Gay & Lesbian Homebuyers Can Eliminate Purchase Process Mountain

The Oscar nominated film Brokeback Mountain highlights same-gender relationships. Many gay and lesbian homebuyers aren't aware that their rights in 2006 to a non-discriminatory home purchase process could be guaranteed by local or state laws. Mark Nash real estate author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home shares with single or partnered gay and lesbian home buyers some do's and don'ts that can help eliminate headaches and frustrations before and after purchasing a home.

Do's

-Utilize national gay and lesbian real estate agent referral services such as Crossroads Relocation and HomeLounge.com. Many referral services can direct you to a gay or lesbian or affirming agent if you desire one.

-Locate an experienced real estate attorney to advise you on the best way for you and your partner to have the deed and title to a property you purchase delivered to you by the seller. Look for protections in case one of you dies, so the living partner has full rights of survivorship. You don't want the family of the deceased assuming ownership of your partners portion of your home. Have enforceable wills and living wills completed before closing or escrow on your new home.

-Disclose to your agent if you are a partnered couple. Refuse to be positioned as friends, interior designers, brothers or sisters. Gay and lesbian homebuyer dollars are as green as any others. Find an experienced agent that understands how to bridge gay and lesbian homebuyers to property sellers and their realty agents if questions arise.

-Create independent lists of must-have home features and compare. It can be difficult for newly partnered couples to find a starting point for joint home parameters. I suggest to my clients each list the top ten features they want in their next home and compare with their spouse. You should have at least five matches and less than five requires a discussion between you before you consider even looking at homes.

-Determining how much square-footage you need. Gay and lesbian couples usually have lived and possibly owned a home on their own. Don