Karen, steering is illegal here in Tennessee and Kentucky as well.  Even if it were not it is just plain wrong.  Inevitably, I think you will run into clients who will broach one or both subjects (religion or politics) - best to respectfully stay out of it IMHO.

Tim & Pam,

Absolutely, I don't want anything to do with it, and I won't do it...ever...that's the point of this blog...if for some reason.,..it didn't come across that way.

Karen

We are professional facilitates of real estate transactions.

Religion and politics are not a part of the transaction. Are role is the follow the HUD guidelines and the Code of Ethics.  

Good luck

Lou

Lou,

Absolutely, we, or at least most of us are professional's who are there to facilitate deals...on occasion...we have to remind others...that politic's and religion are not part of what we are there for.  I agree..the Code of Ethics...that is totally the point of this blog.

Keep Religion and Politics out of the sale.!

K...I agree, but sometimes you are in a situation where the client is baiting, feeling you our, or just downright trying to drag you in.  Nice post though....  The only time I delve into this market is when I'm explaining rates and Wall Streets feelings on certain leaders.  Depending on what the client (not me, but the client) believes different programs are actually better suited for each party.  Isn't that so wierd????

Larry,

Yes it is...they want you to say something...however, it is illegal...I tell them to do their own research and give them the websites to do so...it's their decision at that point, not mine...

How are you my friend?

Karen:  Steering, illegal here in NC & SC as well, is also unethical.  There is absolutely no place in our business for politics or religion.  If a client asks me to live 'near' their place of religion, that's one thing but, to tell them that they need to stay away from a certain area b/c of the facility is quite another!

Debe,

Exactly, and I tell that from the time the topic comes up...I tell them that it is up to them where they choose to live and as a professional, I  cannot tell them where a certain religion of people live or a place where there are Republican's or Democrates...I TELL THEM, IT IS THEIR CHOICE. I am just there to find them a home that suit's them...period!

Andrew,

Gotcha! Thank you!

Karen, steering is illegal here in Jersey too. I would be interested in seeing if there is anyplace in the US where it is legal. I doubt it. And if it is, it shouldn't be. Another great post!

Religion and politics is too touchy of a subject. It's probably not wish to discuss these two unless it's with a close group of friends or family. Otherwise, it could come back to bite one - especially in a real estate transaction.

Jim,

Thank you!  How is Mother?  Dad is doing a little better...back on his med's...

:-)

Darleen,

Exactly my point...and it's illegal to steer anyone, ever...at least in Florida...why would you?  It's the decision of the buyer as to where they want to reside...we as Realtor's(R) are just there to facilitate the deal...not to offer opinions...professionals...as I am.

Thank you for posting, Karen

Karen, she's doing ok, not great, but ok. Thanks for asking. Glad Dad's feeling a bit better.

Karen - I'm not sure what one thing has to do with the other. Steering is clearly wrong and as far as I am aware is illegal in all 50 States. But if you are working with a client and they want to talk politics, I have no problem with that at all. I have no problem with them knowing my politics either - but how is this "steering"?

Glad to hear your dad is doing better.

I've never heard of political steering...  I don't think political extremists are a protected class...

Personally, I have talked politics with clients.  Especially right now.  Many don't understand the effects of things like the upcoming elections on the housing investments.  Capitol Gains taxes may be changing, and it may not be good...

Simon,

Thank you for your opinion...I don't steer anyone...However, this particular customer was interested in living in a certain community with a certain political group...They didn't want to live where there were a certain political party...so...that's where this all came from...I certainly didn't know what the political party of choice was in the neighborhood was, nor was I going to go there. 

As you said, and I totally agree, Steering is totaly illegal.  I don't get into politics with any of my customer's, however...some do want those answers...

How's you back?

Thank you, BTW about Dad...he's back on some med's and is feeling a little better...How are you?

Karen, I heartily agree. Although when you are riding around with people they are always asking your opinion. Best to just be neutral.

