We Were Told We Can't Buy a Home Together Because We're Gay

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By now, you've been subject to some type of 'Equal Opportunity' statement. We hear them everywhere! When we're looking for a job, every ad states 'Equal Opportunity Employer', most, if not all states require all Real Estate marketing and literature to include the EHO (Equal Housing Opportunity) logo and disclaimer; in fact, the term 'equal opportunity.....' is used in casual conversation, sometimes even jokingly or in jest.

Sadly, many don't know exactly what it means, and more so, don't know what or who is protected under this umbrella.

The EHO logo to the right is the 'national' symbol which indicates the agencies involved with the sale, purchase or marketing of real estate comply with the national standards of compliance of non-discrimination.

If asked, could you list the protected 'classes' included in the national EHO act? How about how many different classes are protected?

There are 6 protected classes included in The National Fair Housing Act:

• Race/Color
• National Origin
• Religion
• Gender
• Familial Status
• Disability

You can find the specific definitions to these classes on the HUD website.

In this post, I wanted to focus on the "Gender" class; and that's a relatively simple one to cover, because it is just that...GENDER. You may not be discriminated against because you are a male or female. Simple as that... unless you identify yourself as LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, or Transgender). Now there is some confusion and an interesting twist as to who may (or may not) be protected.

Did you know that Sexual Orientation or Gender Identify is not protected at the national level under the Equal Housing Opportunity? Did you know that only 15 states amended their EHO laws to include sexual orientation as a protected class, and only 4 of those 15 states extend that protection to the transgender population?*

What does this mean to the millions of LGBT home buyers in America? Well, for starters, you may have very limited (legal) recourse if you suspect you are being discriminated against because of your sexual orientation or identity. Additionally, you may also find that this discrimination carries into the world homeowners/renters insurance when the time comes to insure belongings jointly with your partner.

As with any major purchase, sale, or investment decision, it is imperative you as a consumer perform due diligence when it comes to knowing your rights, obligations, and limitations based on where you are located.

When it comes to Equal Housing, a trusted Realtor is a great starting point. Remember to ask about local discrimination laws at your listing appointment, or the first buyers meeting. Education and awareness are the two first steps in protecting yourself, your family and your investment!

Watch for our next post where we'll cover the familial status protection and buying and selling in an Age Restricted Community.


Christopher Greenleaf
The Greenleaf-Elving Group
Realtors
Keller Williams Realty Southwest
6180 Brent Thurman Way - Ste 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148


* Statistics cited from Gay Real Estate by Ramon Johnson, About.com Guide