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Practice Of Real EstateFair HousingMEDIUM

A real estate salesperson in Lowell, Massachusetts is asked by a prospective buyer about the demographic makeup of a neighborhood, specifically whether the area has a large population of a particular national origin group. The salesperson steers the buyer away from certain neighborhoods based on this request. Under Massachusetts Chapter 151B, this practice is best described as:

Correct Answer

B) Unlawful steering, which violates Massachusetts Chapter 151B regardless of whether the buyer requested the information.

Steering — the practice of directing buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on protected class characteristics — is unlawful under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin, among other protected classes. A licensee may not engage in steering even if the buyer initiates the request, because doing so perpetuates segregation and violates fair housing law.

Answer Options
A
Lawful blockbusting, which is permitted when initiated by the buyer's own request.
B
Unlawful steering, which violates Massachusetts Chapter 151B regardless of whether the buyer requested the information.
C
Lawful steering, because the salesperson is responding to the buyer's expressed preferences.
D
Unlawful redlining, because the salesperson is refusing to show properties in certain areas.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

chapter_151bsteeringnational_originfair_housing_practiceslicensee_obligations

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