Support clients in upholding equal housing opportunity.
April is Fair Housing Month: a time to reflect on your role in upholding fair housing laws and practices. One way we can honor this commitment is by educating clients on their rights and responsibilities in this area. It's not always comfortable to have these conversations, but doing so can benefit your customers and your business.
Here are three things that homebuyers and sellers should know.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Local governments may include additional protections, like members of the military or returning citizens. Refresh your knowledge of federal and local protections so you can empower your clients with information.
The following actions cannot be taken against someone simply because they fall under a protected class: refusing viewings or discouraging someone from pursuing housing in a specific area; refusing to negotiate an offer; falsely denying that a house is available for inspection, sale, or rental; imposing different pricing; and much more. Educating clients on these common scenarios can help them avoid potential legal issues.
We all have internal attitudes or stereotypes that unconsciously affect our perceptions, actions, and decisions. One way to counteract this bias in the buying and selling experience is to create a neutral environment when staging a home. Removing photos, mementos, and cultural signifiers allows buyers to easily imagine themselves living in the house and discourages speculation about who is currently living there. This can also help minimize unconscious bias in the appraisal process so that sellers receive a fair valuation of their homes.
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This content is not intended as legal advice and/or an interpretation of the law. User should consult an attorney for advice.
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