LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2013 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION For more than two centuries, our Nation has struggled to transform the ideals of liberty and equality from founding promise into lasting reality. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans and their allies have been hard at work on the next great chapter of that history...
Read MoreYes, Ellen has owned nine homes in the past decade. “The average seller moves every six to seven years,” Beverly Hills real estate agent Ben Salem of Rodeo Realty tells me. “Celebrities, I would say, last about half as long in a house.” DeGeneres is known to be sort of an extreme case, someone who has admitted that she loves finding and designing new homes. “She’s a serial flipper,” "Chopped" h...
Read MoreIn the first quarter of this year, housing affordability continued to hold near its historic highs, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index. From the beginning of January to the end of March, 73.7 percent of new and existing homes sold were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $64,400, NAHB reports. That is down slightly from 74.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012. Low...
Read MoreInventories of homes for sale nationwide increased 4 percent in April, but remain 13.5 percent lower than last year’s inventory levels, according to realtor.com’s latest report. The number of homes for sale remains particularly tight out West. Inventories have dropped the most -- more than 52 percent compared to a year ago -- in Orange County, Calif. In Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Stockton, Calif., inventories of for-sale...
Read MoreIf the job market is tight in your city and you're considering a move, we thought this latest article from Forbes about the Top Cities to find a job in would be helpful! The latest edition of our list shows many things, but perhaps the most important is which cities have momentum in the job creation sweepstakes. Right now the biggest winners are the metro areas that are adding higher-wage jobs thanks to America’s two big boom sectors: ...
Read MoreIn a day and age when it seems society is evolving, we have yet another reminder of the silent homphobia that still lingers in many hearts and minds. With a majority of Americans still opposed to equal rights for our community, including the right to marry, its important for members of the LGBT community to use the services of companies like www.GayRealEstate.com when it comes time to buy or sell a home... sleep better at night knowing the professional...
Read MoreAs housing values rise, home-equity loans and lines of credit are staging a comeback, MSN Money reports. In late 2008 as the housing market slowed dramatically, home-equity borrowing came to nearly a standstill as lenders became cautious because values were falling so quickly. By late 2011, nearly a third of U.S. homes with mortgages owed more on their loan than their house was worth. In markets where home prices are rising, lenders...
Read MoreHome sales continue to lead the recovery, but low inventory levels pushing up prices hurt many trying to re-enter the housing market. Here's the latest stats as reported by Yahoo News; Compared with March 2012, sales were up 18.5 percent, indicating the strength in the housing market that has helped boost the economy was on course. Sales are being set back by a lack of supply of homes on the market in some major parts of the country. While...
Read MoreThe housing market in area's like Denver, Colorado are as hot as ever, while housing across the nation continues to pick up strength. Here is what the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) had to say recently: The economy isn’t back to normal quite yet, but “we are seeing signs of recovery in the housing market across a number of dimensions,” Edward DeMarco, acting director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), testified...
Read MoreDuring the early 2000’s, the government and Wall Street requested banks and mortgage companies to lower their standards and give creative loans to people with bad or marginal credit. However, they did not get expected results and we are still trying to recover from the bad effects of it. Fortunately, things changed within the past few years, thanks to the Obama Administration. Now President Obama is directly involved in pushing for more home...
Read MoreBeing able to find a home that suites your needs and still is in your price range can be very tricky in some cities in America, according to our gay realtors. Merlin Parker, Gay Realtor ~ Denver, CO tells us “people are always surprised by the price of housing in Denver ~ many people moving to the Mile Hi city are expecting great bargains, but Denver did not experience the huge decline in home prices that much of the rest of the country did...
Read MoreThe suburbs have the highest concentration of wealthy people, more so than cities, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data. The wealthy tend to stay near major population centers, according to the study. For example, the region with the highest concentration of wealthy households in the nation is Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Conn., which is just north of New York City. Nearly 18 percent of residents there make more than $191,469 per year. In the...
Read MoreAs the housing recovery broadened in the fourth quarter of 2012, the National Association of REALTORS® reports that prices for single-family homes rose in nearly 88 percent of U.S. cities. According to the report, the median sales price rose on an annual basis in 133 of 152 metro areas tracked. In the July-through-September period, by comparison, just 120 areas had registered gains. Researchers cite low interest rates coupled with an improving...
