The Highly Sought After Home Feature That Agents Are Afraid To Name

Real estate agents are expressing concern that describing neighborhoods as "walkable" could inadvertently violate fair housing laws by potentially excluding individuals who use mobility aids. This dilemma arises because walkability is a highly desired feature for homebuyers, with nearly 80% of Americans stating it is "very" or "somewhat" important when selecting a neighborhood, and a similar percentage indicating a willingness to pay more for it, according to a 2023 survey. The issue was a significant topic of discussion at a recent meeting of the Smart Growth Advisory Board at the National Association of Realtors® annual Legislative Meetings, where agents voiced apprehension about using the term "walkable" in property listings and client communications, despite "creating walkable neighborhoods" being a stated core principle of the group. An attorney noted that various state and federal laws may consider such terminology misleading because it is subjective, as what is walkable for one person may not be for another, and there is no standardized measurement for such ambiguous statements. This situation creates a disconnect where buyers value proximity to amenities, but agents are cautioned to use precise language to avoid legal repercussions.