Is it illegal for a real estate agent to say whether an area is safe or not?

Question

Same question for any real estate related field; i.e. property manager, leasing specialist, etc. If it's state law, how about in New Jersey?

Answer 1

it is often called "steering" and the

federal gov outlawed it 15+ YRS AGO.

what is safe is a matter of opinion.

Answer 2

That is a subjective question.    They can tell you the crime rates, but it is up to you to determine if it is safe, just like you determine if it is "nice" or "good" or "big", etc etc.

Answer 3

It's legal, but he/she can be held liable if they say it's safe and they are wrong.

Smart Realtors stay away from any questions regarding crime.

They refer people to websites of police offices where they report statistics by neighborhood.

PS: Illegal "STEERING" has to do with RACE.  

A Realtor CAN legally tell someone if a particular area of the market is going down or up, so can licensed appraisers b/c it's based on FACT not opinion.  This is even marked on the appraisal as a "declining" market if it's going down, so it's 100% legal.

Here is proof for the uneducated:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racial_stee...

Answer 4

It's sketchy, but I'd say that it is illegal since it's "steering". A better reply the Agent could give would be to suggest that the buyer check the area out for themselves or contact that area's local police department.

Answer 5

To say a place is safe or not would only be their own opinion, thus not legally binding.

Answer 6

They can’t and shouldn’t offer opinions on anything, especially on anything that would sway your decision.  I know an agent who lost her license over an issue like this.

Answer 7

No it's not illegal to say it, if they are asked.

Answer 8

The answer above is correct;  this is known as steering and is a violation of FEDERAL fair housing laws.  Your realtor cannot discuss the "safety" issue.  Safety is a matter of opinion, and what your realtor considers safe, you may not, and vice versa.  You should do your own research on the matter.  Visit city hall or the local police precinct for crime statistics in a given area and form an opinion from there.