Fair Housing for Baldwin County Buyers & Sellers

Baldwin REALTORS
Apr 24
2 min read

Buying or selling a home isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s a milestone in your life and a step toward long‑term security. At Baldwin REALTORS®, we are committed to making that process open and equitable for everyone. In honor of Fair Housing Month, here’s what you need to know about fair housing and how it protects you.

What Is Fair Housing—and Why It Matters

Fair housing refers to the body of federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination in housing and housing‑related services. Under the federal Fair Housing Act and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Code of Ethics, it is illegal to discriminate based on:

Race
Color
Sex
National origin
Religion
Handicap
Familial status
Sexual Orientation
Gender Identity

Many states and municipalities extend these protections to additional categories. By ensuring that every buyer and seller receives equal treatment, fair housing practice helps communities thrive, supports economic opportunity, and upholds the American dream of homeownership.

Fair Housing Rights for Buyers

As a buyer, you deserve:

Unbiased Guidance: Your agent, lenders, appraisers, and every professional in the transaction must treat you equitably—no matter your background or any protected characteristic.
Full Access to Listings: You should see every home in your price range, regardless of the neighborhood’s racial or ethnic makeup.

If you ever feel you’re being steered away from certain areas—or treated differently—speak up. Your REALTOR® has an obligation to act in your best interests without prejudice.

Fair Housing Responsibilities for Sellers

When you list your home:

Refrain from Discriminatory Instructions: You cannot direct your agent to market your home differently to any group based on protected characteristics.
Inclusive Advertising: Your marketing must be open to all qualified buyers—no exclusions.

These rules guarantee a level playing field, protecting sellers from liability and ensuring maximum market exposure for your property.

Why Choose a REALTOR®?

All REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and pledge to uphold its Code of Ethics in addition to the law. That means your REALTOR® must:

Provide equal professional services to every client.
Avoid any discussion of a neighborhood’s demographics when advising you.
Refrain from advertising that suggests preference or limitation for any group.

This extra layer of ethical obligation ensures you receive the highest standard of service—and protection—through every step of your transaction.

Reporting Suspected Discrimination

If you encounter discrimination or harassment at any point in the process, you may file an ethics complaint to Baldwin REALTORS® here.

You are protected from retaliation for reporting. Fair Housing enforcement exists to ensure every buyer and seller can participate in our communities without fear or bias.

Learn More

At Baldwin REALTORS®, fair housing isn’t just policy—it’s our promise. We stand ready to help you buy or sell with integrity, transparency, and respect for every member of our community. Learn more about how a REALTOR® pledges to serve you ethically at TheRMeansMore.com.