Which scenario could violate fair housing laws or the ADA?

The scenario where word of mouth advertising is used to control buyer interest raises significant concerns regarding fair housing laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This method of advertising has the potential to create a discriminatory practice if it involves selectively sharing information only with certain individuals or groups. For instance, if a seller or agent decides to share property listings only with friends or acquaintances who fit a certain demographic profile, this could lead to the exclusion of individuals based on race, religion, sex, disability, or other protected characteristics.

In contrast, the other options, such as advertising a property online or using social media to promote listings, typically reach a broader audience and do not inherently involve selective communication. Similarly, offering special incentives to all buyers is a practice that can promote equal opportunity and does not discriminate against any particular group. Therefore, the chosen scenario is particularly problematic because it has the potential to undermine the foundational principles of fair housing by limiting access based on subjective criteria.