THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF A HOME IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENTS THAT AN INDIVIDUAL WILL EXPERIENCE IN THEIR LIFETIME. IT IS MORE THAN THE SIMPLE PURCHASE OF HOUSING, FOR IT DIRECTLY IMPACTS THE HOPES, DREAMS, ASPIRATIONS, AND ECONOMIC DESTINY OF THOSE INVOLVED. IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE FAIR HOUSING ACT AND OTHER FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS WERE ENACTED TO GUARANTEE A RIGHT TO A NATIONAL HOUSING MARKET FREE FROM DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, HANDICAP, FAMILIAL STATUS, AND NATIONAL ORIGIN.