NAR first added a question about sexual orientation to its annual Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers study in 2015. The percentage of home buyers and sellers who identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) has held steady at four percent since 2015.
Given that Millennials now make up 37 percent of home buyers (2018 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers), up from 36 percent in 2017, and given further shifting attitudes regarding sexual orientation among Generation Z (born 1999 – 2015), the proportion identifying as LGB is likely to increase, according to new research from the National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Buyers and Sellers, which amalgamates data from NAR’s 2015-2018 Profiles of Home Buyers and Sellers.
There were distinct differences between LGB and heterosexual homebuyers and sellers. There were also significant differences for those who identified as bisexual.
The findings in the Profile include:
June is LGBT Pride Month. Ten years ago, NAR amended its Code of Ethics to bar discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The Equality Act, which the House passed recently, would amend the Fair Housing Act to include these protections, as well.
According to John Smaby, NAR president, “the American Dream of homeownership traverses across the spectrum of our society—including sexual orientation—and REALTORS® always have and will continue to advocate so that anyone who wants to, and is capable of purchasing a home, is able to do so.”
Suzanne De Vita is RISMedia’s online news editor. Email her your real estate news ideas at sdevita@rismedia.com.
