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Discrimination is just plain WRONG

By
Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Pen Fed Realty 3107554
Fair Housing Tip of the Week

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has charged a Chicago couple and two real estate practitioners with violating the Fair Housing Act by refusing to sell a home listed for $1.799 million to an African American couple because of their race.

HUD alleges that owners Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia and real estate associate Jeffrey Lowe stalled negotiations then took the property off the market after receiving a $1.7 million offer from radio personality and comedian George Willborn and his wife Peytyn Willborn, a businesswoman.

The charge alleges that the Willborns submitted the highest offer the sellers had received in the two years the property was on the market, but the Sabbias failed to sign the sales contract. Real estate practitioner Jeffrey Lowe told HUD investigators that Daniel Sabbia expressed a preference not to sell his home to an African-American.

The charge also names the Lowe Group Chicago Inc. and Prudential Rubloff Properties

 

I am co-chair of the Fair Housing Rules Committee for the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors and a Member of the Board.  It is just plain wrong to deny anyone the opportunity to own a home.  I can't believe that some are still trying to get away with discrimination.

Liberty and Justice for ALL.  Look it up.

Show All Comments
Rodney Mason, VP of Mtg Lending
Guaranteed Rate NMLS# 2611 - Atlanta, GA
AL,AR,AZ,CA,CO,FL,GA,IN,MI,MS,NC,NV,SC,TN,TX,VA,WA

It is sad that it exists still today, but this does just go to show you that discrimination is still active today.

Oct 30, 2010 01:25 AM
Stephanie Reynolds
Integrity First Financial Group, Inc. - Santee, CA
East County San Diego Homes 619-838-4408

I honestly can't believe that the real estate salesperson actually would say that out loud, but out loud to HUD? Does the guy have a death wish? Killed his career, that's for sure.

Oct 30, 2010 02:18 AM
Stella Barbour
NoVa Brokers LLC - Vienna, VA
Principal Broker, Serving Virginia and Maryland

That is sad that this still goes on.  I can't believe that this still happens.

Oct 30, 2010 02:50 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Kelly, I completely agree...I can't believe this still exists today..it is not only wrong, but very very sad!

Oct 30, 2010 03:06 AM
Rich Quigley
Chicago, IL

Kelly, It is unbelievable that, in 2010, this kind of discrimination continues. I live in the Chicago area, and, in fact, have worked for both Prudential and Rubloff prior to the merger. I can tell you that neither of these companies would have tolerated this type of behavior had they known about it.  There was a well publicized case of "steering' that occurred in the Chicago suburbs a few years ago, and those agents lost their licenses. Illinois takes fair housing very seriously. I imagine this agent will no longer be practicing. Let's hope not.

Nov 02, 2010 03:45 AM
Anonymous
Kelly Klein

Thanks to all who take their jobs professionally and agree with the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988.

Nov 02, 2010 03:52 AM
#6
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