Which practice involves a real estate licensee steering clients towards or away from specific neighborhoods?

Steering is the practice where a real estate licensee directs clients towards or away from certain neighborhoods based on their race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics. This behavior is a violation of fair housing laws as it implies that individuals should live in certain areas based on these characteristics, which can perpetuate discrimination and segregation.

The context behind steering is important to understand, especially as it reflects the broader issues of housing equity. It involves misleading clients to believe they can only find housing in certain areas or that those areas are more suitable for them, which can contribute to systemic inequality in housing opportunities.

The other terms relate to discriminatory practices in housing but are distinct from steering. Discrimination refers more generally to unjust or prejudicial treatment based on characteristics like race or gender. Redlining specifically refers to the practice of denying services, typically mortgage loans, in certain neighborhoods based on their racial composition. Segregation indicates a broader societal separation of groups, which may not necessarily involve the direct influence of a real estate licensee. Understanding these distinctions helps underline the importance of ethical practices in real estate transactions.