Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. I am a problem solver that offers a great experience with a successful outcome. Palm Springs is known internationally as a GLBT playground where homebuyers will feel accepted. See… Read more »
Monthly Archives: September 2013
Las Vegas’s City Center Makes a Comeback
Check into the Mandarin Oriental on the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, look out the window of your room and you might see something you didn’t quite expect. Yes, there are people living in the building across from you. The lights and TVs and stoves are on at the Veer Towers, where condos have… Read more »
New York City Announces Urban Renewal Project
The city on Wednesday announced plans for a residential, commercial and cultural complex on a large swath of undeveloped land on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Long known as the Seward Park Renewal Area project, the new Essex Crossing complex will be built on nine city-owned lots over a span of many years. It will include… Read more »
Featured Gay Friendly Realtor: Ron Rasmussen, Las Vegas
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Ron is a Las Vegas reale state agent who believes in honesty & integrity. Las Vegas is a remarkable city to live & play! See Ron’s Expanded Listing on… Read more »
Why Go to A Real Estate Broker?
In this era, when everything seems available on the Internet and we appear just a click away from buying anything from a new bathing suit to a new yacht, why should we bother with a real estate agent? Good question and it bears a real discussion. Why can’t sellers and buyers just deal directly and… Read more »
New LGBT Senior Apartments Opening in Minnesota
As rapidly as times are changing, the age group with the lowest acceptance for the LGBT community is inevitably seniors–which is especially difficult for those LGBT senior citizens in need of affordable housing. However, as of September 1, LGBT seniors now have an option custom-made for them: the newly opened Spirit on Lake apartments in… Read more »
Terry’s Blog: Home Buying: Learn the Secrets in Minutes
The different rules and regulations, the financing, the search, the home buying process can drive you up a wall. Learn the different tricks and tips for a more successful home buying experience. When looking to purchase a home, do not hire an appraiser who was recommended to you by your agent. Due to a conflict… Read more »
Terry’s Blog: Real Estate Tips That Will Save You Money
The different regulations, rules and other parts of the real estate purchasing process can make you crazy. It is imperative to learn the tricks of the trade in the real estate market in order to have a great home buying experience. For prime real estate pay close attention to the reputation of the schools in… Read more »
Featured Gay Friendly Realtor: Andrew Aceves, San Bernardino, California
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Andrew has been a licensed Realtor since 1990 – specializing in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. See Andrew’s Expanded Listing on Gay Realty Network Here Gay Friendly… Read more »
Location Matters When Buying a Home
You’ve already made a lot of choices in your decision to buy a home. You know how many bedrooms you will need. You’ve figured out the size of your back yard and even what kind of kitchen cabinets you want. But you don’t quite know exactly where you should be looking for your dream house…. Read more »
Large Condo Project Opens Sales in Downtown Seattle
The first major condo project launched since the real estate bust started sales this past weekend. Insignia, under construction at Sixth Avenue and Bell Street, will have twin 41-story towers atop a shared base. The first phase, set to open in spring 2015, contains 350 one- and two-bedroom condos, priced from a little under $500,000… Read more »
Gayborhoods of the Florida Central Gulf Coast – Flood Insurance Costs
When members of our community think of moving of purchasing a home in Florida, invariably they picture living on or near the beach. Their wish list starts with either a water view or a house on a canal. The expected cost of such a location is usually significantly underestimated as well. As I shall explain,… Read more »
Terry’s Blog: Solid Advice That Can Improve Your Credit Rating
At some time or another we find ourselves with the inability to pay our bills. If one thing in life is certain it is that the bill man, and the debt collector have no mercy. The unfortunate result is bad credit. However, bad credit can be repaired if you are willing to work at it…. Read more »
Terry’s Blog: Check Out These Real Estate Tips if You Are Thinking of Selling
So just what is going on with selling real estate in this day and age? With everything else going on in your life, it can be nearly impossible to keep track of the latest trends and information. Here in this article, you can find some great information that will help you to better understand this… Read more »
In DC, Urban is The New Suburban
