What does the term 'steering' refer to in real estate?

The term 'steering' in real estate specifically refers to the practice where real estate agents or brokers direct prospective buyers towards or away from particular neighborhoods based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, or other protected statuses. This unethical practice can be considered discriminatory and violates fair housing laws designed to ensure individuals have equal opportunities to find housing in any area they choose.

Steering undermines the principle of equal access to housing, as it can artificially shape the demographics of neighborhoods. It is important for real estate professionals to uphold fair housing laws and ensure clients are presented with a wide range of options in their home search, free from bias or influence based on discriminatory factors. Understanding this practice is crucial for those involved in real estate to promote fairness and equity in housing access.