As members of the LGBTQ community, we have come a long way. Housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited in many states, including California. That's wonderful progress, but it doesn't mean everyone in our community feels safe and comfortable pre-qualifying for a mortgage or touring homes with an agent.

Our story

Naomi and I are a married lesbian real estate team. We began house-hunting as an unmarried couple in Los Angeles in 2011, and I remember the awkwardness and discomfort. There was a lot of "Are you sisters?" and "Which one of you is buying?", which meant coming out over and over again and watching people's stunned reactions. Same-sex marriage wasn't yet legal, so we filed a domestic partnership to buy property together. In general, it felt like real estate professionals didn't take us seriously. Maybe because we were young, maybe because we were women, or maybe because we were two young lesbians. Not an ideal way to feel, and previous generations of our community had it much worse.

Build a team you trust

Buying a home is deeply personal. You share sensitive financial information and work with lenders, escrow officers, agents and sometimes the sellers themselves. That's why it can be easier to build a team of professionals who are part of the LGBTQ community or who openly support it. Making the biggest purchase of your life is stressful enough without feeling judged for who you are.

We're here to help

If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to us. If you're searching in Marin County, we'd love to be your Realtors®, and our network includes excellent LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly mortgage brokers, designers, organizers, contractors and more. Our guide for LGBTQ+ buyers and sellers in Marin County covers how to take title, matching names on your documents, your rights under California law and local resources. If you're searching somewhere else, we can refer you to an LGBTQ-friendly agent or team through our referral network.

Love is love!