New York Real Estate Salesperson ExaminationBrokerage and Salesperson ResponsibilitiesEasy
A real estate salesperson is showing a property to a prospective buyer. During the showing, the buyer asks about the school district ratings and requests the salesperson's opinion on which schools are 'best.' How should the salesperson respond to this inquiry?
- AProvide a list of schools within the district and offer personal opinions based on local reputation.
- BSuggest the buyer speak with current residents in the neighborhood to gather their opinions on local schools.
- CDirect the buyer to official, objective sources of information, such as the school district's website or state education department.
- DOffer to research school ratings personally and email a summary to the buyer later that day.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Direct the buyer to official, objective sources of information, such as the school district's website or state education department.
Salespersons should avoid offering personal opinions or making subjective statements about protected class demographics like school quality, as this could lead to accusations of steering. Instead, they should direct clients to objective, verifiable sources of information.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Providing personal opinions on school quality can be seen as steering and is not permitted.
- B. Suggesting buyers speak with residents is not a substitute for providing objective data and could still lead to biased information.
- D. Researching and summarizing information personally could still involve subjective interpretation and is not the best practice; direct referral to original sources is preferred.
Avoiding Steering in Information Provision
Real estate professionals must avoid providing subjective opinions or making statements that could influence a client's decision based on protected characteristics, such as school quality, and instead direct clients to objective, verifiable sources.
- Steering is illegal under Fair Housing laws.
- Salespersons should never offer personal opinions on demographics or community quality.
- Always refer clients to official, objective data sources.
Memory trick: Direct, Don't Decide for Them.