(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) A Texas Realtor group will no longer use the term “master” in description of their homes, according to Realtors and media reports.
What were once called master bedrooms and master bathrooms are now referred to as primary bedrooms and primary bathrooms by the Houston Association of Realtors.
The group made the change following a review of terminology, according to KPRC. It has been a topic of discussion for several years, the agency said.
“The overarching message was that some members were concerned about how the terms might be perceived by some other agents and consumers” according to a statement HAR sent members. “The consensus was that ‘primary’ describes the rooms equally as well as ‘master’ while avoiding any possible misperceptions.”
The phrase “master bedroom” was first used in a 1926 Sears catalog, according to real estate blog Trelora.com. The catalog referred to a room in a Dutch’s colonial house as the “master’s” bedroom, the blog states.
Realtors will not be fined for using the “master bedroom” or “master bathroom” terms…
A black real estate broker in Houston told the Houston Chronicle she was supportive of the change.
“’Master’ represents a stigma and place in time that we need to move forward from. As a progressive, diverse city, Houston should be reflective of its citizenship,” Tiffany Curry told the newspaper.
