Steering or channeling refers to which activity?

• A. Steering / channeling involves directing buyers toward or away from areas based on protected characteristics
• B. Directing buyers toward areas based on age
• C. Guiding buyers toward a preferred neighborhood
• D. Shifting buyers to another agent

Answer: (C)

Steering or channeling is directing a buyer toward or away from certain neighborhoods because of protected characteristics. This discriminatory practice is prohibited by laws protecting fair housing, which exist to ensure people have equal access to housing opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. So the essence is making housing choices depend on those protected traits, not on personal preferences or non-protected factors. If guidance is given without reference to protected characteristics or is based purely on non-discriminatory preferences, it isn’t steering.