There are a good number of gay and lesbian realtors out there, but there are also a good number of straight realtors who are more than willing to work with members of the LGBT community in finding the perfect home. A good number of realtors don’t care who you’re married too—they just want to match people up with their dream houses. But you may not feel comfortable coming right out and asking a potential realtor how they feel about same-sex couples. There are a few signs you can look for, though, that may give you an idea of how a realtor sees the LGBT community.
Look at their Language
Does the realtor describe a bedroom as having “his and her” closets or a bathroom as having “his and her” sinks? While this doesn’t mean that they’re going to discriminate against gays and lesbians, it does show that they haven’t really considered working with LGBT people. In some cases, it’s just language that they’ve never thought about, but it can show an indication that they would prefer not to sell to gays and lesbians. Look for realtors who use gender-neutral terms like “double closet” or “double sink.”
Do they Market Specifically to the LGBT Community?
Is there any specific LGBT marketing being done? Do they have an ad in a local LGBT newspaper, and do they work with the LGBT chamber of commerce in your city?
This doesn’t mean that the realtor is marketing only to LGBT customers. In fact, a good realtor isn’t going to discriminate against anyone. There are plenty of LGBT realtors who work with straight couples all the time, just as there are straight realtors who work with LGBT people. You may want to reconsider working with a realtor who practices discrimination in any way. Would you really want to work with someone who discriminates?
Do they Try to Steer you towards Gay Neighborhoods Only?
When you tell a realtor you’re a member of the LGBT community, do they suddenly seem to think you only want to live in one part of town? If it seems like they want to pigeonhole you or, on the other hand, don’t know much about the LGBT areas in the city, you may want to reconsider working with them. They may have no intention to discriminate, but they may simply have very little experience working with LGBT clients or knowing what they want.
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