78. A licensees general practice is to show property in all areas of town. A minority person asks the licensee to see a property in the north area of town. The licensee knows that the north area of town is a predominantly minority area. Showing the property to the customer is
Answer: C
Showing the property to the customer is legal, because the customer made the request.
The licensee is acting in compliance with fair housing laws by accommodating the request of the minority person to view a property in the north area of town. It is important to recognize that fulfilling a client's request does not constitute steering.
A) illegal, because it is steering.
This option is incorrect because steering refers to the practice of guiding prospective homebuyers towards or away from certain neighborhoods based on their race or ethnicity. In this case, the minority person specifically requested to see the property, which does not constitute steering.
B) illegal, because it is blockbusting.
Blockbusting involves inducing homeowners to sell their properties by suggesting that minority groups are moving into the neighborhood, potentially leading to a decline in property values. This scenario does not involve blockbusting, as the licensee is responding to a direct request from a customer.
C) legal, because the customer made the request.
This is the correct answer. The licensee's decision to show the property is legal since it is based on the customer's specific request, rather than on any discriminatory practices. This aligns with fair housing principles, which advocate for equal treatment in housing opportunities.
D) legal, because the area is not subject to fair housing protection.
This option is incorrect because all areas are subject to fair housing protections regardless of the demographic composition. The licensee's actions must still adhere to fair housing laws which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
Conclusion
The correct answer, C, emphasizes the importance of responding to customer requests without engaging in discriminatory practices such as steering or blockbusting. Options A, B, and D fail to recognize the legality of accommodating a client's request in a fair housing context. Thus, the licensee's actions are justified and align with the principles of equal opportunity in housing.