Read MoreBeing a great LGBT city doesn’t just mean having a raucous nightlife, so if you expected to see Hell’s Kitchen or the Castro, you’re reading the wrong list. Are you shocked that Los Angeles and New York didn’t make the list in our fourth annual accounting of city life in America? Then listen up, honey. As much as we love fabulous soirees and mimosa brunches, there’s much more to LGBT life than that. We live in little...
Read MoreIf you’re looking for big foreclosure deals, Florida may offer the most, according to a a new study by RealtyTrac. Palm Bay, Fla., topped its list of the best places to buy a foreclosure in 2013. Foreclosures accounted for nearly 24 percent of all sales in Palm Bay last year, and buyers tended to pay 28 percent less for a home in foreclosure than other homes. The following are the markets with the high number of foreclosures...
Read MoreDue to the environmental issues our planet is facing today, there are a large number of people who are trying to live their lives based on green energy principles. We’ve created a list of things you can do to contribute in an easy way; Wash clothes with cold instead of hot water. Many people do not realize that using cold water during a wash cycle can save up to seventy-five percent on their monthly energy bill. It also helps...
Read MoreThe national housing market is still healing from the last major recession that the U.S. had and political debates are going on in the nation’s capital about limits and deductions for taxpayers. One of these topics is the mortgage interest deduction or the MID which is a tax break that Jeff Hammerberg, Founding CEO of GayRealEstate.com say helps mold the dynamics for an improving American housing market and a stronger economy. The MID makes...
Read MoreBeing able to find a home that suites your needs and still is in your price range can be very tricky in some cities in America, according to our gay realtors. Merlin Parker, Gay Realtor ~ Denver, CO tells us “people are always surprised by the price of housing in Denver ~ many people moving to the Mile Hi city are expecting great bargains, but Denver did not experience the huge decline in home prices that much of the rest of the country did...
Read MoreForeclosure related sales account for 19 percent of all home sales in the third quarter, according to RealtyTrac's latest foreclosure sales report. Across the country, there were 193,059 foreclosure sales in the third quarter, and they sold at a discount of 31.81 percent. We drew on the report to highlight the 12 metros with foreclosure savings higher than 45 percent. Atlanta (Maulim/Flickr) 1. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia. Foreclosure...
Read MoreFor those of you homeowners looking into selling a home, the first question to ask yourself is when will home prices bounce back? – If it ever truly can. Depending on whom you ask, some say it never will, but we don’t believe that to be the case. Everyone has their own opinions on when housing prices will rebound; in today's economy it's hard to answer this sort of question with 100% certainty. In the past, when the real estate market...
Read MoreIf there ever was a time to buy a home, it would be now! Historic low interest rates, home prices rising across the country, and prices expected to increase in some markets up to 10% annually for the next few years. You might be surprised at how little you have to do to actually put yourself in a position where you are able to purchase a home. For many people it is a process that involves taking seven practical action steps to put themselves in a...
Read MoreThe housing market picked up more momentum in August, as the average home price for 20 major cities jumped. New and existing home sales have been stronger, inventory of homes for sale has fallen and developers have stepped up building activity. Slow improvement in the national economy has also boosted the housing market, as have record low mortgage rates. The rates for a 30-year loan have stayed below 3.7% since May. Combined with home prices that...
Read MoreMore home owners are tackling remodeling jobs once again, as the Remodeling Market Index heats up and climbs to its highest point since the third quarter of 2005, the National Association of Home Builders reports. The greater momentum in remodeling is yet another positive trend recently trickling through the housing sector, NAHB reports. "The strength of the [Remodeling Market Index], especially in owner-occupied properties, shows that home owners...
Read MoreForbes Magazine recently ranked cities based on their unemployment rate, housing affordability, cost of living, and other factors to determine which cities are the most stressed out. Here are the cities topping its “stressed” list: Los Angeles: A 12.3% unemployment rate, the third least affordable housing market in the nation, and a high cost of living. New York, N.Y.: “The least affordable housing stock in the U.S., the most...
Read MoreIncreasing housing prices have not discouraged prospective home buyers, with sales nationally up 11 percent in September compared to one year ago, according to a National Association of Realtors report released Friday. Prices were up for the seventh month in a row. There hasn't been such a long run-up in prices since the period between November 2005 and May 2006. Nationally, the median price for an existing home is $183,900, up 11.3 percent from...
