As the nation celebrates April as Fair Housing Month, marking the 39th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which protects people from discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status and national origin members of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and Silicon Valley Association of Realtors® (SILVAR) reaffirm their commitment to every American's right to fair housing and supports efforts to eliminate housing discrimination.
Silicon Valley Association of Realtors President Mark Burns said the local trade association representing Realtors and affiliates engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay, continuously work to advance equal access to housing and remind Americans that fair housing is not an option: It's the law.
"Realtors do more than manage property transactions," noted Burns. "Realtors play a vital role in ensuring fair housing for all. They are on the 'front lines,' working with buyers and sellers to see that they enjoy the benefits of a housing market free from discrimination."
The home seller, the prospective home buyer and the real estate professional all have rights and responsibilities under the law.
A home seller or landlord has a responsibility and a requirement under the law not to discriminate in the sale, rental and financing of property on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. They cannot instruct the licensed broker or salesperson acting as their agent to convey any limitations in the sale or rental because the real estate professional is also bound by law not to discriminate.
Members of the National Association of Realtors® and the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors® abide by a Code of Ethics that provides, under Article 10, that Realtors shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin and shall not be a party to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.
Buyers or renters have the right to expect that housing will be available without discrimination. This includes the right to expect:
• housing in their price range made available without discrimination
• equal professional service
• the opportunity to consider a broad range of housing choices
• no discriminatory limitations on communities or locations of housing
• no discrimination in the financing, appraising, or insuring of housing
• reasonable accommodations in rules, practices and procedures for persons with disabilities
• non-discriminatory terms and conditions for the sale, rental, financing, or insuring of a dwelling
• freedom from harassment or intimidation for exercising their fair housing rights.
"Homeownership builds personal wealth and builds a stronger housing market for the future that benefits our nation's economy," Burns added. "Realtors embrace a commitment to make the face of homeownership in America look like America."
Buyers or renters who believe they have experienced discrimination, may file a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged discrimination.
Not all real estate agents carry the designation of REALTOR®. To find a Realtor who adheres to a strict code of ethics through the local and national associations, go to www.silvar.org
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.