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November 28, 2006

Where Oh Where Can a Gay Ghetto Be?

By Jeff Adolph

Gay Ghettos

178373860_1d8ffe5f0c_mThe largest gay-friendly real estate agent referral service on-line today, GayRealEstate.com, recently partnered with GayGhettos.com, a website that endeavors to list as many national gay-bourhoods as possible over the coming years. The methodology behind the union is to create a diverse LGBT network that offers not only professional service to the buyer and seller of a home but also enables the gay-friendly Realtor a way to generate leads and understand more about their clientele. The beauty of such an initiative is that many within the LGBT community can find a new home, or sell an existing on in a welcoming environment effortlessly.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that GayGhettos.com has released its inaugural listing of the top LGBT neighborhoods in America in order to assist those of you who are searching for a place to call home...

NORTHEAST

Hells_kitchen_4july04Hell’s Kitchen (New York, NY)—The new generation of residents are folks who started looking on the Upper West Side, then realized they could enjoy much the same lifestyle south of Lincoln Center. Gay boutiques, restaurants and nightlife are popping up around the area.

Near Northeast (Syracuse, NY)—Tucked away, as its name states, just northeast of downtown Syracuse is this area with a diverse past and a growing gay population. The Hawley-Green LGBT Neighbors promotes the neighborhood as gay-friendly and gay residents have followed.

New London, CT—Last year’s Supreme Court decision on eminent domain focused a lot of attention on the city of New London. Ready to rise up from its years of decline, this is a great place for investment property buying.

South End (Boston, MA)—Housing in the South End is very expensive by U.S. standards, but it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other central Boston neighborhoods like the Back Bay and Beacon Hill. The community boasts a vibrant gay, black, and young urban professional population. MID-ATLANTIC

Canton/Highlandtown (Baltimore, MD)—Baltimore is fast becoming the low-price alternative to Washington, DC, and its suburbs. And with that movement, Canton has become trendy with its mix of hip, new stores and old boutiques and has a growing gay population, while Highlandtown is just being rediscovered. Both are former industrial hubs enjoying a home-buying renaissance.

New Hope (New Hope, PA)—Nestled along the banks of the Delaware River, the village of New Hope and its surrounding area offers scenic countryside a thriving arts community and is well known for its acceptance of all lifestyles.

Rehoboth Beach (Rehoboth Beach, DE)—Once a gay population on the decline, this seaside community has refurbished its infrastructure, is attracting new commercial activity and increasing its list of year-round residents as well. Its low tax rates, including no sales tax, are points in its favor.

Shaw (Washington, DC)—An area tucked behind and aside the newly revitalized convention center area in the heart of DC. Gay businesses and home-buyers are emerging.

Washington Square West (Philadelphia, PA)—A neighborhood of handsome town homes and charming, narrow back streets where many gay businesses and much of the night life is located.

SOUTHEAST

Midtown (Atlanta, GA)—One of Atlanta's premier neighborhoods. Located in the heart of the city, with both an active arts and business district, as well as a plethora of housing options, one can really live, work and play in this neighborhood. Midtown has a large gay population, and prides itself on diversity and acceptance.

NODA—North Davidson Street (Charlotte, NC)—Known as Charlotte’s historic arts district, the area is quickly becoming a dynamic and eclectic urban community. Gays and lesbians are following.

Oakcliff (Dallas, TX)—Stroll through Oak Cliff and you'll see what old Dallas may have looked a lot like. About half of all businesses are gay-owned. Oak Cliff also has its place in history: After assassinating President John F. Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald was captured in the Texas Theater on W. Jefferson Boulevard.

Uptown (Tampa Bay, FL)—Just north of downtown, Uptown offers several architectural styles, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and has a great history. Brick streets, mature oak trees, and a variety of housing add to the character. Round Lake offers a peaceful respite in an urban area. Prices are still affordable.

MIDWEST

Andersonville (Chicago, IL)—A long-time lesbian neighborhood, gay men have started taking a shine to it as well. known for its unique commercial district, made up almost entirely of locally owned, independent businesses.

East Side (Madison, WI)—A mostly middle-class neighborhood with liberal values and a thriving arts scene.

The Third Ward/South Second (Milwaukee, WI)—Property owners think the corridor's future is best tied to the entertainment and art sectors that are already established along the street. More than a dozen bars and nightclubs dot a one-mile stretch south of the Menomonee River.

Wicker Park (Chicago, IL)—Wonderfully diverse, dynamic neighborhood with a rich history and currently home to one of the largest working-artist populations in the country.

WEST

Hilltop (Tacoma, WA)—With one of the highest populations of gays in Tacoma, the area is cleaning itself up from its gangs and drugs past up and housing prices are rising fast. Gay-owned and gay-friendly lounges have been popping up around this district. The area will only see more gentrification in the years to come due to planned office and condo developments, affordable historic homes, great sense of community and easy access to downtown Tacoma.

