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As a real estate agent you aren't supposed to use the term walking distance. Stick to a few blocks. I personally consider walking distance from 1-10 blocks.
Walking distance, is in accordance to the individual. My family walks several times a week, and the one to ten block rule is great, depending on the streets, sidewalks and such, keeping safety in mind.
Silverfall, I often use the term "within walking distance" when describing a property that is, indeed, in an area where driving a car and parking would not be necessary to enjoy some amenity/service/attraction and walking would be feasible. I am unfamiliar with any real estate commission rulings that would inhibit an agent from using this terminology. Have I missed a point of law?
It's due to Fair Housing advertising regulations -- If a client were in a wheelchair and not able to walk, it's unfair to say "walking distance". I usually say something like "close to park" or "convenient location to shopping", that kind of thing...
It's due to Fair Housing advertising regulations -- If a client were in a wheelchair and not able to walk, it's unfair to say "walking distance". I usually say something like "close to park" or "convenient location to shopping", that kind of thing...
Sorry WendyK - Fair Housing Advertising guidelines DO NOT prohibit the use of the term "walking distance" or "walk in closet" etc.
The problem with the term however is, it is subjective - as some have already pointed out - it means different things to different people.
The best rule of thumb IMO is to be OBJECTIVE in your advertising.... "two blocks from ....." or "1/2 mile from......."
Silverfall, I often use the term "within walking distance" when describing a property that is, indeed, in an area where driving a car and parking would not be necessary to enjoy some amenity/service/attraction and walking would be feasible. I am unfamiliar with any real estate commission rulings that would inhibit an agent from using this terminology. Have I missed a point of law?
There are those that feel that it violates fair housing laws by discriminating against those that can't walk. I think the bigger issue is the subjective nature of walking distance. "Within a few blocks of..." is just a "safer" bet.
Sorry WendyK - Fair Housing Advertising guidelines DO NOT prohibit the use of the term "walking distance" or "walk in closet" etc.
The problem with the term however is, it is subjective - as some have already pointed out - it means different things to different people.
The best rule of thumb IMO is to be OBJECTIVE in your advertising.... "two blocks from ....." or "1/2 mile from......."
Actually, the term "walking distance" is considered to be a "cautionary" phrase with the following repercussions:
"All cautionary words are unacceptable if utilized in a context that states an unlawful preference or limitation. Furthermore, all
cautionary words are "red flags" to fair housing enforcement agencies. Use of these words will only serve to invite further
investigation and/or testing."
I took this from the Fair Housing advertising guidelines. Not prohibited, but best not to use the phrase....
Actually, the term "walking distance" is considered to be a "cautionary" phrase with the following repercussions:
"All cautionary words are unacceptable if utilized in a context that states an unlawful preference or limitation. Furthermore, all
cautionary words are "red flags" to fair housing enforcement agencies. Use of these words will only serve to invite further
investigation and/or testing."
I took this from the Fair Housing advertising guidelines. Not prohibited, but best not to use the phrase....
WendyK - HUD has never published a words or phrase list. Local and State Associations of REALTORS have. What some have relied on were several "memos" written by several HUD Asst Secretaries - most notably being Roberta Achtenburg - that stirred up such a hornets nest that she had to "retract" her memo (she "clarified her original memo).
As one who trains FH Testers nationally, I can assure you that simply using the phrase "within walking distance of ...." will NOT result in a complaint.
BTW, the same "cautions" that resulted from "the memo" originally provided that you could not use the phrase "home with a view" or "master bedroom".
I am in an area where "walking distance" is of concern to orthodox jews who need to be within the eruv. But you cannot say "House is in eruv" or "Walk to temple". So frequently the descriptions here are "walk to area houses of worship" or "walk to all".
Now if you say that, and the house is not within the designated eruv, you are going to have some disgruntled people on your hands.
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