Discriminatory Language Has No Place in Real Estate

In the early 20^th century, it was commonplace for a home’s title to contain language preventing people of color to own or occupy the property. Although this language is now illegal, it still exists in the property deeds of thousands of homes across the nation.

Lyon Real Estate is committed to helping all people find the home of their dreams, and to further that mission, it is proud to be a part of a growing movement to strike such language from real estate documentation.

Excluding people of color from certain neighborhoods and regions was a longstanding practice in the United States, creating segregated neighborhoods and diminishing opportunities for families. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 eventually outlawed this practice, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin.

Although illegal and unenforceable, the discriminatory language is still present in the chain of title for many homeowners today. Lyon Real Estate is dedicated to striking such language to ensure fair and equitable housing for all. Although some title companies automatically strike such language at the time of property transfer, Lyon agents can now assist buyers in making sure their home’s title does not include exclusionary language. Agents can also provide clients with informational documents to educate them on restrictive racial covenants and instructions on how to eliminate them by filing a form with the county of residence directly.

“While we can’t change the past, we can do our part to make a better future for all,” says Pat Shea, Lyon Real Estate president and COO. “Lyon Real Estate remains committed to helping correct the long history of inequality in homeownership in the greater Sacramento area. The aim is to foster a sense of inclusion, build diverse neighborhoods, and strengthen the bond between people from all backgrounds.”