Although the National Association of REALTORS® says that the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development does not believe the term to be discriminatory, the Houston Association of REALTORS® has decided to stop allowing the use of the term “master bedroom” or “master bathroom” in MLS descriptions. Like minded realtors feel that “‘Master’ represents a stigma and a place in time that no longer exists. Houston realtors are not alone and my google search found that the debate has been ongoing for years. The Monterey Association of Realtors has not made any changes thus far but the national standards organization for MLSs is reportedly considering a similar change.
What words are being used in their place? “Primary bedroom” and “primary bath” and "owner's retreat"
What is the definition of "master"? From Dictionary.com
NOUN:
1. a man who has people working for him, especially servants or slaves.
2. a man in charge of an organization or group.
3. a skilled practitioner of a particular art or activity.
4. a person who holds a second or further degree from a university or other
ADJECTIVE
1. having or showing very great skill or proficiency.
2. main; principal.
VERB
1. acquire complete knowledge or skill in (an accomplishment, technique, or art).
2. Gain control of; overcome.
3. Make a master copy of (a movie or record).
What is the definition of "master bedroom"? A principal bedroom in a house or apartment, usually the largest, typically occupied by the person or persons who head the household. Dictionary.com
As an adjective, it does describe the room as the main or principal but we all see words differently so we'll leave it up to the California Association of Realtors® to let us know. Stay tuned!
Source:
“HAR No Longer Using ‘Master’ to Describe Bedrooms and Bathrooms,” Houston Chronicle (June 24, 2020)
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