For Consumers

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Fair Housing

The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing insurance, or engaging with other housing-related activities.


Real estate professionals and consumers depend on strong fair housing laws and practices for our communities and economy to thrive. Discrimination distorts the housing market and closes the door on the American dream of homeownership for qualified buyers.


Realtors®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity.


National Fair Housing Act – established in 1968, this act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance or engaging in other housing-related activities. Additional protections apply to federally assisted housing.


Americans with Disabilities Act – prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation and all public and private places that are open to the public.


Pennsylvania Human Relations Act – prohibits discrimination in all housing transactions including but not limited to sales, rentals, finance, providing reasonable accommodations or modifications to housing or commercial properties based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, age (over 40 in housing), ancestry and pregnancy.


Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission – enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination and investigates housing discrimination complaints on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD.


Report Housing Discrimination

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If you believe your rights may have been violated, we encourage you to report housing discrimination to the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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Ethics & Professional Standards

The National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics lies at the heart of being a Realtor®. Since its adoption in 1913, the Code has been promoted time-honored principles that are generally defined as:


  • Loyalty to clients
  • Cooperation with competitors
  • Fiduciary duty to clients
  • Truthfulness in statements and advertising non-interference in exclusive relationships that other Realtors® have with their clients.


PAR is responsible for enforcing the Code of Ethics for 30 local boards and associations, including LCAR. To report a potential violation of the Code of Ethics involving a member of the Lebanon County Association of Realtors, should call 1-800-555-3390.


Click the button below to learn more about the process and file an online violation

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Potential legal violations are handled by the State Real Estate Commission, not the local association.


Click the button below to learn more about the process and file an online violation

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Why Choose a Realtor®?

Realtors® aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. This is the Realtor® difference for home buyers:

01

An expert guide

Selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved, so you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.

02

Objective information and opinions

REALTORS® can provide local information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They also have objective information about each property REALTORS® can use that data to help you determine if the property has what you need.

03

Property marketing power

Property doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. A large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts with previous clients, friends, and family. When a property is marketed by a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

04

Negotiation knowledge

There are many factors up for discussion in a deal. Al REALTOR® will look at every angle from your perspective, including crafting a purchase agreement that allows you the flexibility you need to take that next step.

05

Up to date experience

Most people sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years between each sale. Even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS® handle hundreds of transactions over the course of their career.

06

Your rock during emotional moments

A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most people, property represents the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you.

07

Ethical treatment

Every REALTOR® must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a REALTOR®’s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters.

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