Question: What rules prohibit discrimination in real estate sales and financing?

Answer: The Fair Housing Act is the major legislation prohibiting discrimination in real estate -- it provides that there can be no offer to sell, rent, buy, or exchange property that contains any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or familial status, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.

This federal law applies to the sale and rental of housing, residential lots, advertising the sale or rental of housing, real estate financing, the provision of realty services, and the appraisal of real property. It also prohibits the practice of "blockbusting."

State and local laws may identify additional discriminatory factors which are also prohibited.

Moreover, one can also look at the 14th Amendment, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Americans with Disability Act for additional protection.

Brokers, lenders, and attorneys can explain such matters in detail.