Short List

Equal Opportunities

A recent study sheds light on the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community’s homebuying habits and attitudes toward homeownership. The study, by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in collaboration with the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP), examines the LGBT community’s preferences, aspirations and mindset surrounding the homebuying process and homeownership in general.

The LGBT Home Buyer and Seller Survey finds that 89 percent of LGBT homeowners and 75 percent of LGBT non-homeowners think home ownership is a good investment. Additionally, 81 percent of LGBT survey respondents feel the June 2015 Supreme Court ruling for marriage equality will make them feel more financially protected and confident — and presumably more willing to invest in a home, the study reports.

In all, more than half (54 percent) of all LGBT respondents currently own some type of real estate. “Individuals who identify themselves as LGBT represent an estimated buying power of $840 billion and reportedly live in 99.3 percent of all counties nationwide,” said Jeff Berger, founder, NAGLREP. “The LGBT community is a key part of the nation’s landscape and a powerful market segment that is increasingly achieving social milestones that are historical triggers to home purchases, such as partnerships, marriage and having children.”

The survey reports that 88 percent of respondents list neighborhood safety as a top priority when purchasing a home. Further, a majority of respondents look to live in a neighborhood with low crime (80 percent), live in a state with an LGBT anti-discrimination ordinance (75 percent) and live in a progressive community (70 percent).

When it comes to looking for a REALTOR^®, the study finds that 93 percent of LGBT buyers are most concerned about selecting an agent with an excellent reputation who is LGBT-friendly (86 percent). Only 13 percent think it is very important that their sales associate identifies as LGBT. Nearly 80 percent stated that being LGBT-friendly is more important than an agent’s years of experience.

On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision making same-sex marriage legal across the country.

Visit the NAGLREP website for the complete report.