The concept of steering in real estate practices refers to what action?

The concept of steering in real estate practices involves guiding clients toward or away from particular neighborhoods based on discriminatory reasons, often related to the clients' race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics. This practice is generally employed by real estate agents and can result in limited options for clients based on these factors, ultimately restricting their freedom of choice in housing.

The correct action in this context is the encouragement of clients to buy in certain neighborhoods, particularly for financial gain, which reflects unethical behavior and a violation of Fair Housing laws. This action can perpetuate segregation and inequality in housing and is condemned by regulatory bodies.

In contrast, allowing clients to choose neighborhoods freely, providing equal access to all neighborhoods, and making decisions based purely on credit history without considering protected characteristics do not align with the definition of steering. These options reflect a fair and unbiased approach to real estate, promoting equal opportunities in housing selection for all individuals.