The REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh is a strong supporter of the national Fair Housing Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission's (PHRC) Fair Housing laws. Fair housing laws at the national, state and local levels ensure that everyone has access to buy, sell, rent or mortgage a home, without regard to their age, ancestry, color, disabilities, familial status, national origin, race, religion or sex.

"Realtors® play an important role in helping to build communities,” said Preston Moore, president of the REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh. “We believe that people have the right to live wherever they can afford to live."

Realtors® not only comply with the federal and state fair housing acts but they subscribe to the National Association of Realtors®’ Code of Ethics, which prohibits discrimination as well. “Our Code of Ethics has gone beyond the federal and state law to provide protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” Moore said.

Consumers may want a Realtor® to answer questions regarding the ethnic diversity of a neighborhood or the qualifications of a school district.

“While it seems like it would be helpful for a Realtor® to answer such questions, often times the answer is subjective. Each person defines a ‘good school’ differently than another person,” said Moore. “Homebuyers need to decide what they want from a home and its surrounding neighborhood and research this information online.”

“Ultimately, Realtors® work to assist everyone achieve the American dream of homeownership. We want homebuyers to find homes that best meet their needs,” he added.

If consumers believe they have experienced a fair housing issue, they should contact the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission at www.phrc.state.pa.us.

Addtional resources may be found at http://www.parjustlisted.com/fair-housing-laws-a-must-know-for-realtors/