Read MoreIn 10 states, median home prices increased by more than 5.5% from July 2011 to July of this year; However, some of the states with the biggest home price increases were hit particularly hard by the housing collapse. In Florida and Arizona, home prices dropped by nearly 50%. In Nevada the drop was nearly 60%. In all three states, the recovery is expected to be temporary. Median home value change will lag the national trend in the next year, but will...
Read MoreAre you looking for an affordable, safe and gay-friendly town or city that offers a thriving housing market and interesting life-style? Here is a look at some of the best places to settle down in according to gay realtor. Albuquerque, New Mexico has good air quality, great weather and wonderful adobe and colonial architecture. This well-known gay community also has many doctors and a below average cost of living. The area offers cheaper...
Read MoreAccording to gay realtor in terms of having economic strength, physical capital, a financially mature local economy and effective institutions, here are the Top 10 LGBT Cities to live in. There are many gay friendly areas in North America but not all of them are as immune to the recession or can offer a secure, comfortable future in quite the same way that these city centers do. 1. New York City. This famous metropolis offers numerous gay-friendly...
Read MoreOne way to pay off your mortgage faster is to make bi-weekly mortgage payments instead of monthly ~ this can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest over the long-term as well as allow you to make paying off the mortgage less of an endurance test. If your mortgage is amortized correctly over the 26 weeks, then you can take years off of the time it would normally take to pay your 30 year mortgage off and save a huge amount of money in...
Read MoreIf you are an LGBT home buyer looking for a home in a friendly, progressive and politically conscious neighborhood, then the real estate agent that you choose should also be from “the community” or at the very least sympathetic and familiar with LGBT issues such as feeling welcome as a couple in a neighborhood, being treated fairly and representing you fully, without reservation, during the home-buying process. If you are wondering why...
Read MoreWhen shopping for their next home, a reasonable person may ask what the better investment is, a new home or existing home. The answer depends on a number of factors. To make the comparison between new homes and existing homes a bit easier, consider only the choice of new homes vs. recently constructed homes. New construction offers many choices. Everything from the roofing material to the basement floor is negotiable. Builders typically start with...
Read MoreSo, what home improvements add the most value, with the least investment? If you’re thinking about selling your home, this is a reasonable question to ask. Even if you are not thinking about selling right away, you might be wondering which improvements have the most impact and offer a reasonable chance of recovering the cost, without making a major investment. First, consider your home's current paint and wallpaper. If the walls are in bad...
Read MoreThe following article was posted on the 24/7 Wallstreet website. This article echoes what’s happening in many markets across the country, sales have been robust this past year and our Denver Gay Realtors are reporting we’ve suddenly entered into a period of extremely low inventory. Although we have not seen prices start to sky-rocket in Denver, we are seeing multiple offers that are starting to drive prices up. Maybe the balance is shifting...
Read MoreA recent study revealed that the top 10 most affordable US Gay Mecca’s for retirement include communities in North Carolina, New Mexico, Oregon and Florida. This survey was compiled in order to provide gay retirees a useful resource when contemplating a move for retirement. Some of the factors that were used to compile this list included the overall cost of personal living and the current cost of housing. In the state of North Carolina, there...
Read MoreThe housing market crash that has plagued the nation for the last half decade is, in many ways, responsible for the continuing recession that America faces. Homeowners are continuing to be forced from their homes and home equity across the nation is dropping or stagnant in a majority of markets, at best, only spurring the trend of foreclosures in its wake. The result, if left unattended, will be millions of Americans left homeless in years to come...
Read MoreBuying a home may be the largest investment decision you’ll ever make ~ it’s crucial to hire a realtor that will represent YOU as a buyer broker, has a track record of excellence and is an experienced agent with excellent negotiation skills... the problem is, there is no standard, objective rating system, so hiring a realtor that does good work will be a matter of your background investigation and your judgment. There are a few ways to...
Read MoreMost LGBT homeowners continually ponder the question, “Does it make sense to refinance?” This article will cover the reasons and conditions that should exist when a person sits down and wants to figure out how to know when it’s time to refinance. Some of things a homeowner needs in order to answer this question are very simple and available to the average consumer with some internet research and looking at your current financial...
