GayRealEstate USA

Rentals Increase

By Jeff Adolph

Home Price Rises

The current real estate market in places like Southern California, Florida, and Las Vegas is representing a favorable opportunity for those that are renting.

With so many homes on the market and many of these being vacant, and not selling as quickly as anticipated many home owners are electing to rent to cover their mortgage. and, this is presenting a win-win situation for those who are renting.

Firstly, with so many rentals on offer existing landlords are finding it difficult to raise rents. Secondly, rental prices are becoming more competitive with renters getting excellent deals and value leases. Thirdly, renters are also getting incentives in their leases so that they are encouraged to rent certain apartments over others.

Hessann Nadji, director of a real estate investment service in new York said, "What's different now is the degree of excess homes and condos being put on the rental market. The sheer volume is creating more competition for traditional rental markets. According to research data approximately 3.3 million homes and condos have come up for rent, and estimated increase of 6.1%, and this is attributed to a rise in condo developments, which developers are now finding hard to sell. For example - the number of homes for rent in Fort Lauderdale, Florida has risen by more than 11% to 10,000 units.

Ron Suffield, president of a Miami real estate firm said, "Our rental activity is about three times what it was three years ago. Today, for the first time ever for the firm, we're renting more properties than we are selling."

Main Story Source: CNN.com (2008) Renters Profit from Owner's Pain; available online at www.cnn.com

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

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By Jeff Adolph

Home Price Rises

The current real estate market in places like Southern California, Florida, and Las Vegas is representing a favorable opportunity for those that are renting.

With so many homes on the market and many of these being vacant, and not selling as quickly as anticipated many home owners are electing to rent to cover their mortgage. and, this is presenting a win-win situation for those who are renting.

Firstly, with so many rentals on offer existing landlords are finding it difficult to raise rents. Secondly, rental prices are becoming more competitive with renters getting excellent deals and value leases. Thirdly, renters are also getting incentives in their leases so that they are encouraged to rent certain apartments over others.

Hessann Nadji, director of a real estate investment service in new York said, "What's different now is the degree of excess homes and condos being put on the rental market. The sheer volume is creating more competition for traditional rental markets. According to research data approximately 3.3 million homes and condos have come up for rent, and estimated increase of 6.1%, and this is attributed to a rise in condo developments, which developers are now finding hard to sell. For example - the number of homes for rent in Fort Lauderdale, Florida has risen by more than 11% to 10,000 units.

Ron Suffield, president of a Miami real estate firm said, "Our rental activity is about three times what it was three years ago. Today, for the first time ever for the firm, we're renting more properties than we are selling."

Main Story Source: CNN.com (2008) Renters Profit from Owner's Pain; available online at www.cnn.com

Picture Source: Microsoft Clipart Online

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LGBT Zipcodes -- A Closer Look -- West Hollywood

By Jeff Adolph

Hip and Happening Homes

West Hollywood, one of GayRealEstate USA's gayest zipcodes is selling condo's like hot cakes, by introducing innovative ways of selling to their target audience.

'The 105-unit Rob Clark', owned and operated by Athena Group of New York, is niche marketed to hip professionals, and these are the people who are purchasing the condo's -- creative's, and in their droves.

Why? Well, Rob Clark is a fictitious character who is a little flamboyant with impeccable taste, and the imaginary Mr. Clark has left his mark on many with a touch of fragrance and clothing scattered through the early condo model, which gave those visiting the impression that Mr. Clark had been there only moments before. This of course is aimed at actors and actresses, and other like minded creative's, all of which the owners are hoping to attract into the development. And, with only 11 condo's remaining it looks as if their sales technique may be working.

The condo's range between the mid $400,000's to the high $500,000's, with homeowner fee's being approximately $300 per month. Units range between 500 and 1,200 sq feet in size and come with either 1 or 2 bedrooms.

As one resident, an acting student says, 'You don't even have to leave the building to feel like you're in a hip, chic community.'  

Main Story Source: Vesilind, Emily (2008) Even in a Dowm Market, Creative Developers Find Success by Limiting their Audience; available on-line at www.latimes.com

Picture Source: www.weblo.com (real estate)

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Landlord-Tennant Dispute Reminder of Agreement Importance

By Jeff Adolph

Special Interest

A landlord-tenant dispute in Castro is a stark reminder of the importance of tenancy agreements and how they protect the rights of all concerned.

