I'm LGBTQ - What is the Best Way to House-Hunt?




As members of the LGBTQ community, we have come a long way! Housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited in many states, including our state of California. And while this is wonderful progress, it doesn't necessarily mean all members of the LGBTQ community feel safe and comfortable doing things like pre-qualifying for a mortgage and previewing homes with real estate agents.

Naomi and I are a married lesbian real estate team. But we began house-hunting as an unmarried couple in 2011 Los Angeles. I remember the feelings of awkardness and discomfort. There was a lot of "Are you sisters?" and "Which one of you is buying?" forcing us to come out of the closet over and over again, watching the reaction of stunned individuals. At this time, gay marriage was not yet legal, so we filed a domestic partnership to receive the benefits of purchasing property together. And in general, it just felt like real estate professionals didn't take us seriously. Maybe this was because we were young, maybe it was because we were female, or maybe it was because we were TWO young lesbian females. Not an ideal way to feel...that said, we would also like to recognize previous generations of LGBTQ community members who had it much worse!

Given the current political climate and our highly divided nation, Naomi and I provide resources and support to those out there who are feeling like we did! Home-buying is an extremely personal process. Buyers have to submit sensitive financial information, interacting with banking professionals, escrow officers, real estate agents, and sometimes the sellers themselves. That's why it can often be easier to create a team of pros who are either part of the LGBTQ community or who openly support the community. It is often stressful enough to make the biggest purchase of your life, but to add feelings of judgment to your very lifestyle is a negative and unnecessary component!

If you're feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to us. If you're searching for property in Marin County, we are here to be your Realtors®. And our network includes high-quality LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly mortgage brokers, designers, organizers, contractors, and others we'd love to connect you with. If you're searching in another part of the world, we can refer you through our referral network to another LGBTQ-friendly agent or real estate team.

Love is love!




Thorne Home Team
Naomi Thorne & Katherine Thorne
Coldwell Banker Realty
511 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
Greenbrae, CA 94904
415.559.5280
naomi.thorne@cbnorcal.com
katherine.thorne@cbnorcal.com
hometeammarin.com







Location: Greenbrae, Kentfield, CA, USA

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