Read MoreMitt Romney's campaign so far has offered tantalizingly few details about what it plans to do about several issues prominent in this election. One which has received little attention is what Romney intends to do about the ongoing housing crisis in America. Although it was originally the driving force behind the 2008 recession, it has slowly faded into the background as other economic issues such as gas prices have arisen. However, Romney has made...
Read MoreA return of low document loans can be a benefit to the economy in many ways. Low document loans (or “low-doc” loans as they are known in finance) are loan instruments requiring less stringent evidence for income and ability to pay back the loan. These loans were all the rage in the 1990s and early 2000s before the current economic crisis. Lenders were handing out such loans like candy as a way of maintaining their balance sheets and passing...
Read MoreThere will never be a better time to buy a home in your lifetime. This is it, the once in a generation time for those who thought home ownership may not be a possibility, to see it come to fruition. This is the time to bring home ownership into your family and change your family legacy. The economy has struggled in significant ways over the last 3-4 years and the housing market is now ripe for new home buyers. Housing markets have been so impacted...
Read MoreIf you are looking for a friendly neighborhood with progressive thinking, one where gays are welcome, there are neighborhoods in Austin, Texas worth checking out. Although most of Austin is considered "gay friendly", and gays live in almost all neighborhoods, there are some Austin, Texas top gay neighborhoods recommended by many. In no particular order, Austin Texas' top gay neighborhoods include, but are not limited to; Allandale, which is in the...
Read MoreDenver, Colorado has a quite a few amazing neighborhoods ~ I’d have to say the entire city is surprisingly gay friendly. Most of neighborhoods we’ll mention have nice amenities and welcoming outdoor areas, with plenty of shopping and restaurants to fill a day of leisure. The Cheesman Park area is Denver’s premier gay neighborhood. There are single family homes as well as high-rise and mid-rise condo living. Cheesman Park is...
Read MoreThere are many beach communities in the United States that offer all the beauty and amenities that you could ever ask for, however you have to pay out the nose to live there. If you’re feeling the economic crunch along with the rest of world, you may have limited options available: 1. Win the lottery. 2. Marry Donald Trump or one of his kids. 3. Move to a developing nation with no electricity or running water where the dollar is still worth...
Read MoreMortgage interest rates recently fell so low that they broke all-time historical records, and rates have managed to remain extremely cheap and attractive for the past couple of months. Even before they shattered those longstanding records mortgage rates were already a bargain, however, and in this kind of highly appealing and extremely rare mortgage environment many LGBT homeowners are trying to decide whether or not to go ahead and refinance. The...
Read MoreFor gay and lesbian couples all over America it is important for them to find the right location to live. Finding a gay friendly city is not too difficult to do in most states, but the LGBT Community does tend to favor certain states over others for their acceptance of the LGBT community, LGBT neighborhoods, and fun activities to do together. Here is our list of 10 most gay friendly cities in America. 1. San Francisco, CA. This is a no-brainer....
Read MoreIf you are selling a home in the Midwest to Eastern states, winter months can be extremely tricky, involving extra work. The winter months require more creativity in distinguishing your home from the dreary gray skies and cold. Homes always look more “inviting” when the flowers are blooming, and there is thick green grass surrounding your abode. The top tips in selling your home are to make it inviting in accessibility, atmosphere,...
Read MoreReducing the amount of materials and energy required to build or maintain a home can help to substantially reduce your carbon footprint. At the same time, a green approach to home ownership ensures greater peace of mind, physical comfort, and preservation of a sustainable investment over the lifetime of the home. Save money while living a more responsible green lifestyle – whether buying a condo, remodeling a home, planning new construction,...
Read MoreOne of the most important factors that determine the speed, at which the home buying and selling process happens, is the price of the property. If the price is too high, then the property will be in the unsold state for a long period of time, especially in this economy. Hence pricing the house correctly is the most important piece of the home selling process. While looking for a real estate agent to market and sell your home, one...
Read MoreThere is no doubt that getting a real estate license will take a large portion of time, devotion, energy and, of course, money… all of which will be done to ultimately “Earn you a commission” (that may be a question). My other question to you would be, “If you put this much time, devotion, energy and investment into furthering your own career, what would the payoff be?” It seems focusing on your career, and...
