submitted by the Prescott Area Association of REALTORS®
Every April, REALTORS® commemorate the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and reflect on the historical accomplishments that have been made by celebrating Fair Housing month.
Fair housing laws are designed to ensure that every homebuyer and homeowner has an equal opportunity in the housing market, regardless of their background. While these laws are often associated with rental properties and tenant rights, they play a crucial role in protecting those looking to purchase or maintain a home.
Per the FHA, buyers cannot be discriminated against based on race, national origin, religion, sex, disability or familial status, and these protections extend to groups that may face unique challenges, such as single homebuyers and veterans.
Discrimination can occur in many ways for homebuyers, whether it be a single buyer being deemed a financial risk simply because they do not have a partner with a second income, or a VA buyer being denied under the assumption of a more difficult transaction to come. The law prohibits sellers and the corresponding institutions from discriminating against buyers based on the type of financing they use, ensuring that any buyer can fully use their benefits or independence.
REALTORS® play a key role in enforcing these protections. Ethical REALTORS® are trained to uphold fair housing laws in practice, ensuring that buyers are treated fairly throughout the home search and purchase process. They cannot steer buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on assumptions and must also ensure that property listings use inclusive language and that all clients receive the same level of service and information, regardless of their background.
A REALTOR® who witnesses discrimination — whether in mortgage lending, home appraisals or seller decisions — can educate their clients about their rights and guide them toward filing a complaint if necessary, ensuring that even through difficulties they are acting on behalf of their clients’ best interests.
Beyond legal requirements, these protections create a more open and accessible housing market. When professionals follow fair housing principles, buyers can confidently search for homes without fear of bias.
Fair housing laws are not just about legality — they are about ensuring that everyone has the same opportunity to achieve the American dream of homeownership. Use an ethically trained REALTOR® to help you get into the home of your dreams.