Northeast Broadway (Portland, OR)—Portland’s growing east-side population fostered the renaissance of this area, which now boasts a lively collection of cafes and shops. Many of the boutiques are independent, meaning that you won’t find a cookie-cutter approach to your shopping.

Oakland, CA—After years of being the red-headed stepchild of San Francisco, in 2004 the city launched a campaign to lure new gay and lesbian residents. The main focus for property buying is on Park Boulevard near East 18th Street, about two blocks from the southeast shore of Lake Merritt.

Stapleton (Denver, CO)—The old Stapleton Airport grounds have been redeveloped into a new urbanist community. The nation’s largest urban development, it is an urban tapestry of homes, shops, offices, parks and schools in a walkable community of classic city architecture.

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Comments

Long Beach CA has a terrific community with choices of a more urban life, catering to loft living, to ocean views and the more residential suburban living, with Craftsman, Spanish and even some Tudor style homes. There is a thriving and active community with many social groups as well, not just an active bar scene.

I have been on this mailing list for over a year now, and love the site. I just moved to the Bristol Borough area of Lower Bucks County, PA., and I think the area would be a great new area for a gay community. The main strret of Brick Walk Way has shops that are for rent/buy, which lead to the riverfront where there is a old warf, Bristol River theater and some great old great restaurants. It just could be the next New Hope, PA. All we need now is property value upped, more gay people , and Art. Please tell me what you think. Thank-you!

Chicago's top gay neighborhood is still by far Boystown..aka Lakeview. Although prices have soared for housing, the famous Halsted street is still the address for 80% of gay clubs in the city.

How is the gay community in Orlando?

Pedro, I shall add an article or two about Orlando in the near future : )

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RealEstate Products

'Ask a Realtor'


  • Reader Adam’s Question Posted during the month of March Asks :
    That's a nice informative post about Jumbo Loans. It is really helpful for people who want to buy a house with higher costs, but some mortgage companies will let you take out two loans at the same time-one as a first mortgage for the bulk of the money. Plus, a small second mortgage that will work in tandem with the first. I think this also helpful, what do you think?

    Jeff Replies:

    Hi Adam, this is a good point but with the current mortgage crisis it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get financing (if not impossible) for more than 90%, in fact in most cases in today’s market you have to have 20% down ( your own money) to obtain financing for a jumbo loan.

  • Reader Pat’s Question Posted during the month of November Asks:
    Hi Jeff, we live in Memphis and we bought a condo in 2001. The master deed was recorded in 2001 though the complex was not sold out until 2004. Changes were made in the layout of basement parking but were never corrected in the master deed. Ours was one of the changes where the developer made room for two car parking and moved spaces. The master deed gives to the Board of Directors full right to make the changes in the basement exhibit, yet they will not make any changes. As a result, a neighbor has begun to park in front of our cars, which according to the exhibit is his numbered space. A vote is out of the question as the majority of the building would probably like to see us go. We have hired an attorney who is speaking of a 20,000 lawsuit. Do you have any suggestion for a less expensive remedy? Thank You, Pat.

    Jeff Replies:

    Pat, the only other recommendation I may make is the "Title Company" that guaranteed "what you were purchasing" may be able to assist.

    Title insurance is typically paid for by the seller at closing to "insure" the buyer(s) clear and free title at the time of purchase. In fact, the parking spaces were a part of the contract at the time of purchase - they will fight any legal battle to protect your rights.

    Search through your closing documents at look for the "Title Policy" or you can call the closing company or broker that attended the closing with you and ask them for a copy. Call the number on the policy and ask for their legal department and explain your situation and keep meticulous notes in case of legal action down the road.

    The broker that represented you should also be able to assist you in helping to clear this up.

    Both of these options are at no cost to you - at least during the initial investigation period... after that you can make a decision with the assistance of legal council (www.GayLawyer.com ) on what direction to take.

    Good Luck in your quest. Jeff

  • Reader Rob’s Question Posted during the month of August Asks:

    Jeff:Can you refer me to more info or follow-up on the story on PRDC/Robert Niebauer going under. I am an agent in Madison and I am most curious what the real scoop is since they were involved in quite a few projects here.

    Jeff Replies:

    Rob, I shall post some follow-up articles this week on Mr. Niebauer and just what is unfolding in relation to PRDC being unable to meet financial obligations.

  • Reader Larry’s Question Posted during the month of August Asks:

    I'm a 34 year old gay man who lives on disability money. I live in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I'm moving across town at the end of the month. I'm looking for a local gay/gay friendly apartment to move into. Do you rent homes as well buy/sell them/not? I hope so. I have had no luck in the local newspaper at all. So I need some help finding myself a 2 bedroom apartment.