The D.C. market is hot and buyers are looking for proximity to entertainment and smaller, more energy-efficient spaces. (Photo public domain) Whether we’ve worn Coco Chanel’s little black dress or an impeccably tailored Ralph Lauren tuxedo, it’s clear that black evening attire has long been associated with elegance, both understated and timeless. In 1983, however,… Read more »
New York to Get New Condo Super Towers
The astounding condo sales for the nearly completed One57 at the southern edge of Central Park has spurred the construction of three more super-skyscrapers, all of which will be even taller and will challenge national height records for residential buildings. Gizmodo has published a breakdown of the coming towers and the one in the center… Read more »
Featured Gay Friendly Realtor: Wesley Piercy, Kansas City
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Wesley Piercy is a licensed Realtor who has worked for nearly 15 years in the Kansas City Metro region. See Wesley’s Expanded Listing on Gay Realty Network Here Gay… Read more »
Military Home Lender to Provide Financing for Married Same Sex Couples
The Department of Veterans Affairs was among the last of the federal government organizations to extend benefits to same-sex couples, but now gay spouses are eligible to receive VA-back home loans, in states where their marriages are legally recognized. The VA Home Loan Centers, which operates as a privately held government loan specialist group will… Read more »
Terry’s Blog: Good Solid Advice About Home Mortgages that Anyone Can Use
 If you’re looking into home mortgages, then you surely are excited. It’s time to buy a home! However, what you might realize is there is quite a lot of information to take in, and how do you sort all of this out to get to the mortgage company and product that you need? Keep… Read more »
Terry’s Blog: Follow This Advise to Get Your Home Sold
It is a common misconception among Americans that selling a home is an especially difficult task. While it is not always easy, if you have the advice of a professional, or you follow helpful tips like these you will find that it is not as difficult as you might think. Don’t rely on your Realtor… Read more »
Featured Gay Friendly Realtor: Christian J. Stallman, Phoenix, Arizona
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Christian is a metropolitan Phoenix Real Estate agent specializing in buying or selling of homes, condos, lofts and land. The Phoenix Metropolitan Area has a vast diversity of home… Read more »
Where is Milwaukee’s Gayborhood?
Welcome to Milwaukee’s Gayborhood! Most of the action is situated around two areas, the Historic Third Ward and Walkers Point. Dozens of old warehouses in Historic Third Ward have been converted into amazing lofts, art galleries, chic cafes and stunning lounges. Walker’s Point serves as one of the main gay residential areas in the city,… Read more »
Is Philadelphia’s Gayborhood a Victim of Its Own Success?
When Heshie Zinman moved to Center City in 1979, the gay bars had no windows, and it would be decades before they did. Center City then still functioned like a cheap refuge: It was dirty, not entirely safe, a catchment of the city’s red-light activity and its more frenetic culture, and it caught those who… Read more »
Where is Oklahoma City’s Gayborhood?
The NW 39th Street Enclave, also known as “39th & Penn” or simply “39th Street”, is a prominent lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) district in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The area is located along NW 39th Street in the city’s northwest quadrant, one block west of Pennsylvania Avenue. The NW 39th Street Enclave is home… Read more »
Urban Cool – Factories Converted Into Homes
This article over at Redfin caught our eye – factories that have been converted into homes. Redfin reports: At the turn of the century factories were popping up all over the United States, but starting in the 1970s those factories began to shut down one by one. Many of them were built in what used… Read more »
Featured Gay Friendly Realtor: Rich Bennett, San Francisco
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Rich moved to San Francisco from Michigan in 1991 and hasnever looked back. He loves both architecture and real estate, which led him to begin his career selling real… Read more »
USA, Washington DC: Sellers Market Finally Cooling Off?
It looks like the overheated Washington DC real estate market may finally be slowing down little. The Washington Blade reports: First, the D.C. real estate market is about to enter its fall season of active listings — the second big market of the year after spring, which will increase the inventory of available homes for… Read more »
US Housing Market: Roaring?
Over at the Washington Post, they’re reporting that buying a home is now as hard as it was five years ago. That’s right: According to the National Association of Realtors, it’s almost as hard to afford a house as it was back when the financial crisis started to hit in 2008. But is that good… Read more »
Is All of Portland, Oregon A Gayborhood?
