As the buyer's agent, if you only show properties to a client from China in areas heavily populated by Chinese residents, have you violated any fair housing laws?

The correct answer is that this scenario exemplifies steering. Steering occurs when a real estate agent guides clients towards or away from certain neighborhoods based on their race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics. Fair housing laws, specifically the Fair Housing Act in the United States, make it illegal to discriminate against prospective buyers in any aspect of housing sales, including where they are shown properties.

By only showing properties in areas heavily populated by Chinese residents, the agent is not providing equal opportunities to their client but rather is making assumptions about where the client should live based on their nationality. This practice can limit the buyer’s options and perpetuate segregation, thus violating fair housing laws aimed at promoting equal access to housing regardless of background.

The other options do not accurately recognize the nature of the violation. While ensuring a client's happiness and comfort is important in real estate, it must be balanced with adherence to fair housing principles. Failing to demonstrate this balance can lead to discriminatory practices, which are not permissible under the law. Blockbusting, on the other hand, refers to a practice where agents induce homeowners to sell based on the fear of changing demographics in a neighborhood, which is a different violation than steering.