Read MoreConservative ideologues wage war on gay community via cereal and homes In August, gay and lesbian blogosphere static rose to a fever pitch when it seemed that General Mills and Re/max had yielded to pressure from a conservative family values group, the Florida Family Association (FFA), to remove ads from ABC programming. Citing moral incompatibility, The FFA took exception to the advertisers broadcasting on ABC because of young, lesbian characters...
Read MoreDespite the downgrading of America’s credit rating there is cause for gay and lesbian home buyers to feel somewhat optimistic. That’s because LGBT buyers now have an even better chance of securing an extremely cheap mortgage to buy a home at price levels that are highly affordable. They also have the unprecedented advantage of knowing where prevailing interest rates are headed over the next 18 months, which can help them lock in a bargain...
Read MoreBuying a home is huge step, and often represents the culmination of a lifelong dream. But while under the thrilling spell of the home buying experience many LGBT buyers fall victim to three of the biggest mistakes. Became familiar with these pitfalls to successfully avoid them. #1 Overreaching One of the many companies directly owned by Warren Buffett, the most successful investor in American history, is a business that builds and sells homes across...
Read MoreAs temperatures around the nation rise, so do utility bills, because every year energy resources become scarcer and the cost to cool homes gets more expensive. Also many LGBT homeowners are not just concerned about how to lower their monthly overhead. In addition to that, they want to make significant strides toward reducing their carbon footprint. Fortunately there are lots of practical ways to accomplish both goals simultaneously in 2011 so that...
Read MoreDo LGBT borrowers still risk an arm and a leg by taking out an ARM? Despite the notorious reputation they earned in the wake of the subprime mortgage crisis, adjustable rate mortgage or ARM loans do have some compelling and redeeming qualities. Right now they offer incredibly cheap rates, and thanks to better regulation of the mortgage industry they are not the same treacherously dangerous products that they were a few years ago. So now is a good...
Read MoreThe summer travel season often inspires LGBT vacationers to consider investing in a second home – or picking up stakes and moving to a new place they may have enjoyed during weekend jaunts. But in 2011 the opportunities to make a smart, lucrative real estate investment are more attractive than they have been in many years. That’s because of a combination of cheap mortgage rates, highly affordable housing prices, and the strong potential...
Read MoreLGBT real estate buyers and homeowners who have been thinking about taking out a home loan or doing a mortgage refinance may now have more reasons to do so – and to start working on the project sooner instead of later. That’s because interest rates are currently hovering at record lows, representing some of the best bargains in decades. But after being historically cheap for the first half of the year interest rates are expected to soon...
Read MoreAlthough the national economy is gaining momentum and the stock market hit new 3-year highs in April, mortgage interest rates remain at historically low levels and home prices are still a bargain in most places around the USA. So those considering the purchase of a vacation property at the beach have plenty of sound reasons to pick one up this summer, and there are many wonderful opportunities to buy a fabulous getaway in a great LGBT enclave located...
Read MoreIn the month of March unprecedented disasters in Japan and radical political upheavals in the Middle East had a monumental impact on those affected nations and repercussions from the events were immediately felt all over the world. The outcome in both cases is rather incomprehensible, and while events in the Middle East unfolded with a modicum of hope and inspiration, any international cause for celebration was quickly dampened by the heartbreaking...
Read MoreNot only did LGBT Americans lose an hour of sleep by setting clocks forward in March, but many of them are still losing sleep as they worry about looming state and federal tax filing deadlines. To take full advantage of any tax breaks and benefits that are available to LGBT real estate buyers, sellers, or property owners in 2011 there are some important issues worth considering. One major rule that applies to some IRS tax filings this year has to...
Read MoreWhether someone already owns a home or plans to purchase one this spring during the busiest season for real estate sales, it is helpful to know some timely home maintenance tips. Doing routine home maintenance this time of year not only helps to preserve a valuable investment and improve home equity, but it can also contribute in both tangible and intangible ways to an enhanced quality of life. Living in a home that is well taken care of gives one...
Read MoreAs many LGBT borrowers have heard through recent media reports, the huge mortgage agency Fannie Mae might get scrapped later this year. Whether or not that will adversely affect LGBT home buyers, LGBT homeowners wanting to refinance, or LGBT sellers hoping that their buyers qualify for a mortgage is suddenly a big concern. Meanwhile Fannie Mae instituted much more stringent underwriting policies in February, requiring banks and other lenders...