Chris Vaughn, 29 and his 24 year-old partner, Ben Quirk (pictured above), are currently involved in a rental dispute over their residence, which they have spent thousands on to make it inhabitable.

The couple who shared with friends who were the original lease holders of the property until August of 2007, were never added to the lease, so when their friends moved the couple were subjected to rental rate increases.

Vaughn and Quirk's residence was originally priced at $1,500 a month, however,  West Coast Property Management who managed the rent have stipulated that the owners wish to raise the rent of the apartment to $4,000 per month, which to couple cannot afford.

What is even more disturbing is Vaughn and Quirk are not alone in their battle, across America every day there are many other renters that face similar circumstances. This is why it is of the utmost importance that you sign a lease prior to moving into residence, and that you are fully aware of your rights and obligations.

A rental agreement is a contract that is legally binding and states the parties who the agreement is between, the residence that is being rented, the term of the agreement and exactly how much you are expected to pay to reside in the residence. Without such a document it is extremely hard to prove facts in a  court of law.

Main Story Source: Hemmelgarn, Seth (2008) Couple Fights to Stay in Apartment; available online at http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=2980

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By Jeff Adolph

Special Interest

A landlord-tenant dispute in Castro is a stark reminder of the importance of tenancy agreements and how they protect the rights of all concerned.

Chris Vaughn, 29 and his 24 year-old partner, Ben Quirk (pictured above), are currently involved in a rental dispute over their residence, which they have spent thousands on to make it inhabitable.

The couple who shared with friends who were the original lease holders of the property until August of 2007, were never added to the lease, so when their friends moved the couple were subjected to rental rate increases.

Vaughn and Quirk's residence was originally priced at $1,500 a month, however,  West Coast Property Management who managed the rent have stipulated that the owners wish to raise the rent of the apartment to $4,000 per month, which to couple cannot afford.

What is even more disturbing is Vaughn and Quirk are not alone in their battle, across America every day there are many other renters that face similar circumstances. This is why it is of the utmost importance that you sign a lease prior to moving into residence, and that you are fully aware of your rights and obligations.

A rental agreement is a contract that is legally binding and states the parties who the agreement is between, the residence that is being rented, the term of the agreement and exactly how much you are expected to pay to reside in the residence. Without such a document it is extremely hard to prove facts in a  court of law.

Main Story Source: Hemmelgarn, Seth (2008) Couple Fights to Stay in Apartment; available online at http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=2980

Picture Source: www.ebar.com and Microsoft Clipart

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By Jeff Adolph

Special Interest

A landlord-tenant dispute in Castro is a stark reminder of the importance of tenancy agreements and how they protect the rights of all concerned.

Chris Vaughn, 29 and his 24 year-old partner, Ben Quirk (pictured above), are currently involved in a rental dispute over their residence, which they have spent thousands on to make it inhabitable.

The couple who shared with friends who were the original lease holders of the property until August of 2007, were never added to the lease, so when their friends moved the couple were subjected to rental rate increases.

Vaughn and Quirk's residence was originally priced at $1,500 a month, however,  West Coast Property Management who managed the rent have stipulated that the owners wish to raise the rent of the apartment to $4,000 per month, which to couple cannot afford.

What is even more disturbing is Vaughn and Quirk are not alone in their battle, across America every day there are many other renters that face similar circumstances. This is why it is of the utmost importance that you sign a lease prior to moving into residence, and that you are fully aware of your rights and obligations.

A rental agreement is a contract that is legally binding and states the parties who the agreement is between, the residence that is being rented, the term of the agreement and exactly how much you are expected to pay to reside in the residence. Without such a document it is extremely hard to prove facts in a  court of law.

Main Story Source: Hemmelgarn, Seth (2008) Couple Fights to Stay in Apartment; available online at http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=2980

Picture Source: www.ebar.com and Microsoft Clipart

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Rossmoor Homeowners

Jeff Adolph

Retirement Complexes

Who would think of purchasing their first home when they were in their 60's? Well it seems that many retirees are, after decades of renting.

