As a consumer, whether you are a buyer or seller of real estate, you should be aware of certain laws regarding equal opportunity in housing.

The Federal Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate in the sale, lease or rental of housing because of the following seven protected classes. Remember the acronym, FRESH CORN and that will remind you of what these protected classes are:

F Familial

R Race

E

S Sex

H Handicap

 

C Color

O

R Religion

N Nationality

 

As you can see, everyone is in a protected class. There are no exceptions! As a home buyer, you have the right to expect housing will be available to you without discrimination. On the other hand, as a seller you have a responsibility under the law not to discriminate in the sale, rental and financing of property, based on the above protected classes. If you are found to be in violation of this law, a federal lawsuit could be filed against you by the prospective buyer, the real estate agent, or the Federal Government.

Since all Jenny Pruitt & Associates’ agents are members of the National Association of Realtors, we are bound by the Code of Ethics regarding Fair Housing. As a result, our agents can educate you, the consumer, on how transactions should be handled with regard to this very important topic.