Category Archives: Uncategorized

Unmarried same sex couples who are considering purchasing a home together should take precautions to protect themselves and their investment before buying. There are a couple of options available that would be of benefit in avoiding future problems if the relationship does not work out or one of you dies. Domestic Partnership Agreement Domestic partnership agreements can provide emotional and financial security if you are unmarried, either because you live in a state that does not recognize same sex marriage or you simply prefer not to marry. A domestic partnership […]

Owning your own home allows you to experience the pride of home ownership. For many same sex couples, the security of owning their own home is an accomplishment that they look forward to once they have established a secure relationship. There are many benefits to owning a home compared to renting. 1. Freedom When you own your own home, you have the freedom to decorate and make landscape changes, make noise, have pets and allow anyone you would like for a long visit without getting anyone’s permission. Any improvements, e.g., […]

When people think of the gay capital of the U.S., most people think of San Francisco or New York City.  However, that’s changed—Among large cities, Seattle actually has the largest number of gay couple households.  According to the 2012 Census, 2.6 percent of all households in the city were made up of gay couples, while San Francisco boasts only 2.5 percent.  This is the first time since the Census started tracking same-sex households that San Francisco has not had the largest percentage. This means if you’re thinking about moving to […]

The federal Fair Housing Act does not protect against sexual orientation and sexual identity discrimination, prospective home buyers may be treated differently by finance companies, real estate agents, insurance companies and others. Some states and local governments and agencies do have laws that protect against discrimination based on same sexual orientation and sexual identity. The four Fair Housing Centers in Michigan collaborated to conduct an investigation in 2007 to find out if same sex couples were discriminated against. They found that one in four same sex couples experienced discrimination at […]

If you’re a member of the LGBT community, you know what it’s like to live in an area where people are judged on their sexual orientation.  These conservative areas can range from simply unwelcoming to downright dangerous for gays and lesbians.  But sometimes you’re forced to live in an area you wouldn’t choose if it were up to you.  This can be because of work, financial situation, school, or other reason.  If you’re stuck in a conservative area, here are some things to keep in mind. You’re not the only […]

As of October, 2014, it is legal for same sex couples to marry in 32 states. For those who can legally marry, the calculation of estate taxes when a spouse dies and the amount of capital gain taxes that are exempt from taxes when you sell a home may be affected. Following are some of the ways that marriage can affect you. Gay couples may encounter various problems when they start looking for a house to buy. These issues may even lead to separation or divorce. Meet with divorce lawyers […]

Several decades ago, gay neighborhoods, sometimes called gayborhoods or gay ghettos, were very popular.  Gay men and women flocked to them for the safety and camaraderie they offered.  While many of these neighborhoods started as dilapidated, run down areas, the LGBT community began to transform them, and today, some of these areas are among the most affluent in their respective cities.  Of course, this means property values have risen, and some gay neighborhoods are no longer really affordable by any except the upper class. So where do other LGBT people […]

When same sex couples purchase a home, there are some legal protections that can be put into place to protect their children in the event one or both of them die. The protections that would be best for you will depend on your particular situation. Following are some of the options that are available, depending on the state that you live in. Types of Ownership When you purchase a home, you can choose how you want to take ownership. Following are some of the choices that are available. Joint tenancy […]

While many LGBT people want to live in the perfect community, many of these gay-friendly neighborhoods have become very expensive.  While it may be stereotypical, there is some truth to the fact that LGBT homeowners tend to keep their houses in great condition, and that does cause property values to rise.  However, there are some affordable areas that are perfect for same-sex couples.  You just might want to hurry—they’re sure to increase in value in a few years. Some of these areas are very close to the more well-known “gay […]

GayRealEstate.com reviewed cities throughout the United States to find some of the best cities for LGBT families to raise children. Our research took into account state laws affecting the LGBT community and the availability of support groups. All of the cities we chose are located in states where same sex marriage is legal and LGBT families have the right to foster and adopt children. Same sex marriage is an important element in child rearing when considering the legal protections that become available to them. For example, both parents may become […]