A qualified real estate agent can help in finding the right house.  You have the right to expect a certain level of service, but poor service may be just that - poor service. 

If discrimination is part of the problem, it may not be the agent's fault.  It may be the seller.  There are some things to watch out for.  Here are some guidelines to help you know when there may be a problem.  These guidelines may help you handle the problem better.

Selecting an Agent

Pick an agent to work with.  You want to find one you are comfortable with.  Unless you have signed a buyer's contract, you do not have to stay with the same agent if you are not happy.  If you don't know an agent, speak with friends, check the real estate section of the newspaper, or check the names of agents on the "For Sale" signs in the neighborhood where you are interested in living. 

The agent should pre-qualify you.

You and your agent should sit down and talk about what you can afford.  You should ask questions about anything you are not sure of.  Being pre-qualified will help make sure you look in the right price range, and that you will have a good chance of getting a loan to buy the house you want.

How do I know all my choices when buying a home?

Get information about your choices.

After you have a good idea about what you can afford, talk to the agent about what you are looking for in a house.  The agent may have some good ideas about where to look.  But don't just depend on the agent's ideas.  Make sure you know about ALL the houses that may meet your needs.

Most agents are members of the "MLS" or Multiple Listing Service.  The MLS has a book every week with pictures and information about almost all the houses that are for sale.  Ask to see that book.  Look up all the houses in your price range in every area.  Drive through different neighborhoods.  You may find houses you did not think about before. 

After finding a house you like.

The agent should help you make an offer.  Most offers are below full price - especially is the house has been on the market for a while.  Your agent should offer some advice.  But even if you do not follow his or her advice, your agent must take your written offer to the seller.  If you have not offered enough, the seller can make a counter-offer.

After your offer is accepted.

One of the most important things an agent can do for you is to help you get a loan to buy the house.  The agent should have information about lenders and rates.  The agent should be able to recommend some places to look.  That is part of what a real estate agent does.  They SELL houses by making it possible for people to BUY houses.

What could be discrimination?

To find and buy the right house, you will probably need the help of people who are in the business of selling houses.  Many of these people will give you excellent service, but some of them may not have your best interest in mind. 

It is against the law for someone to deny you housing, or to charge you more, or give you less for your money, because of your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, family status, or disability.  All licensed real estate agents, brokers, and realtors know about the fair housing law.  You can usually see and buy the property you want without any problem.  DON'T BE AFRAID THAT EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO YOU IS DISCRIMINATION...BUT DO BE AWARE OF THE WAYS HOUSING DISCRIMINATION HAPPENS - AND LEARN WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT IF IT HAPPENS.  Be concerned if:

• The agent ignores what you say you want and can afford, and shows you houses outside the area you have picked or below the price you have been qualified for.
• The agent says negative or derogatory things about the area you have picked, and speaks positively about the areas he or she says you should pick.
• You ask to see the multiple listing book and the realtor says no.
• You are asked lots of questions on your financial background, such as "Have you ever been bankrupt?  Do you have a lot of outstanding debts?"
• An agent does not return your calls or keep appointments, or the agent discourages you from making an offer.
• An agent cannot seem to make arrangements for you to see a particular house.
• An agent shows you houses only in areas where many of the residents are the same race, ethnic background, or religion that you are.
• A builder tries to talk you out of buying in a particular area - even if he or she says you will like another one more.
• An agent will not help you get a loan.      

Don't just walk away from the house or neighborhood of your choice.  You should talk with a lawyer.  One way to protect yourself is to report the discrimination to the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center, Inc. (FHAC) at 504-596-2100.  The FHAC will investigate.  The FHAC may send out testers - people who pretend to be looking for a home.  The testers will visit the real estate agent, the builder, or the seller, to see how different people are treated.  The FHAC will also tell you how the law protects you and what you can do.