What is Steering in Real Estate Discrimination?

I've noticed a disturbing trend in real estate that needs addressing - steering. This practice has shaped neighborhoods across America, often in ways many people don't realize. Let me break down what steering is and why you need to know about it.

Steering: The discriminatory practice of directing potential homebuyers or renters toward or away from specific neighborhoods based on their race, religion, nationality, or other protected characteristics. This illegal practice limits housing choices and perpetuates segregation in communities.

Understanding the Evolution of Steering in Real Estate

Before the Fair Housing Act, steering was just one piece of a larger system of housing discrimination. Real estate agents would openly direct white homebuyers away from diverse neighborhoods while restricting minority buyers to specific areas. This practice worked hand-in-hand with redlining, where banks would refuse loans in certain neighborhoods, creating a cycle of segregation that still affects communities today.

After the Fair Housing Act passed, steering didn't disappear - it just became more subtle. While outright discrimination became illegal, some agents still find ways to influence where people live through coded language and selective showing of properties.

Spotting Steering in Action

You might experience steering without even realizing it. Here are some red flags to watch for:

• An agent only shows you homes in certain neighborhoods despite your interest in others

• Comments like "You might feel more comfortable in this area"

• Excessive focus on school statistics in certain areas while ignoring them in others

• Selective highlighting of crime statistics

Modern steering has gone digital too. Some online listings might be marketed differently based on demographics, or certain properties might not show up in your search results based on your data profile.

The Law and Consequences

The Fair Housing Act makes steering illegal. Protected classes include:

• Race

• Color

• Religion

• National Origin

• Sex

• Familial Status

• Disability

Real estate agents who practice steering face serious consequences, including:

• License suspension or revocation

• Heavy fines

• Civil lawsuits

• Criminal charges in severe cases

Taking Action Against Steering

If you suspect steering, document everything. Keep records of:

• Which properties you requested to see

• Which properties were shown to you

• Comments made by the agent

• Areas you were discouraged from considering

Community Impact

Steering doesn't just affect individual homebuyers - it shapes entire communities. When certain groups are steered away from neighborhoods, it creates:

• Reduced property values in targeted areas

• Limited access to quality schools and services

• Fewer economic opportunities

• Continued social division

Breaking Down Common Myths

Some people defend steering by saying they're just helping clients find neighborhoods where they'll "fit in." This isn't helpful - it's illegal discrimination. Every homebuyer deserves to make their own informed choice about where to live, based on their personal criteria and preferences.

Building Better Communities

Real estate professionals play a crucial role in creating inclusive communities. This means:

• Showing properties based solely on client criteria

• Providing consistent information to all clients

• Letting buyers make their own decisions about neighborhoods

Take the Next Step

At Bellhaven Real Estate, we stand firmly against steering and all forms of housing discrimination. Our agents are trained to serve all clients equally, showing any property that matches your criteria. Ready to start your home search? We're here to help you explore all your options, wherever you want to live.

Resources for Fair Housing

If you want to learn more about fair housing:

• Contact HUD's Fair Housing Office

• Visit the National Fair Housing Alliance website

• Speak with a fair housing advocate in your area