Which house should I buy?

Sometimes buyers want my opinion of what house they should buy. For several reasons, I will not answer that question. The obvious being, it’s not my money and I don’t have to live there. I will certainly provide my client with my professional opinion of what I think a house will sell for in this market, which house has the most potential to increase in value long-term, any issues I see as potential draw backs if they want to sell it in the future, etc. But which house is the one for them, is their decision.

In life, often, assumptions are made based on characteristics. For instance, people might say, “These buyers have kids, they’ll want to live near similar people,” or “Retirees won’t want a two-story, 4-bedroom house, it’s too big for them.”

However, individuals defy such stereotypes. You can’t predict what a certain person, may be

looking for and shouldn’t try. Families may seek single-level or smaller homes, while retirees

might opt for larger properties. It's essential to recognize that we cannot dictate what suits

someone’s needs based on their demographic. Not only is it not in the best interest of your client; it is illegal.

April is Fair Housing Month, the perfect time to reflect on the importance of equitable access to housing for all. But what does it mean to be part of a "protected class"? Simply put, if you are human, you belong to multiple protected classes. This includes factors such as age, race, gender, familial status, and more.

In New York State, laws protect individuals from discrimination in housing based on race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, disability, marital status, lawful source of income and familial status. These protections aim to ensure equal opportunities in housing, yet the legacy of discrimination still lingers. Some properties still bear outdated deeds that exclude certain ethnicities—though illegal, they serve as a reminder that we can always do better.

For buyers, this means you have the right to pursue any property you can afford without facing bias. Your preferences should guide your search, not preconceived notions from others, including your agent. A good buyer's agent will focus on your needs and take direction from you when choosing which houses to look at. And they will minimize personal information shared with sellers. This is why "love letters"—which often reveal personal details—are discouraged; they can inadvertently introduce bias into the decision-making process. The only information a seller needs to make their decision, is documentation that shows you either have the funds available to pay cash or have been pre-qualified with a reputable lender.

From a seller’s standpoint, when choosing to accept an offer, focus on the financial details and other terms of the contract; timeline to close, size of deposit, inspections requested, etc. Avoid discussing the potential buyer's characteristics with your agent. This reduces the risk of discrimination and protects you legally. It’s often best for sellers and their agents to remain absent during showings, further minimizing the chance of biased decisions. And please, avoid “researching” potential buyers on social media.

For more in-depth information on how you can support Fair Housing in New York, visit the New York State Division of Human Rights website: https://dhr.ny.gov/

Let’s work together, not just during Fair Housing Month, but all year to ensure that everyone in our communities has equal access to housing opportunities.