The 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse cost $350,000, however the price tag was less than homes in any neighboring cities and the retirement community offers a spectacular safe haven, filled with like-minded individuals.

Rossmoor is one of the largest and oldest retirement complexes in California. The facility comprises of some 6,000 + apartments, single-family homes and townhouses, and is set on 2,200 acres of land. Many of Rossmoor's 8,000 + residents still work, and they like the sanctity that the complex provides.

Rossmoor opened in 1964 and has expanded gradually over the last 45 years. Homes start from $98,800 for the smaller apartments and go up to $1.39 million for a grand single-family home.

There were 176 properties for sale in Rossmoor this month, which was less than the average number of 235 during the 2006/2007 fiscal year. John Russell, local Realtor expects this number to decrease further as baby boomer's begin to retire in the coming years, and home prices begin to appreciate in value once again.

Homeowners Association fees range from $425-4725 per month, depending on the location of the homes. Residents also pay property taxes of between $200 and $1,000 a month depending on their home values. 

To find out more about Urbane Apartments please visit www.urbaneapts.com.

Rossmoor LGBT Real Estate Facts: The Rossmoor population comprises of .5% of same-sex couples, and the beauty of such a facility is it is diversified with heterosexual and gay couples living harmoniously together. There are gay resident groups and lesbian organizations that are always made to feel welcome. Lorraine Grawoig, president of Parents, Family and friends of Lesbians and gays says she has never felt uncomfortable about heading the club.  

Main Story Source: Hollis, R (2008) Rossmoor is Where Older Homeowners Thrive; available online at http://www.sfisonline.com

Picture Source: rossmoor.com

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Around the Nation: Residential Real Estate Update - California

By Jeff Adolph

State-by-state Update

Situated on the West Coast of the United States with a population of 36,457,549, California is the nations highest populated state. Home to several significant economic regions such as, Hollywood, California Central Valley, Napa Valley and Silicon Valley, California's main sources of income stem from entertainment, agriculture, wine production and computer technology.

Income tax in California is as high as 9.3% and there are 6 taxation brackets. This state also collects sales and property tax, with property tax being based on fair market value at the time of purchase, and not increasing as real estate prices rise.

Across California home prices seem to be priced from $500,000 and up though in some regions like Orangevale and Lakewood the median price hovers around the $350,000 mark.

West Hollywood

The market price in this region is up 10-15% compared to last years prices with homes in this region typically sit on the market for 30-60 days and sellers getting 90-95% of their asking price. The median price per square foot in West Hollywood is around the $574 mark, with 2-3 bedroom homes selling in the range of $800,000 and up.

LGBT Real Estate Facts: There are 92,138 same-sex couples residing in California making this state the gayest in the nation. Most of these couples reside in Los Angeles with the gayest zip code being 94114 - The Castro. Other highly populated zip codes are West Hollywood (90064), Twin Peakes (94131), and Haight (94117). -- gaydemographics.org

Main Story Source: House Hunt (2008) Real Estate Market Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

Picture Source: wikipedia.org 

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'Milk' Expected to Increase the Castro's Popularity

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Special Interest

The filming of Milk, a movie depicting the life of America's first openly gay man elected to public office, and how The Castro played a significant role in the birth of the gay rights movement, began this week.

Filmed in The Castro, San Fransisco, California; the movie is expected to have a positive impact on the region, raising the profile of the neighborhood both in a realty and tourist sense, and attracting greater business.

California has approximately 1,338,164 gay residents and is ranked as America's gayest state. Of this figure, 15.4% of the LGBT population reside in San Fransisco, with 256,313 living in the metropolitan area. Of this population, a staggering 41% of LGBT reside in The Castro.

While The Castro is classed as the main LGBT region in California, real estate price rises in the past have made it harder for the younger gay population to reside in the area. However, in light of recent events and the lowering of interest rates housing affordability for first home buyers across the nation has improved.

If you have a high credit score, good employment and a sizable down payment, now may be the time to consider breaking into the real estate market especially while interest rates are at an all time low.

Real Estate Facts: The national median price for a single-family home is around the $220,000 mark while The Castro hovers around the $620,000 mark. Condo's and new homes are a little cheaper at $587,500. -- sfgate.com.  