    Jeff Replies:

    Larry, my best suggestion is to try http://www.GayHome.com, which lists gay friendly rental properties across the nation. Good luck and I hope you find a home that is suitable.

  • Reader Iliana’s Question Posted during the month of May Asks:

    I have my active license in use with a local realtor. Can I join your group or do I have to hang my license with your brokerage firm?

    Jeff Replies:

    Hello Iliana, like any other referral company an agent may work with, you are required to be licensed in your state at the firm of your choice. If you wish to join Gay Real Estate you may do so by going to www.gayrealestate.com and in the upper left hand corner of the page is a link that says ‘REALTORS Join’, if you click on this link you can then become a member of our group. We have a list of frequently asked questions which will allow you to familarize yourself with our site and services.

    Thank-you and I wish you well in your endeavors.

  • Reader Anonymous Question Posted during the month of March Asks:

    Is there a gay website that reaches gay investors?

    Jeff Replies:

    There is a new site we just launched which allows anyone to post properties that they would like to target to the gay community!

    http://www.GayHome.com

    The 100,000+ unique visitors to our other on-line group of real estate companies will be directed here to search for properties, sell a home or list a property for rent..

    Jeff

  • Reader Erika’s Question Posted during the month of March Asks:

    I would like to post an article of yours on my website, is this okay?

    Jeff Replies:

    Yes - That would be fine :)

    You may trim the article in any way you see fit... however, my only asks are it does have to contain our original contact information if it had any on it (gayrealestate.com etc.), along with my name and a link back to my blog site. Apart from these requirements you are free to republish my work.

    Thanks - Jeff.

  • Reader Marianne Question Posted during the month of February Asks:

    I Would like to be able to use your site as a link on my real estate websites in VT? I enjoy your blog and would like to share it with my clients, friends and prospects. Please let me know, Thanks

    Jeff Replies:

    Sure Marianne I would greatly appreciate this, and for anyone else that is contemplating adding my blog as a link on their site please do.


    Cheers!

    Jeff

  • Reader Pat’s Question Posted during the month of January Asks:

    Jeff: Could you tell me what usually happen when a domestic partnership ends and the mortgage is going to be assumed by one of the partners. How do we determine the value owed to the leaving partner? Our home is worth $450K but we owe the bank $250K.

    Jeff Replies:

    If the mortgage is held in the name of both partners, the mortgage company will have to agree to release one party from the note, if they do not agree to do that we'd recommend a complete refinance in the name of the remaining party. The property value could be determined by a neutral third party, like a REALTOR selected from the GayRealEstate.com database or a paid Appraisal.

    Of course we always recommend legal counsel with complicated manners, to protect the interest of both parties.

    All my best!

    Jeff

  • Reader Kary’s Question Posted during the month of December Asks:

    Jeff: I have a very unusual historic property that because of age I am putting on the market. It needs the love and care of special individuals. The property has an aura about it and conveys unique feelings. Built in 1787 as a stagecoach inn, currently it is a country inn (B&B) and meeting center near a famous destination point for travelers. It sets on 15 acres, with commercial zoning, area (and permits) for horses, large farm pond w/waterfall, orchard, several gardens (including perennial and herb).

    I have worked very hard to establish a client base that appreciates the amenities and do not wish to see it fall into the hands of those who are not interested in the historic value and beauty. An additional final consideration is that there are several similar nearby properties purchased in the past few years by gay couples.

    Can you give me a direction on where such a property could be posted for sale? You appear to be in touch with the feelings many individuals have for such surroundings. Any direction you could give me would be appreciated.

    Jeff Replies:

    A great new source about to be launched is www.GayHome.com

    This is a new web site that is targeted to the LGBT community, to search for properties that are for sale and targeted to the LGBT Community.

    Here you may advertise your property exclusively to the LGBT Community.

    Keep in mind with a unique property like this; it's often your own visitors that would be interested! And, you mentioned your neighbor's... let them help in find their new neighbor.

    All my best!

    Jeff

  • Reader Richard Adler’s Question Posted during the month of December Asks:

    I am thinking of relocating to the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area of Michigan. I am planning on traveling there this summer and want to know how I can find a gay or gay-friendly realtor who can meet with me, listen to MY needs and financial picture and help me buy a condo in that area?

    Jeff Replies:

    An excellent source is www.GayRealEstate.com, this is the nations largest gay owned and operated residential referral service. Agents listed at GayRealEstate.com are form all the major companies nationwide and you may choose your own agent based upon your criteria! At GayRealEstate.com you can read thru bio's - verify if they are an agent or broker - see what company they work for and the number of years they have been in the business.

    Beware of companies "choosing" an agent for you! Nobody has a better sense of the best agent for you than you.

    Have Fun in Michigan!

