In the scenario described, what is the violation called?

• A. Steering
• B. Blockbusting
• C. Redlining
• D. Discrimination

Answer: (A)

Steering is a violation when a real estate professional guides a buyer’s or renter’s housing choices based on protected characteristics, rather than on the buyers’ needs and preferences. In the described scenario, the agent directs people toward or away from certain neighborhoods because of who they are, which limits their housing opportunities and violates the Fair Housing Act.

For context, blockbusting involves encouraging homeowners to sell by exploiting fears of people from a protected class moving into the area; redlining is denying or limiting services in a neighborhood based on its racial or ethnic makeup; discrimination is a broader term for treating someone unfavorably because of protected characteristics. The scenario fits steering because it directly alters location options based on protected status.