Main Story and Picture Source: Bajko, M (2008) Castro Merchants Bank on Movie Magic; available online at http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=2656

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Gays as Real Estate Pioneers

By Jeff Adolph

Residential LGBT Buys

Many people consider gays as real estate pioneers. This because for decades the LGBT community has stumbles upon bargain realty in not-so well established areas and has transformed them into thriving real estate hubs and meccas that attract higher home prices and others into the area.

This scenario has steadily seen heterosexuals and gays able to live in harmony together and give the LGBT community greater acceptance. So much so, that many Realtors report that straight clients in search of a residential bargain often ask, 'So, where are the gay's moving?'

As one gay Realtor said, 'I think gay couples are more willing to go into an edgy area. Most straight people dream of moving to the 'burbs. Most gay's I know can't get away from the 'burbs fast enough.'

This being said, exactly where are gays moving to in 2008, and what is considered a real estate bargain in L.A?

Downtown, Eagle Rock and Lincoln Heights seem to be draw-cards at the moment. With gay couples also reporting that Montecito Heights, and Glassell Park are as equally opportunistic.

Regional Real Estate Facts - Downtown -- Median: $520K -- Downtown is a mixture of modern and period architecture dating back to the 1900's and is considered as L.A's business district. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Eagle Rock -- Median: $520K -- A neighborhood in northeastern L.A and home to architecturally significant homes in the styles of Craftsman, Georgian, Streamline Moderne, Art Deco and Spanish/Median Mission. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Lincoln Heights -- Median: $377K -- Situated northeast of Downtown this area dates back to the 1870's. The best areas to consider purchasing in are 'The Hills' and 'Lincoln Heights' estates with panoramic views of the city. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Montecito Heights -- Median: $360K -- A small district on the east side of L.A, this district is somewhat isolated, yet upscale, and has stunning views of the city. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Glassell Park -- Median: $450K -- Situated alongside Eagle Rock on the northeast and Mount Washington on the south, this neighborhood is an older L.A district with many beautiful Craftsman homes to offer at relatively low prices. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Source: Dakota (2008) Per a Real Estate Agent, Where the gays are Heading to Buy; available on-line at www.lacurbed.com

Image Source: www.lacurbed.com and www.wikipedia.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Residential LGBT Buys

Many people consider gays as real estate pioneers. This because for decades the LGBT community has stumbles upon bargain realty in not-so well established areas and has transformed them into thriving real estate hubs and meccas that attract higher home prices and others into the area.

This scenario has steadily seen heterosexuals and gays able to live in harmony together and give the LGBT community greater acceptance. So much so, that many Realtors report that straight clients in search of a residential bargain often ask, 'So, where are the gay's moving?'

As one gay Realtor said, 'I think gay couples are more willing to go into an edgy area. Most straight people dream of moving to the 'burbs. Most gay's I know can't get away from the 'burbs fast enough.'

This being said, exactly where are gays moving to in 2008, and what is considered a real estate bargain in L.A?

Downtown, Eagle Rock and Lincoln Heights seem to be draw-cards at the moment. With gay couples also reporting that Montecito Heights, and Glassell Park are as equally opportunistic.

Regional Real Estate Facts - Downtown -- Median: $520K -- Downtown is a mixture of modern and period architecture dating back to the 1900's and is considered as L.A's business district. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Eagle Rock -- Median: $520K -- A neighborhood in northeastern L.A and home to architecturally significant homes in the styles of Craftsman, Georgian, Streamline Moderne, Art Deco and Spanish/Median Mission. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Lincoln Heights -- Median: $377K -- Situated northeast of Downtown this area dates back to the 1870's. The best areas to consider purchasing in are 'The Hills' and 'Lincoln Heights' estates with panoramic views of the city. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Montecito Heights -- Median: $360K -- A small district on the east side of L.A, this district is somewhat isolated, yet upscale, and has stunning views of the city. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Glassell Park -- Median: $450K -- Situated alongside Eagle Rock on the northeast and Mount Washington on the south, this neighborhood is an older L.A district with many beautiful Craftsman homes to offer at relatively low prices. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Source: Dakota (2008) Per a Real Estate Agent, Where the gays are Heading to Buy; available on-line at www.lacurbed.com

Image Source: www.lacurbed.com and www.wikipedia.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Residential LGBT Buys

Many people consider gays as real estate pioneers. This because for decades the LGBT community has stumbles upon bargain realty in not-so well established areas and has transformed them into thriving real estate hubs and meccas that attract higher home prices and others into the area.

