Consumer Protection

Our team of Realtors® is committed to providing you with all the information and support you need for a smooth real estate transaction. This includes standing by you as trusted fiduciary advisors. Below is some helpful information you should be aware of as you consider buying or selling your home.

Fair Housing

The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing. The prohibitions cover discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, color, sex, disability and the presence of children. This is embodied as policy in the National Association of REALTORS®’ Code of Ethics.

NAR also authorizes sanctions in response to a finding that a member has violated any fair housing law, including local and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. NAR supports equal opportunity on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, which was amended in the Code of Ethics in 2010 and 2013.

File a complaint with HUD


RESPA

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) is a HUD consumer protection statute designed to help homebuyers be better shoppers in the home buying process and is enforced by HUD. This act ensures that consumers throughout the nation are provided with helpful information about the cost of the mortgage settlement and protected from unnecessarily high settlement charges caused by certain abusive practices.

RESPA requires that consumers receive disclosures at various times in the transaction.  It also outlaws kickbacks that increase settlement service costs. RESPA is administered and enforced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

If you are a consumer with a question or complaint related to your mortgage or mortgage servicer, please call at (855) 411-2372  (or (855) 729-2372 TTY/TDD), or by fax number (855) 237-2392, or contact the CFPB’s Consumer Response team.

Learn more about RESPA


Diversity

It’s important for Realtors to have the ability to connect and work effectively with clients from a broad variety of cultures and backgrounds. NAR’s Equal Opportunity and Cultural Diversity program offers events, grants, partners, and education opportunities for Realtors aimed at helping them learn how to serve a diverse mix of consumers.