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Equal Housing - Don't Even THINK About Asking Me to Violate The Law!

We see this logo in all sorts of sizes on varous websites and advertisements. What does it mean?

Basically, by having it displayed, it means that under Federal Fair Housing Law, I agree to abide by fair housing practice - meaning, that I will not discriminate against my clients and customers based on race, religion, national origin, sex, color, or familial status. Oh, and I'm going to throw in sexual orientation there too, just in case someone was wondering.

But I'm not merely complying with the Fair Housing Act because it's the LAW and I would face serious fines and who knows what else if I violate the law - I comply with it simply because - duh - it's the right thing to do!

I am shocked when I hear stories about real estate agents who have discriminated against customers because of their race or some other reason...it's inexcusable.

I have, on more than one occasion, taken phone calls from potential customers, seeking information about the area. Some are asking sensitive questions, such as "What's the crime like in this area?"

I really can only refer you to news websites, or you can contact the Pennsylvania State Police and question them about crime in the area. Worried about child predators? Click here for the PA Megans Law Website.

Sometimes I am told by customers: "We do not want to live in an area where there are lots of kids...what do you recommend?"

Ouch - I'm sorry, this too is discrimination and I am unable to answer that legally. You may want to visit the area, ask questions of your friends and family members - then YOU decide where you'd like to look for a home to buy.

The most obnoxious question I've been asked - this one I've gotten at least twice - is "I don't want to go in any areas, with, you know, the wrong kind of people, know what I mean?"

Oh, yeah, I know what you mean. (and let's be clear, these questions were not about crime ridden areas, or anything of the sort - it was obvious that racial discrimination was the motivating force behind the question.) And I'm not about to feed your racism - the answer you'll get for me is "I'm sorry, sir, Federal Fair Housing Law prohibits me from making discriminatory judgements such as this."

And with that, I may say "Thank you for calling - have a good day!" and that will be the end of our conversation. I do not want to give even a glimmer of an impression that I "understand" or empathize with this "position."

I have never been able to understand or tolerate racism. AT ALL. And I'm not about to start.

Use the links below to learn more about real estate for sale and about my innovative marketing plan for sellers in Pike and and Wayne County of Northeast PA.

Areas Served: Hawley, Honesdale, Lake Ariel, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lords Valley, Greeley, Greentown, Tafton, Waymart, and Lackawaxen. Planned Communities: The Hideout, Hemlock Farms, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Fawn Lake Forest, Pocono Springs, Masthope, Indian Rocks, Tink Wig, Woodland Hills, and other communities in NEPA.

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Posted by Karen Rice | Lake Wallenpaupack | Pike & Wayne County, Northeast PA Homes on 03/10/2009 09:16 PM

Comments (11)

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Originally posted at: Pike/Wayne Real Estate: Equal Housing - Don't Even THINK About Asking Me to Violate The Law!

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11 Comments on Equal Housing - Don't Even THINK About Asking Me to Violate The Law!

MAR

No doubt Karen. I have no room for discrimination in my life either!

Karen,

People ask some pretty strange questions... I cannot answer due to the federal fair housing law.

Ann Hayden in rainy Wildwood, Missouri

Amazing that with all the public relations for years on this subject, that it continues to come up.

Karen, I know an agent whose client asked to park by the school bus stop to see "what kind of kids" got off the bus. I would hope that it goes without saying that this was soon a former client, but the level of intolerance that still exists, overtly or otherwise, never ceases to amaze me. You just don't expect it in others when it's not in your heart.

MAR

Sometimes I think the public (our clients) don't know. They ask these questions or similiar ones and when we explain fair housing they are fine with it. We also send folks with questions to

1) Meet with the principals of the schools ( Principals love to brag on their school)

2) Call the local PD to answer your questions.

Fortunately we live in a great area, so we are not lying when we say all the schools are great.

Missy - our schools are all pretty good too. I have links to all their websites on my site, and of course I refer them to GreatSchools.net.

I also understand totally the crime question - and even the "I don't want to live near kids" question...I get the same in reverse "I want to live where there will be lots of kids for my kids to play with."

The only one that upsets me is the racial questions.

Thanks everyone else for commenting! :)

Karen coming from someone that has a very diverse family I ran into a problem with one of my tenants once that was a raciest....they didn't know about my family back-round and started on a new tenant that was a different race then them .... needless to say when their lease was up they were gone....I don't put up with it in my rentals or in my real estate career or in my personal life....great post peace zane

Karen,

Very good post. There are many ways that we can unwittingly violate the law by trying to be helpful. :)

Steve

We are not allowed to discriminate for any reason. I had a customer joke to me about being glad she wan't 90 years old so she could qualify for a mortgage. I told her that I couldn't discriminate because of age either. Whether the buyer was 18 or 80.

MAR

Unbelieveable. But racism still exists. I encountered a buyer who expressed serious statements about where he did NOT want to live and why. I gave him the MLS printouts and told him he could drive by the houses and check out the neighborhoods for himself, but I could not advise him as to ethnic diversity in our area.

MAR

Karen, its great that you remind agents and consumers about this. Sadly, not everyone follows by the rules.

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