This scenario has steadily seen heterosexuals and gays able to live in harmony together and give the LGBT community greater acceptance. So much so, that many Realtors report that straight clients in search of a residential bargain often ask, 'So, where are the gay's moving?'

As one gay Realtor said, 'I think gay couples are more willing to go into an edgy area. Most straight people dream of moving to the 'burbs. Most gay's I know can't get away from the 'burbs fast enough.'

This being said, exactly where are gays moving to in 2008, and what is considered a real estate bargain in L.A?

Downtown, Eagle Rock and Lincoln Heights seem to be draw-cards at the moment. With gay couples also reporting that Montecito Heights, and Glassell Park are as equally opportunistic.

Regional Real Estate Facts - Downtown -- Median: $520K -- Downtown is a mixture of modern and period architecture dating back to the 1900's and is considered as L.A's business district. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Eagle Rock -- Median: $520K -- A neighborhood in northeastern L.A and home to architecturally significant homes in the styles of Craftsman, Georgian, Streamline Moderne, Art Deco and Spanish/Median Mission. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Lincoln Heights -- Median: $377K -- Situated northeast of Downtown this area dates back to the 1870's. The best areas to consider purchasing in are 'The Hills' and 'Lincoln Heights' estates with panoramic views of the city. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Montecito Heights -- Median: $360K -- A small district on the east side of L.A, this district is somewhat isolated, yet upscale, and has stunning views of the city. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Glassell Park -- Median: $450K -- Situated alongside Eagle Rock on the northeast and Mount Washington on the south, this neighborhood is an older L.A district with many beautiful Craftsman homes to offer at relatively low prices. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Source: Dakota (2008) Per a Real Estate Agent, Where the gays are Heading to Buy; available on-line at www.lacurbed.com

Image Source: www.lacurbed.com and www.wikipedia.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Residential LGBT Buys

Many people consider gays as real estate pioneers. This because for decades the LGBT community has stumbles upon bargain realty in not-so well established areas and has transformed them into thriving real estate hubs and meccas that attract higher home prices and others into the area.

This scenario has steadily seen heterosexuals and gays able to live in harmony together and give the LGBT community greater acceptance. So much so, that many Realtors report that straight clients in search of a residential bargain often ask, 'So, where are the gay's moving?'

As one gay Realtor said, 'I think gay couples are more willing to go into an edgy area. Most straight people dream of moving to the 'burbs. Most gay's I know can't get away from the 'burbs fast enough.'

This being said, exactly where are gays moving to in 2008, and what is considered a real estate bargain in L.A?

Downtown, Eagle Rock and Lincoln Heights seem to be draw-cards at the moment. With gay couples also reporting that Montecito Heights, and Glassell Park are as equally opportunistic.

Regional Real Estate Facts - Downtown -- Median: $520K -- Downtown is a mixture of modern and period architecture dating back to the 1900's and is considered as L.A's business district. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Eagle Rock -- Median: $520K -- A neighborhood in northeastern L.A and home to architecturally significant homes in the styles of Craftsman, Georgian, Streamline Moderne, Art Deco and Spanish/Median Mission. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Lincoln Heights -- Median: $377K -- Situated northeast of Downtown this area dates back to the 1870's. The best areas to consider purchasing in are 'The Hills' and 'Lincoln Heights' estates with panoramic views of the city. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Montecito Heights -- Median: $360K -- A small district on the east side of L.A, this district is somewhat isolated, yet upscale, and has stunning views of the city. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Glassell Park -- Median: $450K -- Situated alongside Eagle Rock on the northeast and Mount Washington on the south, this neighborhood is an older L.A district with many beautiful Craftsman homes to offer at relatively low prices. -- Trulia.com and Wikipedia

Source: Dakota (2008) Per a Real Estate Agent, Where the gays are Heading to Buy; available on-line at www.lacurbed.com

Image Source: www.lacurbed.com and www.wikipedia.com

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Domestic Partners in California

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Legalities

Domestic Partners in California have come out victorious after the Supreme Court rejected an appeal by County assessors to prevent them from recieving the same property tax breaks as married homosexual couples.

