Question 8

Steering

The broker's action of only showing properties in multiracial neighborhoods constitutes steering, which is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. Steering occurs when a real estate agent guides prospective homeowners to or away from certain neighborhoods based on their race or ethnicity.

A) redlining

Redlining refers to the practice of denying services, typically in mortgage lending, to residents of certain areas based on their race or ethnicity. While related to discriminatory practices, redlining specifically pertains to financial services rather than the act of showing properties, making this option incorrect.

B) disparate treatment

Disparate treatment involves treating individuals differently based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Although the broker's actions may reflect disparate treatment, the specific act of limiting property options based on race is more accurately described as steering, making this choice less precise.

C) steering

Steering is the practice of guiding clients toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on their race or ethnicity. In this case, the broker is only showing properties in multiracial neighborhoods, which directly aligns with the definition of steering and is a clear violation of the Fair Housing Act.

D) blockbusting

Blockbusting is the practice of inducing homeowners to sell their properties at low prices by instilling fear of racial or ethnic changes in the neighborhood. This option does not apply here, as the broker is not inducing a sale but rather limiting options based on the family's race.

Conclusion

The broker's actions clearly exemplify steering, which is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. All other options either misrepresent the scenario or pertain to different aspects of housing discrimination, thereby reinforcing that steering is the correct answer in this context.