If you are selling real estate in the United States, you need to familiarize yourself with The Federal Fair Housing Act.   According to the Federal Fair Housing Act, you cannot discriminate against someone when selling a home.

The act defines seven different classes that are protected against discrimination, these include: 

Race

Color

National origin

Sex

Religion

Handicap

Familial status 

(You may notice that Age is not a protected class, in and of itself.  Sellers of property that are zoned 55+, adult only, etc. can discriminate on the basis of age, if it violates deed restrictions, zoning or restrictive convenants.

Attention Home Sellers:   You put yourself at serious risk of violating this act, if you refuse to sell or show your home to an interested buyer.  Remember that ignorance of the law is not a viable excuse or defense.  You will be held legally liable, even if you accidentally violate these laws without realizing it.

Review the following list of words that cannot be included in advertisements of your home, because they are in violation of the Fair Housing Laws.  

Bachelor apartment

Children welcome

Couples

Gentlemans Farm

Golden Agers

Handicapped

Integrated

Married

Mature

Mother-in-Law quarters

Professional

Section 8

Seniors

Singles only

Sports-minded 

Why6Percent.com encourages all home sellers to avoid any form of discrimination, at all costs.   The financial penalities and fines for violating the Fair Housing Act are Severe!   If you have any questions, send us an email and we will try to help you.