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My innocent trip to Arlington County Court

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!

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

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still 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.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

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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'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
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