June is Pride Month: a time to celebrate the rights and culture of the gay, bisexual and transgender community. The month-long celebration is observed with parades and rainbow flags flying in the U.S and abroad. In addition to these celebrations, Pride Month is a call for greater unity, visibility and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.

For real estate professionals, it is an opportunity to reach out and show support for this important demographic.

A recent survey by Freddie Mac reveals that the LGBTQIA+ homeownership rate of 49.8% falls considerably short of the national average of 65.8%. Yet many LGBTQIA+ renters have huge buying power and 72% of these renters say they want to own a home. Here are two resources agents should know about:

• The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance offers an Ally Certification Course designed to bring together real estate agents and the LGBTQIA+ community. Intended for straight Allies, this course opens a window into the discrimination issues LGBTQIA+ clients face and may help improve your cultural competency and your ability to respectfully engage with LGBTQIA+ homebuyers. Agents who complete the course earn a badge to be displayed on their website.
• A new LGBTQIA+ Fair Housing Toolkit released by HUD’s Office of Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity. Designed to educate housing providers, tenants and other housing consumers on fair housing and civil rights protections for the LGBTQIA+ community, the interactive toolkit reinforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination because of sexual orientation and/or gender identity and details some of the ways agents can strengthen and show their commitment to equal professional service for all. The toolkit provides:
  • An overview of key fair housing and civil rights laws, regulations, and executive orders related to LGBTQIA+ protections.
  • A summary of HUD’s Equal Access Rule.
  • A description of the specific protected housing rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
  • An introduction of culturally competent definitions and terminology used when discussing sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Information on the ways housing providers can prevent housing discrimination in their daily operations.
  • Detailed information on how and when an individual can report housing discrimination.

The modules in the toolkit, which can be taken together or as standalone resources, may be explored here.

This material is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, no representation is made as to its accuracy. This material is not intended to be construed as legal, tax or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult your legal, tax or investment professional for specific advice.

Resources:

New Interactive LGBTQIA+ Fair Housing Toolkit Now Available on the HUD Exchange - HUD Exchange
LGBT Homeownership Rates Lag Behind General Population - Freddie Mac
Education – LGBTQIA+ Real Estate Alliance

About Bobbi Pronin
Bobbi Pronin is an award-winning writer based in Orange County, Calif. A former news editor with more than 30 years of experience in journalism and corporate communications, she has specialized in real estate topics for over a decade.

Bobbi is not an employee of Anywhere Integrated Services or affiliated with its title companies.