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Sorry, I Can't Answer That Question --- Here's Why

By Michael Jacobs

Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

March 07, 2011 01:54 PM

Sorry, I Can't Answer That Question --- Here's Why

This weekend I ran across a handout from a Fair Housing Guidelines seminar from a few years back. A few days prior, I had received a telephone call on a listing and we scheduled an appointment to meet this past weekend to see a few condominiums.

It was a pretty short visit --- explain a bit of the real estate buying process and to see three condos. As we were leaving the first condo, the wife asked "What kind of people live here?" I asked what she meant and she said "You know...the demographics of the building..." I told them there were many places to find this information but by law, I cannot answer that question and gave them a brief explanation of Fair Housing Guidelines.

In advertising, federal and state law prohibit discrimination in housing. No discussion about race, color, national origin or ancestry. No talk about religion. The same goes for sex(excluding females/males except in shared housing, gender preferences is okay), sexual orientation or age(can't say adults only). Marital status, familial status are off topic as well....so we can't discuss family neighborhoods. Disabilities and sources of income are not to be discussed as well.

According to National Fair Housing guidelines: Describe the property, not the person who can live there. I think that sums up it quite well. Don't you?

Sorry, I Can't Answer That Question --- Here's Why

If you have any real estate questions regarding Pasadena, the San Gabriel Valley or any of the Northeast foothill communities within the city of Los Angeles, contact Michael Jacobs 818.516.4393 cell or michaeljcobs@coldwellbanker.com.

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Anonymous

Judi

As a Realtor I am used to the Fairhousing law. It threw me off when last week I went to Kaiser and was given a form asking for my race and ethnicity. Bill's correct. I think other agencies are pretty blatant about asking. I did notice that there was no catagory for a person of mixed race. Wonder how they would treat my family. We're pretty mixed.

Mar 08, 2011 08:17 AM

#27

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Thomas -- that's a great practice to tell all buyers and sellers, it just makes good sense.

Rob -- as long as you explain the rules, most people grasp the concept. Those who don't, you're right to move on.

Patty -- knowing the rules/laws make it easier to be/stay careful.

Mike -- you are right we are communities and a nation of diversity. I am going to assume it was just a small talk question. My reply was welcomed by the prospects.

Ken -- thanks. I thought it was interesting I had just run across these guidelines the same weekend. Keeping refreshed is a good thing!

Bill -- yes, that is interesting about the loan application processs. When it comes to approval --- you look at the facts and the ability to pay not the applicant.

Aaron -- I didn't feel it was sticky situation --- easy to explain. Most reasonable people get it.

Grace -- Cheers back at you from California's San Gabriel Valley.

Bill -- you are absolutely right --- they understood completely.

Brian -- not touchy at all - it's the law and easy to follow. Always good to let prospective buyers/sellers know that we are aware of all factors affecting our business and maintaining a professional attitude.

Trang -- good for you.

Julie -- you got that right!

Kim -- I have to admit I don't run into it much in my market, interesting that you do though.

Larry -- you can find the guidelines on line and there is a booklet too. I'm not aware of that waterview case sounds intriguing. Yes, be careful of words.....I know most of what's on the list but keep a couple handy just in case.

Tricia -- thanks and you are absolutely correct --- we are in the business of selling real estate.

Judi -- you bring up an interesting point, that's for sure

Mar 08, 2011 09:52 AM

Karen Pannell

Real Living / Home Realty - Owensboro, KY

Owensboro KY Real Estate -270-903-2167 Homes, Cond

Michael, great response! Thanks for the reminder to keep it simple!

Mar 08, 2011 10:34 AM

Dale Baker

Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH

New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

Howdy and evening to you Michael

Michael, a big Congrats to you on this here mighty fine blog posts being Featured!!!

Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire

Mar 08, 2011 11:07 AM

Kimberly M Addelman

Realty USA - Williamsville, NY

Kim Addelman-Williamsville,New York- Realty USA

Great Response....Great post Michael!

