Which practice is aimed at limiting homebuyers' choices based on neighborhood characteristics?

The practice of steering is the correct answer because it involves guiding or directing potential homebuyers towards certain neighborhoods while discouraging them from considering others. This often happens based on race, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics of the homebuyers, which can inadvertently limit their choices and perpetuate segregation. Steering is considered a discriminatory practice and is illegal under the Fair Housing Act, which aims to ensure that individuals have the freedom to choose where they want to live without undue influence based on their backgrounds.

In contrast, access control generally refers to the regulation of who can enter a property or neighborhood, while market manipulation involves unethical practices that distort the normal functioning of the real estate market. Area zoning pertains to regulations governing land use and building practices within specific areas and does not specifically limit buyer choices based on personal characteristics.