Article 10 is all about Fair Housing but did you know that it was there before the Federal Fair Housing Acts? It was. Obviously it has evolved over the years but the spirit has remained the same. EVERYONE deserves the chance at home ownership.
There is one big difference between Article 10 and the fair housing law. Article 10 has one more protected class, gender identity. We all expect this to be added to federal law soon but the National Association of REALTORS saw the need a few years ago and added it. As with most things, the awareness of this issue started with law suits popping up around the country.
Race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation and gender identity are the protected classes under the Code of Ethics. One might ask, “Why can’t we just say ‘Don’t discriminate.’?” Because we have to discriminate for certain things. Such as ability to pay.
As REALTORS we not only make homes available to all qualified buyers but we are careful with the things we say and do. We all know that we can’t advertise something as being close to a church or within walking distance of anything. Years ago there was a Fair Housing complaint against a REALTOR that used the word ‘family’ in an ad. The complaintant said that he felt discriminated against because he was single. The ad said something like “great family neighborhood”. He won. For that reason, many of us avoid using the term ‘family room’.
It would be easy to get crazy and ignore your creativity when writing ads. However, don’t panic and start writing boring advertisements. That doesn’t help anyone. Just pay attention and be cognizant of how something may read to others. After all, we don’t WANT to offend anyone.
Have you ever had a client ask about a neighborhood? Of course you have. They ask a general question and you have no idea how to answer. I always reply with a question. What are your concerns? What specifically do you want to know? I often suggest that they drive the community when people are typically home. Evenings and weekends. That way they can see if there are too many cars parked on the street. They can see if the neighborhood seems friendly. Are people out and about doing things in the neighborhood or are they closed up in their homes? I like a friendly neighborhood. Whatever their concerns, my goal is to be ‘The Source of the Source’. I can refer them to the census, school district, chamber of commerce or other websites for factual information.
Lastly I will remind you that everything above also applies when you are hiring. Yes, hiring is addressed in Article 10, SOP 10-4.
Here’s to a busy spring and summer. Good selling!
leighyork 