Real Estate’s Dirty Little Secret… Prejudice

 Hateful attitudes don't belong in the real estate transaction! 

"Hi, Mr. Jones, how are you?"  Hand and arm extend to shake hands with Mr. Jones (no response).  "Mary and I are here to provide you with the listing presentation you requested."

"You're the folks from AAXX Realty?" 

"Yes."

"Well, what you got?"  He says, eyeing the pair of realtors, one Caucasian and Mary who is half-Hispanic.

"You don't have a table out here," Mary adds, "and it'd be easier to review our materials on a flat surface."

"Okay. come in," Mr. Jones says, staring down the twosome.

And in walked these two realtors - unbeknownst to them - to a room full of hate and prejudice, when all they wanted to do was offer to list this gentleman's house, AND GET IT SOLD AT A FAIR MARKET VALUE!  Instead, what ensued over the next 60 minutes was a smattering of racial inuendos focused on Hispanic families devaluing the neighborhood and Mr. Jones' raw racial nerves exposed.

Commentary from Dr. John - Wake up, Mr. Jones - your neighborhood is not made up of Caucasian houses, Hispainc houses, Asian houses, and African American houses.  

ALL NEIGHBORHOODS are made up of a multi-generational families of religious, social and ethic diversity that give these neighborhoods character and value - your neighborhood, too. 

How neighbors care for their houses, yards, and vehicles is wholy dependent on their habits and customs, time, income, and personal interests.  If persons of diversity can all afford to live in the same neighborhood, you as a member of the neighborhood are responsible for contributing to the quality of your (and their) neighborhood.

Your prejudice and hate do not belong in any real estate transaction, and in fact, it is illegal for realtors to steer persons to one neighborhood or another based on their racial or ethnic make-ups.  Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (including a revision to the act in 1974) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. 

By the way, Mr. Jones, I understand your house was a frightful mess, and needs some major rehab to make it presentable and marketable.  These aren't protected from discrimination under the Civil Rights Act, yet I can guarantee buyers will discriminate against your mess!