Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of “steering” in real estate?

The correct answer is based on the definition of steering in the context of fair housing laws. Steering refers to the practice of guiding clients toward or away from neighborhoods based on characteristics such as race, religion, or national origin, thereby limiting their options and potentially perpetuating segregation.

Providing equal options to all clients is fundamentally opposed to the practice of steering. It aligns with fair housing principles, where all individuals should have the ability to freely choose among available housing options without bias. This characteristic emphasizes inclusivity and equality, ensuring that clients receive information about all appropriate housing available to them rather than being directed to specific areas based on their personal characteristics.

In contrast, guiding clients based on race, limiting choices based on income, and directing people to certain neighborhoods all exemplify steering behavior. These practices are considered discriminatory and violate the Fair Housing Act, as they restrict clients' choices based on characteristics unrelated to their housing needs.