The earlier October ruling which granted registered domestic partners, whether they are same-sex or heterosexual, the right to inherit real estate from each other, providing one partner is over the age of 61 years was contested, but overruled.

Under Proposition 13 property taxes were fixed to 1% of the value of the property and were restricted to increases of 2% per annum. However, when a property changed ownership the property was then able to be reassessed at full market value, which added significant tax to the property.

Initially, this legislation neglected to define ownership changes and a year after its introduction in the late 70's, transfers of property at the time of death or divorce to husbands, wives, children or grandchildren became exempt.

In 2003 the Board of Equalization ruled that domestic partners would also be inclusive in the exemption, and state law ruled the same in 2005.

County assessors disagreed with this new ruling and in October of 2007 challenged the new law in court, only to be denied review.

Geoff Kors, executive director of gay-rightd group Equality California, praised the court's action. 'A surviving domestic partner should not have to lose the family home because he or she must pay taxes that a surviving married spouse does not,' he said.

Source: Egelko, B (2008) Domestic Partners Get Same Property Tax Break as Surviving Spouses; available online at www.sfgate.com

Image Source: www.answers.com and www.sanfranciscosentinel.com

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Castro Business and City Planners Consider Chain Stores

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Retail Developments

Merchants, city planners and residents of the Castro will 'engage in debates' over chain stores, this week.

The Castro/Upper Market Community Benefits District board voted not to back a ban on chain stores in October of this year. They also urged the Merchants of Upper Market and, Castro the gay neighborhood's business group to do the same, which 'sparked a heated debate.'

District 8 supervisor, Bevan Duffy, who will have to enforce the ban if legislation is approved, is not himself in favor of the bill.

'I am open to people making the case but I am not really seeing a line-up of chain stores,' Duffy said. 'I have been forthright with major property owners that formula retail, I think, is incompatible for the neighborhood. I am just not on board with the argument that an across-the-board prohibition is in the best interests of the neighborhood.'

If the ban does go through the impact on the area will be immediate with Levi Strauss & Company, a nationwide clothing company being unable to open in the region.

Senior manager of Levi's corporate communications department, E.J Bemacki, said his company was still committed to opening in the Castro.

'We have a long affinity and relationship with the LGBT community, especially during the early days when the Castro was being born...,' said Benji who is gay and resides in the Castro.

Next week will decide exactly which way the region will go and there is sure to be several groups awaiting the verdict with baited breathe.

Source: Bemacki, M.S (2007) Retail politics to Hit the Castro; available online at www.ebar.com

Image Source: www.ebar.com and www.viewimages.com

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Fair Housing: What You Can and Can't Say

By Jeff Adolph

Fair Housing Laws

1968 saw the introduction of Federal fair housing laws in America, which was a part of the Civil Rights Act. In 1988 these laws were amended and addressed real estate agents,landlords, brokers, owners and lenders who discriminate against others based on color, religion, sex, disability, national origin and family status.

Californian laws also include age, creed, gender identity, sexual preference, occupation, medical condition and ancestry.

These laws prevent the refusal to rent, sell or lend to an individual based on any of the mentioned factors, as well as inhibit advertising from using discriminatory terminology.

Katarine Holland, a real estate agent in San Francisco who recently attended a class on fair housing this year is far more aware of her obligations under the ruling. For example: 'telling a gay client that there are a lot of gay people in the building, ' could be viewed as discriminatory Holland felt. Holland who is gay and successfully markets herself as a gay Realtor also has made a note of not using specific phrases like 'within walking distance' for fear of offending anyone in a wheelchair.

However, Bryan Greene, deputy assistant for enforcement in HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity felt that this may be stretching the law beyond its capabilities.

Phrases like 'ideal for families' or disabled access are fine. Though, you wouldn't say the same for a listing which claimed to be 'ideal for white families'.

'Therefore, it is fair to say that the HUD isn't engaged in a 'gotcha' game over the use of (certain) words'.

Source: Lloyd, C (2007) Whats Behind Realtor.com's Taboo Words?; available online at www.sfgate.com

Image Source: www.sha.state.sc.us and www.intranet.baltimorehousing.org

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