California Real Estate Broker ExaminationReal Estate PracticeMedium
A real estate licensee is preparing an advertisement for a residential property for sale. To comply with Fair Housing laws, which of the following phrases should the licensee AVOID using in the advertisement?
- APerfect for a single professional
- BSpacious family home
- CClose to public transportation
- DBeautifully landscaped backyard
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Perfect for a single professional
Phrases like 'perfect for a single professional' can be seen as discriminatory because they imply a preference for a specific type of occupant based on familial status or marital status, which are protected classes under Fair Housing laws. Advertising should focus on the property's features, not the characteristics of preferred buyers.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 'Spacious family home' describes the property's size and suitability for a family without directly excluding others or implying a preference based on familial status.
- C. 'Close to public transportation' describes a feature of the property's location and amenities, which is acceptable.
- D. 'Beautifully landscaped backyard' describes a physical feature of the property, which is acceptable.
Fair Housing Advertising Pitfalls
Advertising language that, even subtly, suggests a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on protected characteristics is prohibited under Fair Housing laws.
- Focus on property features, not ideal occupants.
- Avoid terms implying familial status, race, religion, etc.
- Be mindful of both explicit and implicit biases.
- Ignorance is not an excuse for discrimination.
Memory trick: Advertise the house, not the 'ideal' human; avoid 'P-R-O-F-I-L-E' words.