Living Room Realty Announces 2020 Excellence in Diversity Scholarship Opportunity

Living Room Realty, a real estate company specializing in Portland, Vancouver, and the North Oregon Coast is pleased to announce applications for the 2020 Excellence in Diversity Scholarship are now being accepted. The scholarship was introduced in 2019 with the mission to facilitate a path toward a real estate career for candidates in underrepresented communities and for those that would otherwise find the costs of pursuing a real estate career a financial burden. 

The total award is $15,000 and is designed to cover the basic expenses of becoming a licensed realtor. It also includes additional educational and marketing support and a mentor to help the recipient develop a thriving, sustainable real estate business.

“The Living Room Realty Excellence in Diversity Scholarship provides support and access to a career in real estate, by cracking open a pathway one person at a time,” said Bonnie Rossman, broker at Living Room Realty and mentor for the 2019 scholarship recipient, Jamis Minnis.

“We are going beyond covering just the out of pocket expenses required to get started in this business by creating real relationships, support and hands on experience.

"As a mentor and a member of the Living Room Realty community, I treasure the opportunity for exchange and growth that comes from bringing diversity of background, thought and life experience to our company and our industry."

The scholarship recognizes the potential of applicants, who through sharing their varied cultural perspectives will enhance the real estate community in Portland while increasing their own chances for personal homeownership and financial security.

“The scholarship has afforded me the opportunity to enter an industry that previously felt unattainable,” said Jamis Minnis.

“As fees pop up, I can rest assured that my scholarship covers it.

"It has given me the ability to focus on setting up and establishing my business without starting in the negative. With the help of colleagues and my mentor Bonnie Roseman, I have surpassed my initial goals as an agent. You can find me listening to ‘Started from the Bottom’ by Drake after each home I sell! I can't wait to pump up the new recipients and celebrate their success!”

Selection criteria for choosing the 2020 recipient of the Living Room Realty Excellence in Diversity Scholarship includes past academic performance, professional experience and community involvement. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, are non-homeowners, have been residents of the Portland metro area for 10 or more years and are from underrepresented racial or ethnic minorities and/or who identify as LGBTQA.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Sept. 25, 2020. The winner will be notified by Oct. 15, 2020. To learn more or apply for the scholarship, visit www.livingroomre.com/scholarship.