What is the term for directing buyers toward or away from areas based on their protected class?

What is the term for directing buyers toward or away from areas based on their protected class?

• A. Blockbusting
• B. Steering
• C. Redlining
• D. Segregation

Answer: (B)

Steering is the practice of directing buyers towards or away from certain neighborhoods based on their membership in a protected class, which can include factors such as race, religion, or gender. This discriminatory behavior limits the housing options available to individuals and can perpetuate segregation by influencing where people live based on their identity rather than their personal preferences or financial capability. This approach is not only unethical but also illegal under the Fair Housing Act, which is designed to promote equal housing opportunities and prevent discrimination in the real estate market. Real estate professionals must avoid any practices that could be characterized as steering to ensure compliance with these laws and to foster inclusivity within the housing market. Other options represent distinct but related concepts. For example, blockbusting involves inducing homeowners to sell their property at a loss by suggesting that the racial makeup of the neighborhood is changing, leading to further discrimination in housing. Redlining refers to the practice of denying services based on the geographic area, often affecting communities of color, while segregation indicates the separation of groups within society. Understanding these terms helps clarify the broad spectrum of discriminatory practices within real estate.

Steering is the practice of directing buyers towards or away from certain neighborhoods based on their membership in a protected class, which can include factors such as race, religion, or gender. This discriminatory behavior limits the housing options available to individuals and can perpetuate segregation by influencing where people live based on their identity rather than their personal preferences or financial capability.

This approach is not only unethical but also illegal under the Fair Housing Act, which is designed to promote equal housing opportunities and prevent discrimination in the real estate market. Real estate professionals must avoid any practices that could be characterized as steering to ensure compliance with these laws and to foster inclusivity within the housing market.

Other options represent distinct but related concepts. For example, blockbusting involves inducing homeowners to sell their property at a loss by suggesting that the racial makeup of the neighborhood is changing, leading to further discrimination in housing. Redlining refers to the practice of denying services based on the geographic area, often affecting communities of color, while segregation indicates the separation of groups within society. Understanding these terms helps clarify the broad spectrum of discriminatory practices within real estate.