Ace the Hawaii Pre-Licensing Exam 2026 – Surf Your Way to Real Estate Success!

Steering is the illegal practice where a broker influences a buyer's property search based on their race or the racial demographics of a neighborhood. This practice aims to guide or "steer" individuals towards or away from certain neighborhoods based on their race, which perpetuates segregation and discrimination in housing. It violates the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

This practice can manifest in various ways, such as a broker showing a client homes predominantly in neighborhoods that match their racial profile while ignoring more diverse areas or those with different demographics. By perpetuating the idea that certain communities are more suitable for specific races, steering undermines the principle of equal housing opportunities and fosters discriminatory practices within the real estate industry.