Read MoreLGBT home sellers should understand that it is still a buyer’s market and that the average time it takes to sell a home is more indicative of a bear market than it is of a bullish one. With that in mind, LGBT homeowners who hope to sell in 2011are encouraged to be proactive about marketing their properties while avoiding common pitfalls. Otherwise homes may languish on the market without attracting even a nibble. That can be really demoralizing...
Read MoreEvery state in the USA except for Hawaii had snow recently, and the nation is a long way from springtime – which is traditionally the busiest time of year for residential real estate sales. Most of the country is still within the deep freeze of winter weather, and very few LGBT buyers are in the mood for looking at houses while trudging around in slush and slipping on icy walkways. But LGBT buyers and sellers do need to start looking ahead...
Read MoreSaving energy around the house makes sense, and it can also help save a significant amount of money now and in the future. Here are a handful of ideas that are especially helpful but are often overlooked by those LGBT homeowners trying to minimize their energy consumption: Sustainable Landscaping A more sustainable landscape not only saves labor – which is another precious form of energy – but it can also do wonders to help reduce the...
Read MoreThe push for LGBT equality made historic gains with the recent repeal of the military’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” (DADT) policy. Senator Harry Reid put it in succinct and eloquent words when he addressed Congress on the day the bill was passed, explaining that the legislation shows that in America “it doesn’t matter who you love, as long as you love your country.” Repeal of DADT underscores the need...
Read MoreAs the year comes to a close many LGBT homeowners are already planning ahead for 2011 and trying to figure out ways to save money as a New Year’s resolution. That’s never easy, especially in the midst of so much economic uncertainty, but here are two rather creative ideas that may help LGBT homeowners control or reduce their mortgage expenses and debts. Accelerated Mortgage Balance Reduction There are many ways to lower the outstanding...
Read MoreMortgage interest rates recently fell so low that they broke all-time historical records, and rates have managed to remain extremely cheap and attractive for the past couple of months. Even before they shattered those longstanding records mortgage rates were already a bargain, however, and in this kind of highly appealing and extremely rare mortgage environment many LGBT homeowners are trying to decide whether or not to go ahead and refinance. The...
Read MoreTaking away someone’s home is serious business, and throughout most of United States history the court system has ensured that borrowers cannot be forced from their homes without a powerful legal reason and an abundance of supporting evidence. But during the past 2-3 years foreclosure courts have been allowing hundreds of thousands of evictions to go ahead based on apparently inadequate documentation which includes such things as fraudulent...
Read MoreOver the past several weeks many of the nation’s largest mortgage companies and banks – including Bank of America, J.P. Morgan, and others – have imposed temporary moratoriums on foreclosures. The decision to halt those proceedings against borrowers came about abruptly and was directly prompted by one of the most unusual twists in the ongoing mortgage crisis. This time it involves potential fraud and forgery that has helped some...
Read MoreA new drama in the foreclosure markets has shocked the real estate industry, is another sensational scandal for the mortgage sector, and is being carefully scrutinized by many consumer watchdog groups. The gist of the fresh turmoil is simple. The fundamental legality of the foreclosure process followed by major mortgage lenders is being questioned. There is a strong possibility that tens of thousands or even millions of foreclosures that were transacted...
Read MoreWhen it is time to sell their home LGBT homeowners should take a serious look at home warranties. These can act as a marketing incentive to encourage buyers while also covering the seller’s financial exposure in case of unexpected contingencies that would otherwise result in costly repairs. For that reason home warranties can be regarded as innovative sales incentives or unique marketing tools that also offer insurance coverage perks. Every...
Read MoreEveryone is well aware that for the past couple of years the real estate market has been rather lopsided in favor of buyers and quite challenging for sellers and their real estate agents. That situation is based on lots of economic factors but it all boils down to the fact that there is an excessive inventory of homes on the market, so buyers have plenty to choose from when they go shopping. More houses for sale means greater competition for a finite...
