Law & License

Steering

The illegal practice of directing buyers toward or away from neighborhoods based on a protected class.

Steering is guiding prospective buyers or renters toward or away from particular neighborhoods because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. It limits housing choice and violates the Fair Housing Act.

Even well-intended steering, such as assuming a family would prefer a certain area, is illegal.

On the exam

Steering channels buyers based on a protected class. It is illegal even if the agent means well.

Exam trap

Steering directs buyers; blockbusting scares owners into selling; redlining is a lending denial. Match the behavior to the term.

Tested in

Real Estate Practice (8% of the exam)

From definition to recall

See this term inside a real exam question.

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This definition is Texas real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.