What aspect of real estate does the Sherman Act address?

The Sherman Act primarily addresses market competition by aiming to promote free and fair competition in the marketplace. Enacted in 1890, this federal legislation prohibits monopolistic practices and makes it illegal to restrain trade or commerce. In the context of real estate, the Sherman Act targets practices such as price-fixing among real estate brokers or other collusion that may reduce competition, restrict fair trade practices, and ultimately harm consumers.

Market competition is essential in real estate as it ensures that buyers and sellers have multiple choices and can negotiate terms effectively. By preventing anti-competitive behavior, the Sherman Act helps maintain an open market where prices are set based on supply and demand rather than manipulation or unfair practices.

The other aspects mentioned—consumer protection, property taxation, and construction safety—are important areas within real estate but are not the focus of the Sherman Act. Consumer protection generally relates to safeguarding buyers and sellers in transactions, property taxation refers to how properties are assessed and taxed by governmental entities, and construction safety involves regulations that ensure buildings are safe for occupancy. Thus, these subjects, while relevant to the real estate industry, do not fall under the purview of the Sherman Act.