Throughout my Realtor career, I’ve had the privilege of helping people from all walks of life achieve their dream of homeownership. But that dream must be equally accessible to everyone – and that’s where fair housing comes in. During Fair Housing Month, we take time to reflect on the importance of equity in housing and our responsibility to ensure that no one is left out of the process.
The National Association of Realtors provides an excellent consumer guide that explains how fair housing laws protect buyers and sellers and how Realtors are held to a higher standard through our Code of Ethics. It’s a helpful reminder of what’s at stake in every transaction and why our work matters far beyond closing day.
What is fair housing and how does it help me?
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing and housing-related transactions based on race, color, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, religion, disability or familial status. Local and state fair housing laws might prohibit discrimination on additional protected classes. The bottom line is that discrimination hurts all sides of a home transaction, closes the door on the American dream of homeownership and perpetuates economic inequality. Homebuyers, home sellers and real estate professionals depend on strong, fair housing laws and practices for our communities and economy to thrive.
How do fair housing laws apply to me as a buyer?
You should expect to receive the same professional service in the homebuying process regardless of any protected characteristic. This includes equitable treatment by your agent, the seller, the seller’s agent, appraisers, lenders and others involved in your home search and purchase. You should also expect your agent to provide you with home options in your price range regardless of the racial or ethnic composition of neighborhoods.
How do fair housing laws apply to me as a seller?
You cannot discriminate when selling your home based on the buyer’s race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability or familial status. You also cannot instruct your agent to conduct a sale any differently based on these prohibited reasons. That means you cannot advertise your home to just one or to a limited number of groups.
How does working with a Realtor help ensure fair housing practices are followed?
In addition to an obligation to comply with applicable fair housing laws, Realtors adhere to the highest ethical standards. The Realtor Code of Ethics obligates Realtors to provide equal professional services to all consumers. Among other ethical duties, Realtors must not discuss the demographic composition of a neighborhood or advertise a property in a way that indicates any preference, limitations, or discrimination for a prohibited reason.
Where can I report suspected discrimination in the homebuying or selling process?
Report housing discrimination to the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the Department of Housing and Urban Development and ethical violations to your agent’s state or local Realtor association. Fair housing laws prohibit harassment or intimidation if you report discriminatory behavior.
Fair housing isn’t just a policy – it’s also a promise. And as Realtors, we’re committed to upholding that promise for every individual and family who walks through our doors. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and I know my fellow Realtors do, too. Together, we can continue to open more doors and build stronger, more inclusive communities – right here in Chattanooga and across the nation. #ThatsWhoWeR
The Fair Housing Act is a federal law; many state and local laws provide additional protections. Consult your real estate professional, an attorney, and your state’s housing authority for details about applicable fair housing laws where you are selling or purchasing a home. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.
Founded in 1912, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is the voice for real estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with more than 2,700 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors serves Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. The association is one of approximately 1,100 local associations and boards of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors owns and operates a multiple listing service that is one of approximately 600 MLSs in the country and that services more than 3,000 users. Local association membership is comprised of Realtors who are servicing the Greater Chattanooga area and specializing in a variety of disciplines, including appraisal, commercial, industrial, land, multi-family, property management and residential. Working alongside Realtors are our affiliate members, who represent related industries in sympathy with the objectives of the association. Our affiliate members include mortgage lenders, home inspectors, title and closing services, pest inspection and control, and insurance.