What action did an agent take when advising a pregnant working woman that a neighborhood is not safe for single women working late hours?

When an agent advises a pregnant working woman that a neighborhood is not safe for single women working late hours, this action can be classified as engaging in steering. Steering refers to the practice of guiding prospective homebuyers or renters towards or away from certain neighborhoods based on their demographic characteristics, such as gender, race, or familial status.

In this case, the agent's advice implies a bias against a particular neighborhood based on the fact that the woman is a single working mother, which reflects a presumption about safety that may not be substantiated. This can create a discriminatory practice, as it contributes to perpetuating certain stereotypes about neighborhoods and the people who inhabit them. The advice could potentially limit the woman's options unfairly and may discourage her from considering suitable housing opportunities in that area.

By understanding this concept, real estate professionals can better navigate ethical considerations and ensure that their advice promotes equal opportunity in housing, rather than inadvertently contributing to discriminatory practices.