Pride Month: LGBTQ+ Realtors® Make a Difference

This June, PAR commemorates Pride Month by recognizing LGBTQ+ Realtors® and sharing their journeys in real estate.

Nicholas Feagley, a member of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors®, has been a Realtor® for five years. Involved in both his local and state associations, he currently serves on the GHAR Board of Directors and the PAR Board of Directors. He’s also the vice chair of the GHAR Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the chair of the GHAR Special Events Committee.

Feagley became a Realtor® to empower generations through real estate excellence, and he strives to support his fellow Realtors® in doing the same.

“Real estate has given me the freedom to help those in need and to allow me to be able to grow a business to support other Realtors® who are trying to get started,” he says.

“Diversity is crucial. Not only for the LGBTQ+ community, but for every minority group. Becoming a Realtor® is not merely a job; it’s a lifestyle choice that should be open to everyone. Seeing others in your community leading the way gives the next one hope and drive to do it too,” says Nicholas Feagley, Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors®.

As a Realtor®, Feagley believes diversity and representation in the industry are important.

“Diversity is crucial,” he says, “Not only for the LGBTQ+ community, but for every minority group. Becoming a Realtor® is not merely a job; it’s a lifestyle choice that should be open to everyone. Seeing others from your community leading the way gives the next one hope and drive to do it too.”

“As a Realtor®, you have the privilege of assisting a diverse range of individuals in achieving their dreams,” he continues. “From first-time homebuyers to downsizers, it’s incredibly rewarding to witness the joy your clients experience from settlement day to inviting you over for a celebratory cookout.”

Feagley encourages other Realtors® to get involved and advocate to help make change happen in the real estate industry.

“Being a Realtor® grants you the opportunity to influence legislation concerning homeownership in Pennsylvania, should you opt to participate in events like PA Realtor® Day on the Hill and attend the PAR Legislative Committee meetings,” he says.

“Get involved by attending state meetings, where you can share your voice and contribute to important discussions,” he advises. “Joining a committee is another excellent way to actively participate in shaping the direction of our industry. Investing in the Realtors® Political Action Committee enables you to support candidates and policies that promote homeownership and protect property rights. Make sure to attend PAR’s Day on the Hill event to advocate for issues that matter to you and your clients. Your involvement makes a difference!”

David Onufer, a Realtor® of 10 years and a member of the Realtors® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, also enjoys making a difference through the work he does.

Onufer is the 2024 president of RAMP and has previously served on their board of directors and as their treasurer. He’s also been a member of the PAR Board of Directors since 2022.

“In 2013, my father decided to sell his portion of the family business and retire,” he recalls, sharing his start in the real estate industry. “Having worked at that organization for the majority of my professional life, I was at a crossroads toward my next path. Unsure of where the winds would take me, it was then that my aunt, a veteran Realtor® of nearly 20 years, took me under her wing.”

“She nurtured me and taught me the business over the next few years and our partnership flourished,” he continues. “It was one of the best decisions that I have ever made, and I am forever grateful for her.”

“Real estate allowed me to act as a steward to my community. I realized that as a real estate professional, I had the ability to influence how neighborhoods are shaped, ensuring they become vibrant, inclusive and sustainable,” shares David Onufer, Realtors® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh.

After getting started as a Realtor®, Onufer realized the difference that real estate makes for individuals, families and communities as a whole.

“Real estate opened my eyes to an entirely new world,” Onufer shares. “I started to see the significant impact a home has on a family and how a community’s growth and development can transform people’s lives. It became clear to me that real estate isn’t just a career; it’s a platform to make a difference.”

“This career has given me the opportunity to help people achieve the American Dream. There’s something deeply rewarding about guiding someone through the process of buying their first home, watching the excitement on their faces and knowing that I played a part in that milestone moment. It’s not just about finding a place to live; it’s about creating a space where families can grow and thrive.”

“Moreover,” he continues, “real estate allowed me to act as a steward to my community. I realized that as a real estate professional, I had the ability to influence how neighborhoods are shaped, ensuring they become vibrant, inclusive and sustainable. Through my work, I’ve been able to support local businesses, promote community events and advocate for responsible development. This role has empowered me to give back, not just through charity, but by actively participating in the growth and betterment of the places where I work.”

By becoming a Realtor®, Onufer has had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of homeowners and in the communities he serves. However, his career has also positively impacted his life.

“Real estate has changed my life by offering a deeper sense of purpose,” he says. “It has shown me that every transaction represents a story, every property is a piece of someone’s journey and every community is a tapestry woven with the lives of the people who call it home. Through this field, I’ve found a way to contribute to something bigger than myself, and that has made all the difference.”