Mar 08, 2011 12:50 PM

Joyce Herr

Prudential Lancaster Real Estate - Lancaster, PA

Lancaster County & Beyond

People with 2 legs - that is the answer. You are so right, describe the property and location.

Mar 08, 2011 01:02 PM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Karen -- short, sweet and simple, right?

Dale -- thanks so much.

Erica -- Interesting response on behalf of the caller, don't you think?

Kim -- Glad you stopped by.

Joyce -- we need to describe the property and location, not the people.

Mar 08, 2011 01:24 PM

Torgie Madison

Quicksilver Real Estate Solutions, LLC - Portland, OR

Websites and Contact Management

I didn't think I was going to get as interested in this topic as I did! I ended up writing a blog post about it -- quite a deep and potentially treacherous subject! Thanks for the inspiration!

Mar 08, 2011 01:37 PM

Michael HassanPour

Beverly Hills-Coldwell Banker Beverly Hills North - Beverly Hills, CA

Esq. Beverly Hills Properties, Brentwood, Bel Air

"I told them there were many places to find this information but by law, I cannot answer that question and gave them a brief explanation of Fair Housing Guidelines." This is one worthy of quotes.

Mar 08, 2011 01:46 PM

J. Philip Faranda

Howard Hanna Rand Realty - Yorktown Heights, NY

Associate Broker / Office Manager

That's how you have to play it. I think most people these days get it. I occasiobnally have someone who doesn't like it, but fair housing is not meant to be convenient.

Mar 08, 2011 01:59 PM

Don Barrett

Integrity Real Estate Services - Idabel, OK

A simple way to keep the right perspective in mind so that everyone is where they need to be.

Mar 08, 2011 02:08 PM

Chris Olsen

Olsen Ziegler Realty - Cleveland, OH

Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate

Hi Michael -- I think you summed it up really well. A solid understanding of federal AND state fair housing laws is vitally important.

Mar 08, 2011 02:13 PM

Christine Donovan

Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA

Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Michael - This is a great way to think of this. Describe the property only.

Mar 08, 2011 03:04 PM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Torgie -- I'm glad to provide the information and inspiration. I'll have to look at your take on the subject.

Michael -- thanks.

Philip -- that's a great way to look at it -- fair housing guidelines are not meant to be convenient!

Don -- you are right, simple and straight forward.

Hi Chris -- it can be challenging to keep up with all of the laws -- so continuing education and being a full-time professional is so important to our clients.

Christine -- that's our business to sell property, isn't it? Thanks.

Mar 08, 2011 04:17 PM

Todd Clark - Retired

eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR

Principle Broker Oregon

The weird part is, I only get that question when showing condos. I never get it in a neighborhood of houses. Seems weird to me that it would make a difference.

Mar 09, 2011 08:16 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Todd -- that's interesting, I've never noticed that but this particular situation was in a condominum complex. Maybe because it was soooo quiet and the question came from not seeing anyone during our visit --- "does anyone live here because we haven't seen anyone since we've been on the grounds?".

Mar 09, 2011 10:00 AM

Laura Pearlman Broker Associate

Gold Crown Unlimited, llc - West Palm Beach, FL

Excellence Through Experience and Resourcefulness

Hi Michael, CONGRADS on the feature!!! Looks like I'm a little late to the party but wanted to give you a shout out! Great content, I hate that type of comment/question.... I just usually say something like "as a Realtor is would be considered a violation for me to describe anything but the wonderfull property we are standing in...." Something of that sort anyways. So glad to see you got featured!

Mar 10, 2011 05:48 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Laura -- thanks for the nice comments. Hope all is going well for you in Florida.

Mar 11, 2011 03:14 AM

Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities

Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Michael - The next door neighbor to my listing asked me to find her a good neighbor--one without young children--hmmm, I explained I could only promise her a qualified buyer would be her neighbor.

Mar 11, 2011 03:50 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Norma --- that's the best way to handle that question. Last year I had a listing where neighbors said to sell to a family with young children -- and I gave your response as well.

Mar 11, 2011 04:50 AM