What Info You Shouldn’t Discuss With Your Clients When They’re Searching For Properties

As a real estate professional it’s important to have a good rapport with your clients while helping them search for a home. Building trust and offering the best customer service that you can is a must in today’s competitive housing market. However, sometimes in your quest to do your best, you may inadvertently say something that offends your client or makes them feel uncomfortable. There’s those “foot-in mouth” moments which can be awkward. Then, there’s things you could say, albeit with good intentions, that could be in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Balancing your interpersonal skills and business etiquette while staying in line with the Fair Housing Act can be tricky these days. There are certain subjects that you can avoid discussing while still providing the outstanding customer service that your clients deserve from you. Here’s a few tips on what “not” to discuss with your clients when searching for properties: 

Crime Stats

Even though this information is public, it’s against the Fair Housing Act for realtors to discuss crime rates. Saying anything on this subject could be interpreted as references to race, which is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. You should also avoid giving details about area schools for the same reason. If asked about crime rates and schools, encourage your clients to do their own research and draw their own conclusions.

Religion

Religion can be a touchy subject and it can be awkward interacting with people of different ethnic or religious backgrounds. Some people with extreme religious beliefs could be offended by the slightest remark said with the best of intentions. Or, they may feel they are being judged. Plus, you don’t want to be accused of religious discrimination as it is in violation of the Fair Housing Act. It’s best to just avoid this subject all together. 

Politics

In real estate, the subject of politics is bound to come up in one form or another. If you go down that path, you’ll either get a high-five in agreement or open yourself up for a heated political conversation that could turn ugly and cost you a customer. Your best bet, regardless of where you stand politically, is to just stay neutral or just flat out avoid this topic all together.

Don’t Gossip

Gossiping is defined as spreading false or personal information that can damage another person’s reputation. In any business, gossiping is highly unprofessional. Besides gossiping, professionals should never bad mouth anyone in front of a client – be it another real estate agent, a local business or even a neighbor on the block. This is a great way to lose credibility with your clients and risk getting sued.

Watch Your Wording

Be careful with your wording. Innocently describing a house or a neighborhood by saying something like, “perfect for families with kids” could be viewed as discriminatory against people with no children. Go ahead and describe the amenities of a property without mentioning any type of people.