Read MoreOver the past six months there have many statistical indications that the housing market has not only found a solid floor but is also gaining traction and upward momentum. But with unemployment still disturbingly high and the overall economy lackluster, LGBT home shoppers have plenty of compelling reasons to maintain their sense of wariness and skepticism. Many are justifiably ambivalent and have been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for a clear...
Read MoreMany LGBT buyers mistakenly and understandably assume that the purchase of a condo is no different from buying a typical single family home. But the fact is that condominium ownership has its own exclusive set of rules that are quite different from those that apply to traditional houses. The laws of ownership are not exactly the same and neither is the totality of the physical assets and amenities that are fully transferred to the buyer. That’s...
Read MoreBuying a home as a gay couple can be a really rewarding experience and a savvy investment strategy. But those buying through a LGBT partnership should be aware of the unique legal implications of that kind of transaction. Until the laws are changed to ensure equal rights the concept of owning a house as a LGBT couple is different from home ownership as a legally married heterosexual couple. Even those LGBT couples who get married in states where...
Read MoreCongress recently passed the most comprehensive piece of financial regulation legislation since the Great Depression, The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. LGBT buyers and sellers will likely begin to feel the widespread influence of these new laws soon. That’s because many of the provisions within the gigantic package of rules will have a significant impact upon the real estate market and the residential mortgage industry. The...
Read MoreMembers of the LGBT are always excited to learn about new communities cropping up across the landscape of America. As the political and social scene in the USA continues to slowly but surely shift in the direction of real equality for everyone, LGBT neighborhoods are taking root, growing, and thriving in towns and cities throughout the country. But many of these wonderful places are relatively unknown and undiscovered. In the month that commemorates...
Read MoreDuring the sweltering days of summer, everyone who can do so seems to make tracks for the nearest beach. But when the rush is on to hit the sand and surf, world-renowned coastal hotspots tend to attract huge throngs and quickly become overcrowded. So for those interested in bucking the trend and taking the path less traveled, here are four suggestions for great LGBT beaches that often go unnoticed. Block Island, Rhode Island Block Island, which...
Read MoreMany LGBT homeowners waited until this summer to sell their homes, hoping that improvement in the real estate market will translate into a higher selling price. But slight differences in pricing can sometimes make all the difference between a satisfying house sale and a listing that merely languishes on the market without any nibbles from buyers. Follow these four pricing tips to ensure better results when selling a home this summer: #1 Trust the...
Read MoreA May 2010 amendment of the ethical policy of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) represents a gigantic progressive landmark for the LGBT community in the United States. The monumental change was officially announced with these words: “We are proud to announce the NAR Professional Standards Committee has unanimously voted this afternoon during the NAR Midyear meetings in Washington, DC to amend the NAR Code of Ethics to include sexual...
Read MoreAs technology helps make the world a smaller place in which to live and do business, more members of the LGBT community find themselves able to live virtually anywhere – while telecommuting to work via laptops, Blackberries, and iPads. Others are moving from one place to another in search of a more advantageous job market, as the impact of high unemployment forces them to be more aggressive about overcoming obstacles in their career paths. Some...
Read MoreAs the springtime buying season begins, many popular LGBT destinations offer rare bargains and unique investment opportunities. Below are four that show exceptional promise in 2010 according to the world’s biggest LGBT online real estate network, GayRealEstate.com or GRE. The GRE Top 4 LGBT Springtime Buying Opportunities #4 Asheville, North Carolina The housing market in Asheville has been somewhat overpriced in recent years and the job...
Read MoreWhen the warmer weather finally arrives it will usher in the busiest season of the year for marketing and selling real estate, and many LGBT homeowners are eager to list their homes. But despite the fact that the overall real estate market is showing signs of improvement, many LGBT homeowners are still underwater on their loans. Even if they do sell they cannot possibly raise enough cash to pay off their existing mortgages. California is a textbook...
Read MoreAs we enter a new decade, both the military and civilian sectors are major battlegrounds for LGBT civil rights in the USA. And although blatant, overt real estate discrimination may be illegal in many jurisdictions, silent bias is still widespread. But if gays and lesbians are buying homes and helping to build communities, they deserve a lot more than the kind of formal acceptance that has to be enforced by threat of lawsuits. Realtors and mortgage...
