News Summary
The Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® has launched initiatives aimed at promoting fair housing in Dare County during National Fair Housing Month. Their efforts include adopting official proclamations, receiving a housing grant, and conducting educational courses on bias in real estate. As the region faces significant housing challenges, a new ordinance in Nags Head aims to ensure long-term rentals for local workers, addressing the housing crisis exacerbated by high demand for vacation rentals.
Outer Banks Advocates for Fair Housing Initiatives
The Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® (OBAR) led significant local efforts to honor National Fair Housing Month in June 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This initiative was aimed at addressing pressing housing issues in Dare County and promoting housing equity.
In collaboration with Dare County and the municipalities of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Manteo, OBAR successfully adopted official proclamations endorsing fair housing practices. This unified support underscores a community commitment to ensure that housing opportunities are accessible to all residents.
As part of these efforts, OBAR received a $3,000 Housing Opportunity Grant from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), marking a significant milestone as the first time the organization has secured funding from NAR. The grant will support the efforts of the Dare County Housing Taskforce, which is chaired by OBAR’s government affairs director. This taskforce is dedicated to increasing awareness of housing issues, minimizing barriers to access, and advancing the development of affordable housing solutions in the area.
Addressing Implicit Bias and Housing Education
OBAR also conducted an educational course titled Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing. This course aimed at tackling implicit bias within the real estate industry, highlighting the importance of equitable practices in housing transactions. Supported by an additional Fair Housing Grant from NAR, the course was facilitated by a distinguished leader on matters of diversity and fair housing policies.
Local Housing Challenges and Initiatives
Donna Creef, the chair of the Dare County Housing Taskforce, pointed out that 80% of land in Dare County is publicly owned, which creates significant competition for the remaining available land and exacerbates the region’s housing crisis. Escalating demand for residential properties, particularly those turned into vacation rentals, dramatically heightens competition for long-term housing, thereby affecting local workers.
In response to these challenges, a newly introduced multi-family housing ordinance in Nags Head aims to facilitate the availability of long-term rentals specifically for local workers. This ordinance mandates that for developments with six units or fewer, at least one tenant must be employed in Dare County. These types of regulations are crucial for ensuring that local employees can find affordable housing in an increasingly competitive market.
Local businesses, such as Dirty Dick’s Crab House, have reported significant difficulties in securing housing for their employees due to rising costs and competition for space with vacation rentals. An analysis revealed that the cost of living in Dare County is notably high—scoring 112 on a scale where 100 represents the state median. The median home price in the area is currently $341,400, which is substantially higher than the North Carolina state median of $187,300.
Impact on Residents and Future Considerations
The impact of these housing issues is particularly severe for low-income residents. Over 38% of renters in Dare County spend more than 30% of their income on housing, with many holding low-paying jobs in the service sector. Moreover, the senior population in the area has grown to encompass 25% of the population, many of whom are on fixed incomes that do not keep pace with the rising housing costs.
The Outer Banks community is proactively confronting the difficulties inherent in providing affordable housing for both seasonal and year-round employees. Collaborative efforts among local leadership and businesses are in the works, with various proposals being assessed to build housing solutions that meet the needs of the workforce while preserving the character of the community.
The initiative taken by OBAR, coupled with community-wide support and new policies, signifies a strategic approach to tackling the ongoing housing crisis in Dare County, ensuring that fair housing becomes a reality for all residents.
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Additional Resources
- The Coastland Times: OBAR Leads Local Efforts for Fair Housing Month
- WTKR: Dare County Task Force Housing Challenges
- WTKR: Nags Head Housing Ordinance
- Outer Banks Voice: Quest for Affordable Housing
- Spectrum Local News: History of Redlining
