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My innocent trip to Arlington County Court

June 2, 2009 By Doug Francis

When I meet with clients, I like to discuss that I consider the equal opportunity laws to be the “highest law of the land”. Some of you may remember me actually saying those words because I know that they carry some serious consequences if they are violated.

We just had the fortieth anniversary of the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 which fair-housingprohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, familial status or handicap (mental or physical). It is also illegal to consider these matters as factors when determining the value of the property for a listing. I’m sure this logo must look familiar to everyone over 12.

Did you also know that intent to discriminate generally does not have to be shown?

Yes, you are guilty! (I will tell you the fine below)

arl-courthouse1So, I was giving a price-range opinion in the Arlington County Courthouse today under oath, and the attorney asked me “if the demographics of the neighborhood effect the rental price of a home?” Hey, I’m just there to give a price-range opinion on a home that I have only seen from my car and the Arlington County tax records, not talk about shifty ways people use demographics to determine prices or discriminate.

My response was that “I cannot comment on the demographics of any neighborhood.” Not because I was thinking about the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, but because I really didn’t know who lives in that neighborhood.

It did not hit me until I left the Courthouse that this guy was trying to get me on the record violating the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, and I am really pissed about it. Over the past 18 years, my clientele has resembled the United Nations, with many first generation immigrants, inter-racial couples, over 55, singles, and a class protected only in Arlington County and Alexandria City, sexual orientation. These clients trusted me to help them, and a few told me past situations where they were discriminated against. Well, not on my watch.

If I wasn’t an experienced agent who has had the FFHC of 1968 hammered into me then I probably would have walked right into this bear trap. (Maybe that’s why I had a friendly sheriff escort me to the courtroom?)

Arlington County protects everything mentioned above in the FFHA of 1968, but there are additional groups covered by Arlington County Ordinances including:

  • Elderliness
  • Marital Status
  • Age
  • Sexual Orientation

I have had a few occasions over the past 18 years where people who I did not really know asked me about the demographics of an area. Have you ever heard that HUD has testers who pose as buyers who ask leading questions just like this? My response is to tell them to look it up on the Internet where you can get all the useless information you will ever want to know.

Let me be clear: Get the heck out of my car if you expect me to discuss demographics.

Oh yeah, the automatic fine is $50,000 and you are guilty until you prove yourself innocent.

Yes, I’m still steamed!

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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: buyer, Fair Housing, seller

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In-depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he was profiled in a commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" global ad campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna (#3!). He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

Helping my clients add value to their homes has always been important to me. My step-by-step recommendations are intended to increase market appeal, return more than invested, and help net more when selling.

Beyond just sellers, I have helped many new homeowners make smart design decisions when remodeling. We gutted our house and totally remodeled it, and I pass that experience along because living in a nice house is simply better.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Questions? Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

Filmed in Vienna and McLean

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing, and my marketing starts here. My clients have been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients for 2023 right now.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

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