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What Real Estate Agents Can and Cannot Disclose in Massachusetts (And Why)

By: Amanda George, Realtor | George Group Boston, powered by Lamacchia Realty — What Real Estate Agents Can and Cannot Disclose in Massachusetts

One of the most common things Buyers ask during showings is:


"Is this a good neighborhood?"

"How are the schools here?"

"What is the crime rate like?"


And many people are surprised when their agent gives a very careful, neutral answer.


If you’ve ever wondered what real estate agents can and cannot disclose in Massachusetts, the reason comes down to something extremely important: Fair Housing laws.


These laws are designed to protect buyers, sellers, and communities from discrimination — and they directly impact how agents are allowed to answer certain questions.


Why Agents Have to Be Careful With Their Words

Real estate agents are legally bound by federal Fair Housing laws and Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws. These laws prohibit agents from saying anything that could be interpreted as steering buyers toward or away from certain areas based on protected characteristics.

That means agents must stay neutral when discussing topics that could relate to:

  • Race

  • Religion

  • National origin

  • Gender

  • Family status

  • Disability

  • Ethnicity

Even if a question sounds harmless, the way it’s answered could be interpreted as steering — which is illegal.


What Your Agent Is NOT Allowed to Discuss

Here are the most common topics agents legally cannot comment on:


❌ “Is this a safe neighborhood?” / Crime rates

Agents cannot characterize an area as safe or unsafe.

❌ “Are the schools good here?”

Agents cannot rank, rate, or give opinions about schools.

❌ “Who lives in this neighborhood?”

Agents cannot describe demographics.

❌ “Is this a family area?” / “Are there a lot of kids here?”

This relates directly to family status discrimination.

❌ “Is this a quiet / wealthy / desirable area?”

These words can imply demographic or socioeconomic steering.


Even if the agent has personal knowledge, they cannot legally share opinions.


What Your Agent CAN Do (and Should Do)

A good agent doesn’t leave you without answers — they just guide you to objective, reliable sources where you can make your own informed decisions.

Your agent can:

  • Provide property facts and history

  • Share market data and pricing trends

  • Explain zoning and property use

  • Direct you to public resources for crime, schools, and community data

  • Answer questions about the home, not the people around it

This keeps the process fair, legal, and transparent.


boston neighborhood data

Where You Can Find the Information Yourself

Here are trusted, public resources buyers can use to research the things agents legally cannot discuss:

Crime & Safety Data


School Ratings & Performance


Demographics & Community Info


Neighborhood Lifestyle & Amenities


These tools allow you to explore neighborhoods based on your own priorities without filtering through someone else’s opinion.


Why This Actually Protects You as a Buyer

Fair Housing laws don’t make the process harder — they make it fairer.

They ensure:

  • You choose where to live based on your own research

  • Agents don’t unintentionally influence your decision

  • Communities remain inclusive

  • The home search stays focused on the property itself


Final Thoughts

Understanding what real estate agents can and cannot disclose in Massachusetts helps you ask better questions and know where to find the answers.


A professional agent isn’t being evasive — they’re being ethical, compliant, and protecting both you and themselves.


If you ever need help finding the right resources while you search, I’m always happy to point you in the right direction. Have a look at some Boston Neighborhood Guides- its a great place to start when learning about different neighborhoods throughout Boston and the Great Boston Suburbs.


📞 Buying or selling in Boston or Greater Boston?


George Group Boston, powered by Lamacchia Realty

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