    Jeff

  • Reader Condo Blog’s Question Posted during the month of November Asks:

    Just found your website (and blog). Didn’t know there was a site out here serving the Gay community. Do you guys act as a lead generation service or are you brokers as well? Be in touch. Condo Blog?


    Jeff Replies:

    We are direct conduit between LGBT Buyers and Sellers and Gay, Lesbian and Gay Friendly Real Estate Agents Across the country. Additionally, I'm a licensed Real Estate Broker.

    Jeff

  • Reader Kevin’s Question Posted during the month of November Asks:

    Great site Jeff - I was wondering what the difference is between a real estate agent and a real estate broker? Thanks Kevin.


    Jeff Replies:

    A Real Estate Agent is required to work under a Real Estate Broker... a Real Estate Broker has completed additional continuing education to allow them to serve in a "supervisory" position - although that does not mean that a Broker is better equipped to sell your home than a Real Estate Agent. Interview & Ask for References!

    Jeff

  • Reader Anonymous Question Posted during the month of November Asks:

    Jeff I have a question, I recently signed a 6 month listing contract with a realtor who I have since discovered clashes terribly with my personality. We have had several arguments and I wish to cancel my listing with this agent and find another, is this possible?


    Jeff Replies:

    It's a contract so the answer is no... BUT I can assure you if a client of mine was not happy with my performance for legitimate reasons; I'd rather let them out of the contract and remain friends then have them bad mouthing me. Tell your agent your concerns and or call their managing broker and ask to be released from the listing agreement for the following ( blah, blah, blah ) reasons."

    Jeff

  • Reader Marcus’s Question Posted on the 18th of October Asks:

    I have just bought 2 investment properties but I am new to the rental game do you suggest having an agency manage my properties or do it myself?


    Jeff Replies:

    I'm not sure what type of property you're talking about. It may be fairly easy to manage a duplex next door to your home, but if it's in an area you are unfamiliar with it would pay to have an expert - Commercial is a whole new ballgame! It never costs anything to talk to or question the experts - Interview a few and you may learn some tricks of the trade!

    Jeff

  • Reader Pete’s Question Posted on the 20th of October Asks:

    Is Commercial real estate a better investment than residential?

    Jeff Replies:

    Commercial Real Estate is a different animal! Apartments, Office Buildings, Industrial, Strip Centers and many more, all require some close study and expert advice before investing.

    Jeff

  • Do YOU have a Real Estate Question to Ask Jeff?

    Click on Comments
    located at the bottom of each posting and fire away.

    Jeff will respond as soon as he possibly can so you can then pursue your goal.

  • Reader Margaret's Question Posted on the 14th of September Asks:

    I have a Question for Jeff.

    My new home is just about complete and I'm about to do a walk through. What should I be aware of, or looking for and are there any specific questions I should be asking? Do you think I should consider taking a housing expert with me?

    Cheers Margaret

    Jeff Replies:

    Margaret - You're certainly welcome to take along a home inspector if you'd like but I feel it is unnecessary. There is really no guarantee of how well qualified the home inspector is and the builder has had to get permits and approval after each step of development on your home.

    You'll probably have an additional walkthrough after 6 months and maybe even a year... take advantage of those opportunities to get new cracks in the drywall fixed - soils repacked against the foundation, etc.

    Congratulations on your new home!

    Jeff

  • Reader Andria's Question Posted on the 11th of September Asks:

    Dear Jeff,

    I am thinking of buying a mutifamily unit and have several questions in relation to this.

    1) What specific question should I ask my realtor about the property.

    2) If a financial summary is given how do I verify the information.

    3) Should I be consulting a regular R/E attorney or a specialist in this field when buying?

    Thank-you in advance.

    Andria

    Jeff Replies:

    I'm a residential broker and this not my area of expertise. However, I'd recommend a book "How to Buy and Sell Apartment Buildings", available in any major book stores or on-line.

    I'd also highly recommend you work with a broker that specializes in "Income Property" and not a residential broker that sells apartment buildings "on the side"...

    Hire the broker as YOUR "Buyer Broker" (this should cost you nothing - the seller pays all fees). As a buyer broker it will be his or her duty to verify all information is correct!

    I wish you much success : )

    Jeff

  • Reader Phillip's Question Posted on the 12th of September Asks:

    Hi Jeff,

    I have a question.

    I live in Michigan and recently moved out of my apartment. My problem is it has been 90 days since I left and I still have not received the refund of my security deposit, even though the landlord of this premise assured me he would only be witholding $50 for cleaning. How do I go about getting my deposit back?

    Thanks

    Phillip

    Jeff Replies:

    I'd recommend a certified letter to the land lord requesting an immediate refund of your deposit and if he fails to respond, file a claim in small claims court.

    Goodluck...

    Jeff