Fair Housing phrase guide / Steering code words
“executive homes” in listing copy is a minor Fair Housing flag
Minor A minor flag. It's usually fine, but worth a second look.
Why
"Executive" is on LIBOR's prohibited and NYPA's caution lists. It describes the buyer's job and status rather than the home.
Safer wording
There's no one-click rewrite for this one. Describe the property, not the people, and rewrite this part by hand.
What the tag means
Minor means it's usually fine and worth a second look. Treat it as a style question more than a legal one.
What the law covers here
Steering means guiding buyers or renters toward or away from an area because of a protected class. HUD's rule bans restricting someone's choices by word or conduct. One of its examples is telling a buyer they wouldn't be comfortable or compatible with the people who live there. These code words get flagged because of how an ordinary reader may take them. The words aren't banned on their own.
- HUD rule on steering and other prohibited conduct, 24 CFR § 100.70
- Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3604(c)
Sources
- Long Island Board of REALTORS®: Fair Housing Advertising Word and Phrase Guidelines (Mar. 2025)
- Fair Housing Advertising Word and Phrase List (New York Press Assn.; source: Oklahoma Press Assn.)
Related phrases
All steering code words phrases on one page · The 12-check listing checklist
Not legal advice. Word lists can't judge context, and laws differ by state and city, with some protecting more classes than federal law does. If you're unsure about a listing, ask your broker or a fair housing attorney. Rule steer-executive, ListingLint rules v2026.10.2.