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Fair Housing And The Questions That I Cannot Answer

By Rosalie Evans

Real Estate Agent with Meritus Group Real Estate SD 14808

November 17, 2011 04:18 PM

As a Realtor I have the pleasure to be around many different types of people. I love nothing more then being around a variety of people. Everyone is different and I find it exciting to learn about different backgrounds. Not everyone shares these feelings and that is why The Fair Housing Act was put into play. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 makes it illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of:

• Race or Color

• Religion

• Sex/Gender

• National Origin

• Familial Status

• Disability

Any question that has to do with any of these protected classes cannot legally be answered at all! So I can’t answer “what kind” of people live in the neighborhood. If you feel that you need to know this kind of information you will have to either scout out the area on your own or do a web search to answer your questions. Thank you for your understanding.

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Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Rosalie -- it's part of our job to educate people to the laws and regulations of the real estate world. After a quick explanation, I find buyers understand why we simply can't answer what they originally thought was a simple, innocent question.

Nov 17, 2011 04:23 PM

David Shamansky

US Mortgages - David Shamansky - Highlands Ranch, CO

Creative, Aggressive & 560 FICO - OK, Colorado Mtg

I agree when going through disclosures you get to this and you think... really why in this day and age would anyone do this but you have to believe someone somewhere still thinks in this backwards way and its sad.

We are all created equal and thats the deal!

Nov 17, 2011 04:24 PM

Rosalie Evans

Meritus Group Real Estate - Sioux Falls, SD

The Evans Group, Sioux Falls, SD Homes For Sale

Michael- That is the thing in the process of trying to make a relationship with a client they tend to get very comfortable with you and that is when these questions pop up!

Nov 17, 2011 04:29 PM

US Mortgages- I was actually confronted by this question from a acquaintance! I was totally and completely taken aback by it and now I just don't know what to think!

Nov 17, 2011 04:31 PM

Mark Delgado

houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove - Benicia, CA

Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h

What is intersting though is that it extends beyond these protected classes in real, practical terms. I have had numerous clients want to meet the new renters that we've qualified before the lease is signed just to "have the final say." Final say based on what? Even if your "final say" isn't based upon a protected class in YOUR mind, it could be perceived that way by the other party.

Thus, leave it to the professionals to make the decisions so that there is no questions at all.

Nov 17, 2011 04:33 PM

Mark- That is for sure! It is safe to say that the government will error on the side of the wronged party if there is any question on it too!

Nov 17, 2011 04:36 PM

Chris Ann Cleland

Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA

Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Fair Housing is critically important, and as was already pointed out, the perceptions extend way beyond the verbal statements.

Nov 18, 2011 05:28 AM

Chris Ann- Fair Housing just plain scares me! I was wishing that there was a trap door underneath my feet when said aquinatance asked the offending question! Yikes!

Nov 18, 2011 05:37 AM

Fair Housing And The Questions That I Cannot Answer

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