Real Estate
Keller Williams Realty of Greater NassauAbout
Important information
- Government Actions:Government Action: BBB reports on known government actions involving business’ marketplace conduct:NY AG and Governor Hochul Tackle Discriminatory Practices at Long Island Real Estate Brokerages
The following describes a government action that has been resolved by either a settlement or a decision by a court or administrative agency. If the matter is being appealed, it will be noted below.
On 8/30/2022, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul announced actions to stop illegal and discriminatory housing practices at three Long Island real estate brokerages that were discriminating against Black, Hispanic, and other homebuyers of color.
Following an investigative report conducted by Newsday, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the Department of State (DOS) opened parallel investigations into Keller Williams Greater Nassau (KWGN), Keller Williams Realty Elite (KWRE), and Laffey Real Estate (LRE). These investigations found that agents associated at these firms steered prospective homebuyers of color away from white neighborhoods and subjected them to different requirements than white homebuyers, and otherwise engaged in biased behavior. In some documented cases, agents were recorded showing preferential treatment to white homebuyers, disparaging neighborhoods of color, and directing homebuyers of color to homes in neighborhoods where residents predominantly belonged to communities of color. As part of these agreements, the brokerage firms are required to spend more than $115,000 to remedy their discriminatory practices and undergo regular fair housing trainings.
The OAG opened an investigation into several real estate brokerage firms in 2019 after Newsday exposed their discriminatory practices. The OAG concluded that LRE, KWRE, and KWGN engaged in discriminatory practices that violated state and federal fair housing laws. The OAG also concluded that LRE, KWRE, and KWGN violated the Fair Housing Act and the New York State Human Rights Law. An investigation into another real estate brokerage is ongoing. The DOS has taken action against individual licensed agents, which included the revocation of a license belonging to a former KWGN agent and imposed a fine against an individual former KWRE agent.
As part of the settlement announced with OAG and DOS, KWGN and KWRE are required to pay $25,000 to Suffolk County to promote enforcement of and compliance with fair housing laws. KWGN and KWRE must also spend up to $25,000 on fair housing courses and trainings for its agents.
Business Details
- Local BBB:
- BBB Serving Metropolitan New York
- BBB File Opened:
- 11/13/2007
- Business Started:
- 9/1/2006
- Business Incorporated:
- 6/29/2006
- Type of Entity:
- Corporation
- Business Management:
- Ms. Karen Inglima, Owner, Operating Principal
Additional Contact Information
- Principal Contacts
- Ms. Karen Inglima, Owner, Operating Principal
- Fax numbers
- Primary Fax: (516) 294-7263
Additional Information
- Business Categories
- Real Estate
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