can support your personal and professional development. You might begin by taking an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/improving-culture-through-inclusive-language\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inclusive language course<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or enrolling in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/unconscious-bias-the-secret-disrupter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unconscious bias training<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For more industry-specific guidance and in-depth information, read <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theinclusivelanguagehandbook.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Inclusive Language Handbook: A Guide to Better Communication and Transformational Leadership<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by Jackie Ferguson and Roxanne Bellamy. Remember: small steps toward inclusive language can help you form better relationships and build momentum toward a more sustainable business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/theinclusivelanguagehandbook.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6166 size-large lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TILH-Ad-1024x341.png\" alt=\"ad featuring the inclusive language handbook cover\" width=\"1024\" height=\"341\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TILH-Ad-1024x341.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TILH-Ad-600x200.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TILH-Ad-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TILH-Ad-768x256.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/TILH-Ad.png 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/341;\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/library\/%20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-8047 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TDM-Library-Footer-Ad-B-1024x85.png\" alt=\"Display ad for TDM Library. Text says &quot;Find more content like this in TDM Library. Start my free trial&quot;\" width=\"1024\" height=\"85\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TDM-Library-Footer-Ad-B-1024x85.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TDM-Library-Footer-Ad-B-600x50.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TDM-Library-Footer-Ad-B-300x25.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TDM-Library-Footer-Ad-B-768x64.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TDM-Library-Footer-Ad-B.png 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/85;\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/team\/kaela-sosa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Kaela Sosa<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, CDE, is Curriculum and Programming Manager at The Diversity Movement as well as one of its founding members. With a degree in Psychology and Gender Studies, Kaela has fought for the visibility and acknowledgement of issues pertaining to underrepresented groups for nearly a decade. Connect with her on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kaela-kovach-galton\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linkedin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you work in residential or commercial real estate, as a real estate professional, your success relies heavily on maintaining good relationships and gaining recommendations through word of mouth marketing.15<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6929,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[67,58,5],"tags":[],"tdm_type":[92],"class_list":["post-6928","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inclusive-language-communication","category-trends-industry-insights","category-blogs","tdm_type-articles"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How Inclusive Word Choice Helps Real Estate Professionals Connect and Excel - The Diversity Movement<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Whether you work in residential or commercial real estate, as a real estate professional, your success relies heavily on maintaining good relationships and gaining recommendations through word of mouth marketing.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"http:\/\/live-diversitymovement.pantheonsite.io\/how-inclusive-word-choice-helps-real-estate-professionals-connect-excel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Inclusive Word Choice Helps Real Estate Professionals Connect and Excel - The Diversity Movement\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Whether you work in residential or commercial real estate, as a real estate professional, your success relies heavily on maintaining good relationships and gaining recommendations through word of mouth marketing.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"http:\/\/live-diversitymovement.pantheonsite.io\/how-inclusive-word-choice-helps-real-estate-professionals-connect-excel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" 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