Fair Housing

A real estate agent who represents only sellers and asks buyers questions about their family size to determine if they would be a 'good fit' for the neighborhood is:

APerforming legitimate due diligence for the seller

BPotentially violating fair housing law by screening buyers based on familial status✓ Correct

CPermitted if the neighborhood has a homeowners association with occupancy rules

DRequired to ask such questions for neighborhood compatibility

Explanation

Asking buyers questions about family size to assess neighborhood 'fit' is potentially discriminatory based on familial status, a protected class under the Fair Housing Act and Illinois Human Rights Act. Agents should not screen or discourage buyers based on protected class characteristics.

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Fair Housing Act

Federal law prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.

Net Operating Income (NOI)

The annual income generated by an income-producing property after subtracting operating expenses, but before debt service.

Steering

An illegal practice where a real estate agent directs buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on the buyer's race, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

Comparable Sales (Comps)

Recently sold properties similar in size, condition, and location used by appraisers and agents to estimate a property's market value.