An Asian couple asks a real estate agent to show them houses for sale. The agent showed them houses in an area that is predominantly Asian. Which statement is TRUE?

An Asian couple asks a real estate agent to show them houses for sale. The agent showed them houses in an area that is predominantly Asian. Which statement is TRUE?

• A. The agent is guilty of steering.
• B. The area choice is neutral and unrelated to fair housing.
• C. This is allowed if no discrimination occurred.
• D. There is no violation.

Answer: (A)

Steering is the key idea here. It happens when a real estate professional tries to influence a client’s housing choices or steer them toward (or away from) certain neighborhoods based on race or other protected characteristics. In this scenario, showing an Asian couple only houses in a neighborhood that is predominantly Asian directs their search because of their race, not because of their stated preferences or needs. That limits the couple’s housing opportunities and choices simply because of their protected status, which the Fair Housing Act forbids. Even if the agent believes they’re guiding the client to a “better” area, the effect is discriminatory and unlawful. So this is a classic example of steering.

Steering is the key idea here. It happens when a real estate professional tries to influence a client’s housing choices or steer them toward (or away from) certain neighborhoods based on race or other protected characteristics. In this scenario, showing an Asian couple only houses in a neighborhood that is predominantly Asian directs their search because of their race, not because of their stated preferences or needs. That limits the couple’s housing opportunities and choices simply because of their protected status, which the Fair Housing Act forbids. Even if the agent believes they’re guiding the client to a “better” area, the effect is discriminatory and unlawful. So this is a classic example of steering.