What is the term for taking buyers to or away from a neighborhood based on any protected group?

The term for taking buyers to or away from a neighborhood based on any protected group is steering. Steering refers to the practice of guiding prospective homebuyers or renters towards or away from certain neighborhoods based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics covered by fair housing laws. This action is unlawful and violates the principle of equal housing opportunity.

Understanding steering is crucial in the context of real estate as it highlights the importance of fair treatment in housing transactions. It emphasizes the need for real estate professionals to help clients find suitable housing options without influence from discriminatory practices, ensuring everyone has equal access to housing regardless of their background.

In contrast, redlining refers to the discriminatory practice of denying services, typically mortgages, to residents of certain areas based on the racial or ethnic composition of those areas, rather than steering individuals. Discrimination is a broader term that encompasses unfair treatment based on various characteristics, while zoning relates to governmental regulations that dictate how land can be used, which is not directly connected to the management of buyer or renter interactions based on protected characteristics.