Buying a Home? Here's What Your Realtor Isn't Allowed to Tell You

Neighborhood facts homebuyers want to know, but realtors can’t share.

Before buying a home, buyers typically want to know everything about the neighborhood it’s in. However, there are certain topics we are legally restricted from discussing. Today, I will share the two things we can’t tell you and what you can do about it: 

• Neighborhood demographics. One of the main areas where our hands are tied is discussing a neighborhood's demographics or crime rate. The Fair Housing Act prohibits us from sharing information about who lives in a particular area or building. This means we cannot provide details about the racial, ethnic, or socio-economic details of a community, including crime statistics. 
• School ratings. Another topic we cannot advise on is the quality or rating of local school districts. While it's common knowledge that some areas have highly regarded schools, realtors are prohibited from steering clients toward or away from specific schools. This rule is in place to ensure that all potential buyers are given an equal opportunity to choose their new home based on unbiased information.

"Driving around the neighborhood will help you determine if it’s the right community for your family to live in."

Given these limitations, I suggest you do your due diligence before making an offer on a property, such as driving around the neighborhood in the morning, afternoon, and evening, on a weekday and during weekends. This will tell you everything you need to know about the community and help you determine if it’s the right place for you and your family. 

While there are certain things we cannot tell you, we are still here to guide you through the home-buying process. If you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Give me a call at (626) 340-8050. I look forward to talking with you!