REALTORS® Want You To Know: Fair Housing Is Your Right

Whether you are buying, selling, or renting property, know that there are laws and ordinances in place to protect you from discrimination. The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing providers, lenders, and real estate professionals from discriminating against you based on your race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, familial status, or disability.Discrimination Takes Many FormsIt might not be an offensive comment said to your face. You may not even know it is happening. For example, sellers and landlords cannot set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sales or rentals based on the protected classes. They also cannot impose different sale prices or rental charges. Agents cannot steer you toward or away from a neighborhood based on the protected classes as well. You can find a list of many more prohibited actions online by searching the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website for examples of housing discrimination.Your REALTOR® Is Committed to Promoting and Upholding Fair HousingREALTORS® adhere to the highest professional standards—beyond what the law requires. When agreeing to abide by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, your REALTOR® has also pledged to not use harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs based on the protected classes. The Code of Ethics also prohibits discriminatory employment practices. REALTORS® also may not refuse to cooperate with another real estate broker based on the protected classes.Rest assured that your REALTOR® is with you every step of the way to explain, support, and guide you through your sale, purchase, or rental. Your REALTOR® can help you find a place to call home—an essential part of the American Dream. By hiring a REALTOR® , you will get the help you need and the professional, unbiased treatment to which you are entitled.Learn more about fair housing, including how to file complaints.

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Test Drive Your Next Home

You’ve toured the house. You like what you see. But what is it really like to live there?Practice Daily LifeSome of the most important aspects of living in a home never show up during a walkthrough. How is traffic in the area? Ask your REALTOR® what a typical morning commute is like. Are alternate routes available? Better yet: get to the home early and do a practice commute. Drive back at the end of the day, too—congestion may be different.What is the neighborhood like? Your REALTOR® may have sold other properties nearby and can describe the area. Pet-friendly? Do cars tend to speed down the streets? Take some time to wander around. Chat with neighbors and passersby and ask what it’s like to live there. Is it under a flight path? Does noise travel from other properties? Does the area have ongoing wildlife or pest issues?History 101It’s nice to know a little bit about your future home. Ask your REALTOR® when the property was built and how many previous owners it’s had. Was the home custom-built by the owners or one of the models in the subdivision? You can do your own research online as well.Share Your ConcernsPicture yourself living here. How do you feel? What concerns you about the property? Are you worried a sloped backyard will drain into your home? Share your thoughts with your REALTOR®. He or she may be able to address your concerns, or find out who can.

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4 Ways To Improve Your Neighborhood

The key to a great neighborhood is: You! Everyone wants to live in a great neighborhood. The good news is that no matter your location or type of property you call home, you can improve the area where you live. And it doesn’t have to take a lot of work.Go FirstYour instinct might be to wait for the neighbors to introduce themselves, especially if you just moved in. But your neighbors may be taking the same approach. Whether you’re new or an established resident, a simple hello can be the opening you need to start a conversation and, ultimately, a friendship. And when you see a neighbor who needs a hand, offer to help. Chances are that person will return the favor in the future.Get Out ThereThe more interactions you have with neighbors, the greater your chances of forming neighborhood bonds. Work in your yard, walk the neighborhood, hang out at the condo pool, or spend time in the apartment’s fitness center. And when you’re there, remember to make that small effort to break the ice.Look For Ways to Get InvolvedMany neighborhoods stage events that require volunteers. You may be able to co-host a block party, help set up the Fourth of July parade, pitch in at a park clean-up, or participate in other group activities.Want To Do More?There are many other opportunities to improve your neighborhood if you have the inclination and time. Serve on the board of your neighborhood association or homeowners association. Be the person to start a new event, such as a movie night at the park or in the common area. Organize help for older neighbors who need assistance with things like groceries, medical appointments, pets, and trash. Support local schools and teachers. You can also observe what nearby communities are doing and see if those might fit in your neighborhood.REALTORS® are the experts when it comes to real estate transactions. Your REALTOR® may also know ways you can get more involved in your neighborhood.

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