Page 79 - TX_Marketing 2_M1_v2

characteristics unrelated to someone's education, talents or business sense is

unethical and illegal and often a violation of both state and federal law.

Quick Tip:

This is especially true for the real estate industry. While equal employment laws and
antidiscrimination legislation apply to most, if not all, positions, the real estate

industry has the federal Fair Housing Act to consider. This act prevents discrimination

on the basis of gender, race, national origin, disability, color, religion, and familial
status in the hiring and treatment of brokers and salespersons, as well as in the

availability of housing and brokerage services on behalf of consumers.

Many local jurisdictions will pass their own employment and fair housing laws. For

example, sexual orientation, sexual identity, and age are some additions that local

jurisdictions have made to the list of state and federally protected classes.
Antidiscrimination legislation changes, so you should identify the various

jurisdictions (state and local) that apply to you and read their publications regularly.

Discrimination and Character Perception

So what does all of this have to do with ethos as a means of persuasion? While some

ethos issues depend upon personal preference (like whether it is in fact a bad idea
or a good idea to wear a tie with a short-sleeved shirt) and situation (like whether

deviating from the standard form of a business letter is a good idea or a bad idea in

a specific case), this ethos issue is rather simple:

There is no room for racism, sexism, sexual harassment or any other kind of abuse

or discrimination in a work place that wants to appear professional and efficient.

It is impossible to appear ethical, professional or innovative if you unreasonably or

unjustly discriminate against the persons with whom you work or the persons you
assist with real estate brokerage services.

TX Marketing II: Negotiation Techniques 78