Posted on May - 10 - 2010
Understanding The Legal Limitations Of Your Real Estate Agent
When it comes to working with a real estate agent, it is critical to get a basic insight of some of the rules and regulations that rule their dealings. Otherwise, arguments can certainly develop between you and your agent. Maybe the most important section of ruling that governs the actions of real estate agents is the Fair Housing Act, which is certainly part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and was created so as to avoid discrimination.
The Fair Housing Act, which was later modified by the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988, guarantees security to individuals within seven different classes. These classes contain:
*Color
*Familial Status
*Handicap
*National Origin
*Race
*Religion
*Gender
In order to abide by the regulations within the Fair Housing Act, there are more than a few things that your real estate agent cannot accomplish for you.
Giving Data Concerning Neighborhoods
It may come as a surprise to learn that a real estate agent are not able to assist you locate a neighborhood that is comprised primarily of citizens of a particular race or religion. The truth is, an agent cannot even advertise that a property is located close to a specified place of worship. Also, a property cannot be listed as being part of an “adults only” area or as being in a neighborhood that is great for single women.
As a result of the regulations within the Fair Housing Act, a real estate agent as well cannot answer doubts that you would possibly have concerning the ethnic makeup of a neighborhood, even if you are a member of the ethnic group you are inquiring about. Actually, there can be a number of words that an agent can’t include in a listing description because it could potentially contravene Fair Housing Laws. Some of these include:
*Bachelor apartment
*Children welcome
*Couples
*Gentleman’s farm
*Golden agers
*Handicapped
*Integrated
*Married
*Mature
*Mother-in-Law quarters
*Professional
*Section 8
*Seniors
*Singles only
*Sports-minded
Addressing Educational Issues
People with children are sometimes interested in moving to a district that is served by a particular school system. It is unfeasible for a real estate agent to certify that a certain school system will service a specific house, as school boundaries are subject to transform. In addition, it is possible that giving this type of data can be considered a violation of the Fair Housing Act. Therefore, if you are fascinated in having your child attend a specific school, you’ll likely need to study the school’s boundaries on your own and then present this data to the real estate agent. This way, the agent will be aware of the geographic setting where you want to settle.
Discussing Crime
It is only natural to wish for to stay in a area where the crime rates are low, but do not get sadden with you real estate agent if he or she will not talk about these statistics with you. Other than completely providing you with information about crime rates, your agent will likely turn you to the local police departments of the neighborhoods you are considering or will provide you with other resources. By doing this, you can determine whether or not the neighborhood is secure enough for your necessities and the real estate agent cannot be held to blame for providing false data.
While it may be annoying to find out that your real estate agent cannot offer you with some of the information that you wish for, it is important to be aware of that your agent must concede by laws and other regulations. If you have chosen a truly professional agent, however, he or she should be able to aim you in the correct course so you can get the data you need without violating the law.
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