Homebuyers of all orientations and identities are navigating today’s housing market. Those who self-identify as members of the LGBTQ community face unique challenges, which include finding an agent who matches their lifestyle. There’s never been a better time to find real estate experts who are welcoming to LGBTQ homebuyers in search of University City, Missouri, real estate. We offer five tips to guide you in finding a great agent and your dream home.
Know your rights
Housing discrimination remains a very real problem that the LGBTQ community faces. Hiring a realtor who is empathetic with the lives of members in this community is one of the best ways to ensure fair treatment throughout the homebuying process. It’s important to know your rights before venturing into the market.
LGBTQ members nationwide have a homeownership rate of 49%, compared to the national average of 65%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. You can do your part to boost this figure by understanding the legislation before you begin your real estate search. Some of the most well-known legislation includes:
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The Fair Housing Act, issued in 2021 as a part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, federally protects LGBTQ homebuyers from all forms of housing or mortgage discrimination.
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The Missouri Human Rights Act makes it illegal to discriminate based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and other individual features.
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HUD’s Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Act gives you access to free and open complaint forms.
Focus on the right neighborhoods
The first step in finding University City, Missouri, real estate or a Ladue luxury home is to narrow down your search to the places that are the most inviting. Online resources like GeoSure, MeetUp, and the LGBTQ Equality Map can be invaluable tools to help you identify neighborhoods that feature populations of homeowners who share your values.
These sites provide you with decades’ worth of specialized knowledge about local areas’ tolerances and can connect you with LGBTQ-friendly real estate agents early in the homebuying process.
Ask probing questions
When talking with a potential real estate agent, it can be difficult to broach the delicate question about their tolerance of LGBTQ community members. The best way to get a sense of their views is to meet in person. While your instinct is certainly a valuable yardstick when judging whether you’ll work well with an agent, the following questions can help:
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How many LGBTQ people reside in a given neighborhood?
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Does the area have a history of LGBTQ homeownership?
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Is the local government suitable for members of the LGBTQ community?
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Are there any LGBTQ services available nearby?
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Are there any notable LGBTQ events or cultural centers in the area?
Team up with LGBTQ-friendly organizations
Another great way to target LGBTQ-friendly realtors in the University City, Missouri, real estate area is to acquaint yourself with organizations that understand your lifestyle and want to help.
NAGLREP (the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals) and the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance are two of the most outstanding examples.
These groups have been helping people of all sexual orientations and gender identities gain insights into local neighborhoods. They can provide you with information about businesses and services that are tolerant and connect you to a library of over 75,000 real estate agents nationwide who want to engage with the LGBTQ community actively.
Further, they provide users with a database of brokers, mortgage agents, and insurance professionals who will continue to guide you through the intricacies of buying a home in St. Louis and other cities in Missouri.
Get to know your agent
Photo courtesy of Pexels
It’s critical for homebuyers of all stripes to cultivate a close personal relationship with their realtor to ensure a successful transaction. It’s even more important for LGBTQ community members because their population is smaller nationwide and some regions may not openly advertise their alliance with the community. Talk to your agent about:
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Real estate strategies. Work with an agent whose fees, research, tours, schedule, and budget are amenable to you. Ask them about their strategies when it comes to selecting open houses, what their personal mission statement is, and whether they’ve worked with LGBTQ community members in the past.
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Market specialties. Learn about what proportion of buyers your agent has worked with who are LGBTQ+. If you’re not comfortable asking openly, inquire about their specialty in the market and what kinds of families they’ve worked with.
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Open communication. It’s important to have a good rapport with your agent from the start on. Make sure that your realtor is able to answer your questions in a timely manner.
Contact a local real estate agent
If you have questions about finding an LGBTQ-friendly real estate agent in University City, Missouri — or buying or selling a Ladue luxury home — reach out to the L. Merrick Agency for expert guidance and support.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
