What to Know
- NY Attorney General Letitia James is investigating allegations of racially discriminatory tactics by LI real estate agents
- Some agents reportedly directed whites and minorities into different communities, gave whites more listings, set different financial bars
- Federal law prohibits discrimination in the housing market based on race, among other criteria
New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating allegations of racially discriminatory tactics by Long Island real estate agents as described in a sweeping Newsday report.
James launched the probe Tuesday, saying Newsday's "intrepid reporting raises significant concerns."
Federal law prohibits discrimination in the housing market based on race, among other criteria.
Newsday reported Sunday that some Long Island real estate agents appear to treat prospective buyers differently depending on their race. The reporting involved undercover "testers" carrying hidden cameras while house-hunting, with two fair-housing experts evaluating the results.
Among the findings: Some agents directed whites and minorities into different communities, gave white testers more listings than they gave to black testers with the same financial profile, and set financial bars for minorities that weren't imposed on white counterparts.