Lane,

As I've learned, some want to live with Republican's and some prefer Democrat's...how would I know?  Doesn't matter...I'm just showing properties...

I'm not getting into race, religion or politic's with any of them...

That in my humble opinion is steering...and I don't go there.

Gary,

I'm alway's neutral...b/c I really don't even know...Even if I did...I would not offer any opinion or advice...why would I?  I can give them link's to sites to investigate on their own...for school's, etc...but politic's and Religion...that's up to them.

Thank you for your opinion. K

There are communities with political opinions? I wasn't aware of that. I wouldn't know where to send anyone if they asked because as far as I am aware there are no political affiliations in communities. As for my back - not so good.

Simon,

Yes, just an FYI...there are place's in South Florida with political affiliations...I don't send them as this is also referred as steering.

Are you having surgery?  You know that I have a medical background, there is some great help out there...we have some of the best down here...my mother missed out on that unfortunately...not sure what is wrong, however if you need any help, feel free to call me...as I do know many of the medical professionals down here...and I was in that field 25 years.  Best, Karen

K...I'm great....loving life. All I ever do is say, if you think that the republicans will win the election and control the house...Wall STreet sees this as X.  If you think that the democrats will, then Wall Street sees Y.  I just educate and let them determine what they need to determine.  I never offer my opinions...I'll just share what's out there....and yes, I too will forward them electronic support for the wall street views showing party pros and cons.  How's life with you my friend?

Hi Karen... I think that keeping politics and religion out of any business transaction is just a smart thing if you are looking for a stress free dealing with a high likelihood of completion.  Whether you and the other party are in agreement or if you disagree is irrelevent.  There are enough other topics of conversation and when those topics are brought up, in my opinion it's like leaving a loaded gun sitting on the table. 

Steve - seriously that's funny because I have one client who I regularly visit in his home and he nearly always has a loaded gun on the table!

Karen, whether politics & religion are legal in a transaction, conversation about these subjects can make or break a deal. Sweet post!

Robert

Well, steering is illegal, but Religion is part of my life and so are my clients so they usually know a little about it as I don't work on the sabbath, which usually sparks some questions. I also serve many Christian clients so religion is a big part of their life and if we need to pray about something then we do so. I think if you are a clerk at the counter then it's not personal. My clients know me and I will gently talk about religion or politics with them if they want. Ultimately they are hiring a person and so I communicate however I feel is appropriate at the time. I belive God blesses our business so I definetely wouldn't agree that religion has nothing to do with our profession. My integrity, honesty, and care, all come from my stufy of th Bible and love for God. The biggest assets in my business come from God so I can't agree with that statement.

Simon... That is very funny (and maybe a bit scary).  I would add gun control to the list with politics and religion that I avoid discussing with clients... not for steering purposes, it's just too polarizing a topic for business related conversation.

I don't quite connect how offering religious or political opinions are steering unless they are commented on in a fashion to persuade a direction for decision but I do agree they should be left out of real estate and yes, steering is against the law in for a real estate agent in Oregon

Karen - I couldn't agree with you more!  We are real estate professionals, and when it comes to religion and politics you are dealing with matters of belief, faith, and agendas.  You won't be able to agree with many of the people most of the time.  So, why put yourself in a position of dividing off a good portion of your clientele, by getting into the idiological realm and differences.

I agree with you Karen, Politics and religion should have no bearing on a real estate or mortgage transaction. No place for steering either, heck...if you aren't paying attention while steering you might wreck.

Ross,

My life has religion in it as well...however, I don't think it belongs in a real estate transaction unless they bring it up...JMHO...

Thank you for your opinion.

Karl,

Thank you for your post.  I agree with you... I'm not really sure steering is legal anywhere in the us...if it is, it would be interesting to know where.

Myrl,

I think you said that quite well.  Don't push away the clients/customers...that's what makes us tick!

IFS: LOL, that's not quite what I meant by steering, but it was funny!