Can you say "exclusive neighborhood" in a real estate listing?
Low to moderate risk. The word has a history as coded exclusion.
Why it gets flagged
"Exclusive" and "restricted" describe who is kept out, not what the property is. In the past, "restricted" areas were literally defined by who could not buy there, and some readers still hear that.
Concrete descriptions are stronger and safer: acreage, architecture, amenities, price point, a gated entry.
Instead of
Tucked into an exclusive neighborhood of custom homes.
Write
Tucked into a sought-after neighborhood of custom homes.
What to say instead
- neighborhood of custom homes
- gated community with a private clubhouse
- tree-lined street of custom-built homes
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Open the Fair Housing checkerRelated phrases
7 phrases to stop using in listings
A one-page guide with the neutral wording to use instead.
General information, not legal advice. Fair Housing rules, MLS rules and local law vary; your broker and an attorney are the authorities. The phrase check is rule-based and cannot catch everything.