In real estate, Fair Housing Laws forbid steering. Steering is the act of pushing a real estate client toward or away from a specific piece of real estate property or neighborhood.
The other night, I was driving home from the office and saw a little tiny Yorkshire Terrier running along the side of the road. Thinking that he was probably not long for this world, I turned back to see if I could get him off the road and help him find his way home.
I stopped the car and called to him. He immediately turned tail, ran under the fence and disappeared into the tall grass. I didn’t think I could jump the fence and chase him, so, not knowing what else to do I yelled, “You go home!”, at least he wasn’t on the road anymore. I hope he knew where home was and hopefully he returned safely.
I’m still worrying about that little dog.
“It’s just not safe for a tiny little dog to be running around Glacier View”, I muttered as I turned the car around to continue on my way home. Never mind that cars travel that road at 45-55MPH, there are hawks and owls, mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes…that little Yorkie would just be an evening snack for them.
Fair Housing and steering came to mind because – well, I’m a real estate agent J
If that little Yorkie was my client, could I warn him of the dangers of running around with all the wildlife in the area or would I have to refer him to a website to see for himself? Buyers may not be aware that their agents cannot and should not discuss crime and safety issues.
Homebuyers can find crime statistics online; one such site is (ironically) called Family Watchdog. I checked there, but currently there’s no information for Livermore, CO.
Homebuyers who are concerned about crime and safety in Glacier View Meadows could check with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Department. Also equally important for buyers and/or pet owners in our area, a great resource about living with wildlife can be found here: http://livingwithwildlifewest.org/colorado.html
Glacier View is a wonderful community filled with wildlife, lovely views and beautiful starlit nights………….. it’s not the safest place to be running around free when you are a 3 pound Yorkie!
Would I be in violation of Fair Housing and steering if I told that little dog about the dangers, and recommended a nice safe apartment in the city?
The answer is Yes, if that little dog was my client.... and a person!
******************************************************************************
Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO
www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net
970-231-5756 phone or text- email: mary@redfeatherlakes.com
I specialize in the Red Feather Lakes and Livermore area, Fox Acres, Crystal Lakes and Glacier View Meadows Subdivisions, if you are interested in buying or selling your mountain home, please give me a call, I’m here to help you.
The information contained in Mary’s blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.
I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.
REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.
Comments (24)Subscribe to CommentsComment