TOM & CYNDEE
BROWNER - CRS,
ABR, GRIQUAD CITIES REAL ESTATE WITH RE/MAX
SERVING THE ENTIRE IOWA AND ILLINOIS QUAD CITIES ............................................................
DAVENPORT - BETTENDORF - ROCK ISLAND - MOLINE AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
TOM & CYNDEE
BROWNER - CRS,
ABR, GRI
BROKER OWNERS OF RE/MAX BI-STATE - SERVING IOWA & ILLINOIS
1-563-388-0008 Office - 1-563-388-0083 Fax - 1-866-388-0083 Toll Free - 1-563-570-7629 Cell - 355-1616 Home
Have a question? The answer is just a call or e-mail away. Contact us at tom&cyndee@quadcitiesrealestate.com
We are both Accredited Buyers Representatives (Certified Buyer's Agents) we know you want to make the best decision. You want the best home possible for your investment. We know the market, and we work at your pace and not ours. We will guide you through all the forms, take you through the first time buyer programs and/or financing, inspections and explain everything each step of the way. We take care of all the details and problems before they become a problem to you. Call us on our private line at 570-7629 at RE/MAX BI-STATE or Contact us at tom&cyndee@quadcitiesrealestate.com - LOOKING TO SELL? Check out the services an Certified Residential Specialist can mean to you.
Our Goal is to provide you with the most up to date information and Exemplary Service at all times. Homes are an important decision and a long term investment. When Your Money Matters, you need and deserve the most competent professional help available. We strive to always be on top of the market and to further our education's, that we may be knowledgeable to give you the best service and advice at all times.
FAIR HOUSING LAWS
Fair Housing means that every person has the same opportunities to purchase, lease or occupy residential real property. To insure this end, the Federal Government protects all people from discriminatory treatment based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status and national origin. This means that no one can refuse to show, sell or rent a property, treat someone different, encourage panic selling or blockbusting, use steering, discriminatory advertising or statements, threats or otherwise interfere with any person's fair housing rights.
As a buyer, you should be treated equally and fairly by anyone involved in your home purchase. Whether you are buying a $20,000 home or a $1,000,000 home, you deserve the same level of attention, professionalism and fairness. You deserve to be made aware of all the homes in the market in your price range. To be given accurate information and to see the homes and areas you select to see. Your only concerns you should have are the price you pay for your property you choose and the monthly investment you will have to make. You should be educated to all the market so that you can make a wise decision as to which is the best home that will meet your needs.
The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal for anyone to discriminate against you under Federal law if you fall into one of the protected classes. The Civil Rights act of 1866 specifically guaranteed that all U S Citizens have the right to inherit, purchase, lease, sell, hold and convey real and personal property as enjoyed by white persons. In 1896, separate but equal was established as law, but in 1954 this was overturned by Brown v Topeka Board of Education. Title VIII of the 1968 Civil Rights Act specifically prohibited discrimination in housing and was the beginning of a very comprehensive body of statutes governing private and public housing in the United States. This was modified to add sexual discrimination protection in 1974 and in 1988 handicap and familial status were added as protected classes. Many states and municipalities have added other protected classes to the Federal minimum mandates. State or local laws may include military service, military discharge, age, sexual preference, source of income and other prohibitions against discrimination.
No one can discriminate on the basis of color, race or national origin. There are a few exceptions under the law. For Sale by Owners can be exempted if they do not own or have ownership interest in more than three single family houses at any one time. The house to be sold or rented must be without a Real Estate agent, broker, or any other person in the business of selling or renting dwellings. The owner does not reside in the property at the time of the sale or was not the most recent resident prior to the sale. It also requires the owner to only sell one such property within any 24 month period. The house must be sold or rented without the use of any discriminatory language or advertising. If the property is owner occupied, and leasing space, they may discriminate as long as they have four or fewer units and use no discriminatory language or advertising.
There are a few other exceptions. Religious organizations, private clubs have exemptions under the fair housing laws. Religious organizations and private clubs that own dwellings may restrict purchase, leasing or occupancy to their religion or members of their club. Exempt dwellings may not be used for commercial purposes. Religious membership can not be restricted because of race, color or national origin. Elderly only communities can restrict by age. This goes for senior housing that is provided under federal or state programs. It also covers housing intended for only persons over the age of 62. Housing designated for persons over the age of 55 can also be exempted if at least 80 percent of the occupied units has at least one person over the age of 55. The community must also demonstrate their intent to be housing for people over the age of 55 by published policies and setting procedures that show this intent. The housing facility must also conform with HUD regulations for the verification of occupancy. Advertising must avoid "adult" and other personal descriptions. Senior or senior housing is allowed.
Any time an agent or broker is used to market a property, the seller is not allowed to discriminate against any of the protected not exempted classes. To do so opens the seller, agent and brokerage to a law suite and the suite can be brought by anyone, including government testers.
The Fair Housing Act applies to all residential property and vacant land that can be used for housing. Condominiums, cooperatives and houses in homeowner associations are covered the the law. All housing associations are subject to the law. Violations can cause a complaint to be placed with HUD.
In short, You have the right to be treated equal, to be allowed to see the entire market, to receive equal attention and service, and to buy the home you like the best of those available in today's market.available.
If renting, The Fair Housing Act does not protect you from rules against pets, smoking, using illegal drugs, or being a danger to property or other persons. Whether renting or buying, it does protect you from being prevented from the same opportunities to acquire housing as any other person.