Survey: Fear Keeps Many LGBT Americans Out of Homeownership – NMP
Industry News

Survey: Fear Keeps Many LGBT Americans Out of Homeownership

Mar 28, 2019
Photo credit: Getty Images/AlxeyPnferov

Homeownership rates for LGBT Americans are 16 percent below the national average, according to a survey released by the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP)–and the fear of discrimination is the primary reason for this low number.
 
A survey of more than 640 NAGLREP members found that 44 percent of respondents believed potential LGBT homebuyers were apprehensive over how they would be welcomed in a new community, while 40 percent said LGBT buyers would be overly concerned with neighbor and community reaction if they were to have children. Twenty-seven percent of respondents said they believed LGBT buyers would “settle” for a home without fully exploring other choices and 24 percent stated the fear of discrimination would deter LGBT renters from buying a home.
 
The Fair Housing Act was never amended to include sexual orientation as a protected class.
 
NAGLREP members are bullish on the future of the Equality Act. Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) recently reintroduced The Equality Act, a proposed legislation that would prohibit housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and 62 percent of survey respondents said they believed federal protection would be extended within four years. And, when it passes, 47 percent of members believed LGBT housing rates will increase by five percent or more.
 
“The survey is the first time we have explored how the potential of housing discrimination impacts on LGBT homeownership rates and the timing of the report could not be better,” NAGLREP founder Jeff Berger said. “The Equality Act, which would protect LGBTs from discrimination in a variety of areas, including housing, was just re-introduced in Congress and we will leverage our LGBT Housing Policy Summit to learn where things stand and how we can further educate the real estate industry at the local and state level.”
 
About the author
Phil Hall
Link copied
Published
Mar 28, 2019
Get the NMP Daily
Wholesale
Rocket Pro Broadens Refi Pricing Push, Extends 100-BPS Purchase Credit

August Power Play reaches beyond cash-out refinances while pairing near-term pricing incentives with a longer-term broker technology play

Rocket Pro is broadening its refinance incentive and extending its stacked purchase credit for August, giving mortgage brokers another reason to revisit past clients while elevated rates continue to limit origination volume.The wholesale lender’s August Power Play increases ...

Continue reading
Non-QM
Angel Oak Boosts Non-QM, HELOC Purchases 39% In Q2

Executives point to healthy securitization demand and fresh capital for additional loan purchases during the mortgage REIT’s second-quarter earnings call

Angel Oak Mortgage REIT purchased $204 million in newly originated Non-QM mortgages and home equity lines of credit during the second quarter, up approximately 39% from a year earlier but down 17% from the first quarter.The results, combined with two securitizations complete...

Continue reading
Renew your NMLS License — for free.

Enjoy access to a free NMLS renewal class when you attend an in-person event.

Find an event
More from
Industry News
The Fed Held. The Mortgage Market Got A Warning.

Three policymakers favored an immediate hike, while Warsh welcomed higher bond yields and offered no clear path toward mortgage-rate relief

Industry News
Jul 30, 2026
New Study Finds UWM's 'All-In' Triggered Industrywide Pricing Spillovers

Research shows wholesale competitors responded to the 2021 Rocket ban by lowering mortgage rates,

Industry News
Jul 15, 2026
First Major Housing Reform In Decades Becomes Law Without Trump's Signature

Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act advances supply, construction, and mortgage reforms despite White House protest

Industry News
Jul 10, 2026
Mortgage Star Conference Honors Women Shaping The Future Of Mortgage Leadership

MWLC honors leaders driving innovation, mentorship, and growth across the mortgage industry

Industry News
Jul 09, 2026
June Jobs Report Improves Mortgage Rate Outlook

Slower hiring strengthens bonds and eases concerns over additional Fed tightening

Industry News
Jul 02, 2026
NEXA Founder Mike Kortas Launches evoLend To Help Originators Retain Borrowers

New Fannie Mae-, Freddie Mac- and Ginnie Mae-approved mortgage servicer aims to keep originators connected to borrowers through servicing data, payoff visibility and retention tools

Industry News
Jul 02, 2026