Read MoreMany businesses focused on the lucrative LGBT demographic conserved their budget dollars during 2008-2009 in response to a slow economy. That was probably wise and prudent, but those who hold back now risk losing precious business as the outlook improves. Penny Wise or Pound Foolish? Keep in mind that while the expression “cash is king during a recession” is true, it is also often erroneously applied. The whole idea is to leverage saved...
Read MoreKicking off the New Year – and ushering in a brand new decade – is a huge transition for everyone. It is also a great opportunity to revisit our goals, redefine our dreams, and honor the thriving, vibrant spirit of LGBT communities. So here are two easy ways to make real estate transactions more successful in 2010. #1 Help Build and Promote a LGBT Neighborhood A big part of the process of expanding LGBT communities is to reach out and...
Read MoreWhile he already enjoys huge international exposure and a growing fan base as a television celebrity, Madison Hildebrand – star of Bravo's hit reality TV series “Million Dollar Listing” – also appreciates the importance of tapping into the worldwide LGBT market for real estate. So just after gracing the cover of the autumn 2009 issue of Pink Magazine and between book signing events for his new publication “Activate YOUR...
Read MoreGayRealEstate.com, the world’s largest and most popular online LGBT real estate and mortgage finance network, will celebrate the end of the year with a completely revamped and much more extensive and dynamic new website. For many years, members of the global LGBT community have taken advantage of numerous free resources provided by GayRealEstate.com – the biggest source of LGBT real estate and mortgage information on earth. But now the...
Read MoreBringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:/ Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010. Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and...
Read MoreThese select Top 5 LGBT cities currently offer double-digit discounts. For those who want to move to a fantastic LGBT city – or who are lucky enough to already live in one but are sick and tired of paying increasingly expensive monthly rent and want to invest in home ownership – real estate harvest time is here. As October arrives, so do signs of winter. Leaves change colors, the air turns crisp, and as farmers begin to pick and put away...
Read MoreThe summer of 2009 is shaping up to be an historical window of opportunity for buying fun and affordable vacation homes. Mortgage money is flowing again, interest rates on safe and secure fixed rate loans are extremely attractive, and the inventory of deeply discounted condos and houses in popular vacation destinations is ripe for the picking. According to a recent article in the National Association of Realtors (NAR) publication Realtor Magazine,...
Read MoreMortgage rates continue rising at a much faster than expected pace, and that has put many homeowners into a quandary regarding whether or not to go through with refinance plans. Some lucky homeowners snagged rates as low as 4.65 percent in April and May, as extremely affordable mortgages inspired a tremendous surge in new home loan applications as well as mortgage refinances. But then interest rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages jumped nearly a...
Read MoreThe largest Internet-based real estate company on the planet, GayRealEstate.com, has just released its 2009 picks in the category of “Top 5 Gay Getaways” and the timing could not be better. Prices are down, interest rates are still attractively low, and summertime is finally here. That makes this the ideal time to browse around for the perfect seasonal getaway in a spectacular GLBT vacation destination. #1 South Beach, Florida South...
Read MoreMost people shopping for a home this year are keenly aware that a special $8,000 new home buyer credit is being offered as part of the government’s emergency economic stimulus legislation. But the clock is ticking toward the expiration date and unless the provision is amended or renewed to extend the deadline, buyers only have until the end of November to finalize their purchases. First timers are urged to do whatever they can to streamline...
Read MoreDuring the off season – especially during an exceptionally slow real estate market – many sellers worry that their vacant listings may suffer from physical deterioration, a loss of curb appeal, or even vandalism. Here are six tips for helping to care for property without getting stressed out about potential problems. Follow them and even during the doldrums of winter that vacation condo at the beach or the vacant house with the sale sign...
Read MoreEvery day, a large number of people leave their homes open for burglaries. Often, these people believe their homes are safe—they’ve locked the front door, the windows are all locked, and they have left lights on if they’re going to be gone late into the evening. But these actions don’t always deter a burglar. Many people also don’t think their home is a target because they have nothing worth stealing. ...
Read MoreThe Bat Cave. Avengers Tower. The Fortress of Solitude. These are just a few of the famous superhero headquarters and homes that fill the pages of comic books by Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and other publishers. But not every superhero can afford mansions like Bruce Wayne or Tony Stark. Some have to live in more humble abodes. This includes most of the gay and lesbian characters you’ll find in the pages of modern comics. While LGBTQ characters are...
Read More