While working at one of the earliest Re/Max offices in the United States, I observed what I would call "quiet homophobia."
A gay couple walked into the ReMax Professionals office in Littleton, CO with the intention of buying a home. They were assisted by the floor agent, who is the agent on duty and responsible for handling incoming calls and walk-in traffic.
However, it's worth noting that the floor agent is typically not the best agent in the office since the best agents are usually busy with clients and don't have the time to wait for new business.
During this incident, the floor agent who assisted the gay couple was actually a close straight friend of mine. While he was honest, nice, and kind, he had likely never met an openly gay person before.
After consulting with the couple and seeing them out, he faced a lot of teasing, ribbing and comments from fellow agents who had witnessed the interaction in the back room.
I was shocked by what I had heard and seen.
Although the agent ultimately helped the gay couple find a home, I couldn't help but wonder if they were being fully and fairly represented.
I questioned whether their best interests were truly being fully represented and if there was a better way to ensure that members of the LGBTQ community received equitable, honest and professional representation from someone who could truly understand their unique needs and desires.
At that moment, I had a realization that I could make a difference by creating a database of LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agents.
This would enable other members of our LGBTQ+ community to avoid discomfort, uncertainty, unenthusiastic representation, or even hostility when buying or selling a home.
With this database, individuals could rest assured that they would receive comfortable, professional and full representation from someone who truly understands their needs and can fully represent them in the process.
Although progress has been made in recognizing the LGBTQ+ community in our country, there is still a long way to go.
Even today, only about 55% of the country believes that we deserve the right to be married! Shockingly, over a third of Americans still do not believe that our community deserves protection and dignity in housing, employment, adoption, and other areas of life.
Recently, we have seen leadership in the White House that has set LGBTQ+ rights and visibility back, and the courts have been stacked with religious conservatives.
As an LGBTQ+ individual, there is only about a 50/50 chance that you will work with a realtor who fully supports your identity and your right to equal protection under the law.
It is not too much to expect representation that is inclusive and understanding during one of life's most significant purchases.
Finding a competent and trustworthy realtor can be difficult for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for members of our LGBTQ+ community.
Relying on the "family realtor" or getting a referral from a friend may not be the most reliable or up-to-date approach - I personally want to ensure the person earning a large commission from my purchase, is not tithing to the church or the political candidate that is trying to erase our LGBTQ+ community!
After all, you are making one of the most significant investments of your life.
We have no hidden agenda.
At GayRealEstate.com, we are dedicated to allowing you to choose your agent, from a group of real estate agents who we know personally, have thoroughly vetted and interviewed, and in some instances, have worked with for over 25 years!
In most instances they are us - members of our LGBTQ+ community, and have a history of success due to the many years of representation they have provided to thousands of clients, like you.
The trusted partner real estate agents listed on our website have helped thousands of LGBTQ+ couples and individuals buy and sell homes.
We successfully close approximately two deals per day, every day of the year, from coast to coast!
We hope that you will use our FREE database to take advantage of our expertise and enjoy the same level of success.
We make it easy for you to connect with a trustworthy LGBTQ+ real estate agent by taking care of all the legwork for you - simply visit our main page and enter your city in the search box provided.
You have instant access to a list of LGBTQ+ agents in the city you're interested in. Browse the agent bios and select the one that best suits your needs - there is no cost or obligation at any point. We make it hassle-free to find the right real estate agent for you.
I am eager to receive your feedback about your selected agent, and I wish you every success, happiness, and equality as you move forward in pursuit of the home of your dreams.
Yours sincerely.
P.S. Through the “Giving Program” at GayRealEstate.com, your purchase or sale allows us to continues our financial support of over 21 National LGBTQ+ non-profits.