Embracing the LGBT+ community in the real estate industry

With a growing population, the LGBT+ community is one that real estate professionals should be aware of, and be willing to cater to.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, along with Out Leadership, recently released research showing how important real estate is to the LGBT+ community, said Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate CEO Sherry Chris. Chris offered some advice on how Realtors® can show support for the LGBT+ community and their dreams of homeownership.

“Inclusion is a mindset. It’s critical to be open and sensitive to others and their ideas in order to progress as a person and as a business, advised Chris. “You can’t just say you are inclusive, you have to demonstrate this each and every day. Strive to treat people the way they want to be treated. Regarding the LGBT+ community specifically, learn if the areas in which you serve have advocacy groups, and tap into them to understand issues of concern relevant to your area. Align your communication, educational and business strategies in a way that demonstrates you and your business are a supportive and trustworthy resource.”

Chris said that while only 3.8 percent of the U.S. population identify as part of the LGBT+ community, that is still 9 million people, and 82 percent of the U.S. population identify as LGBT+ allies and take a company’s perspective on LGBT+ issues into consideration when making purchasing decisions.

Realtors® can better serve those in the LGBT+ community by familiarizing themselves with fair housing laws in the area, Chris suggested. “Federal law does not protect the LGBT+ community against discrimination, this is done at the state level, so agents should take the time to get to know the rules and protections. This will help you better serve your client and help them navigate through this process as their advocate,” she said. “Make an effort to be open-minded. It’s possible a member of the LGBT+ community has experienced discrimination during the homebuying process.”

A 2015 survey Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate conducted with the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals found that 73 percent of the LGBT+ community surveyed stated strong concern about some aspect of housing discrimination, either in purchasing a home or renting. The concerns include discrimination by real estate agents, home sellers, landlords, mortgage lenders, property management companies and neighbors, said Chris. “Your interaction is an opportunity to change the experience and make it a positive one.”

“Marriage and starting a family is a driver of home purchase and a consideration for people whether they are straight or a part of the LGBT+ community. Since marriage equality became the law in June 2015, 100,000 same-sex couples have tied the knot. Furthermore, 52 percent of unmarried LGBT people say they hope to marry someday,” said Chris.

“Know that they should be treated fairly by others, including in their professional or personal interactions with real estate professionals.”