Like many major cities, Portland, Oregon is becoming more and more integrated. it’s hard to find a single gayborhood in the city. but realtor Corey Eubanks has a list: “So, where is the gay neighborhood here in Portland?†That is a question that we get asked A LOT here in the fabulous PDX region. And,… Read more »
The 10 Most Common Defects Found During Home in Sections
During the home inspection process, home inspectors report that most home defects are extremely similar. In light of this, knowing these common home problems can help both the buyer and seller be more proactive in the homebuying process. For sellers, you can take a quick inventory of your home to see if any problems exist,… Read more »
Terry’s Blog:Tips on Getting A PayDay Loan
This type of economy makes staying afloat, harder than usual. Payday loans are one of the many options available. Payday loans are one way to get money fast when you need it. However, because they can be complicated and potentially make your finances worse, it is important to learn about them before deciding whether or… Read more »
Featured Gay Friendly Realtor: Dan Charette, St. Petersburg, Florida
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Working with the gay community is my main focus. Representing buyers and sellers with the best service. References provided! The St. Petersburg area has become the new mecca for… Read more »
Top 5 Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make
Though the real estate industry is changing every day, mistakes made by first time homebuyers seem not to change that much. The mistakes range from mismanaging their financial picture, to finding the perfect home before being qualified, to choosing the wrong lender. Below are the top five mistakes first time buyers make: Wrong moves in… Read more »
Philadelphia Gayborhood’s LGBT Bookstore May Close
THE NATION’S oldest LGBT bookstore may be facing its final chapter as its longtime owner plans to sell ahead of his retirement this winter. Giovanni’s Room has served the city’s gay community from the corner of 12th and Pine streets since moving there in 1976 from its original location on South Street, where it opened… Read more »
Terry’s Blog:Useful Tips When Buying A New Home
 With all there is to consider, location, financing, inspections and more, the home buying game can make a sane person nutty. Knowing all the various tricks for purchasing a home is critical. Before buying a house always have a professional come and look it over. They will be able to check for any problems… Read more »
Terry’s Blog:Get Helpful Tips About Home MortgagesThat Are Simple to Understand
When searching out that mortgage that you’ve been wanting, you have to know the criteria for evaluating mortgages. The mortgage industry is a vast field, and without the proper tools and knowledge, you’re going to find yourself lost. So, get going with this article, and find yourself making the right decisions. Save enough money to… Read more »
Seasonal Slowdown Hits Seattle Real Estate Market
It’s time once again for the monthly reporting roundup, where you can read my wry commentary about the news instead of subjecting yourself to boring rehashes of the NWMLS press release (or in addition to, if that’s what floats your boat). Oddly, the the NWMLS press release website is still showing last month’s release, and… Read more »
New York’s Chelsea Gayborhood to Get Super Pier
Back in April, I reported that Chelsea’s Pier 57, which last year hosted an indoor version of NYC Pride’s famed Pier Dance, had been leased to retail developers who promise a massive $200M makeover. This week the project’s management announced that the new complex will be called SuperPier. From the press release: SuperPier, when complete… Read more »
Wisconsin Town Bans LGBT Housing Discrimination
Appleton becomes the third city in Wisconsin to adopt rules against housing discrimination based on gender identity. The city’s diversity coordinator, Kathy Flores, says there are no state or federal protections for transgender individuals, so it’s up to communities to adopt rules. The Department of Housing and Urban Development says 17 states and 160 cities… Read more »
Terry’s Blog: Real Estate Selling With a Few Solid Tips
 Are you having trouble making the real estate sale that you need? Then you have come to the right place. This article has all sorts of tips that can help you make a profitable sale on the real estate market. Read through these tips to get the advice that you need to get results…. Read more »
Forum for Gay Homebuyers Tomorrow in San Diego’s Hillcrest
Home ownership, the American dream, is now available for married gay and lesbian couples. Although gay couples have always been able to own property, it is not until recently, with the overturning of Section 3 of DOMA and the Supreme Court ruling against California’s Proposition 8, that have we fully been able to embrace the… Read more »
New Condo Tower “Insignia” Coming to Seattle
San Francisco real estate executive Alan Mark has sold 10,000 homes but he’s about to sell his first in Seattle. This month, The Mark Co. plans to open its first sales center in Seattle to market Insignia, a 41-story condominium project. He thinks now is a great time to start selling condominiums in downtown Seattle…. Read more »
Terry’s Blog: Know the Best Advice About Buying Real Estate
 There are a lot of pitfalls and traps when it comes to real estate, but especially when you are on the buying end. Knowing what to look for and what to do to ensure that you get the best deal are essential. The rest of this article will show you how you can make… Read more »
The Most Gay Friendly Cities in the US?
If you’re trying to decide which city might be best for you, head on over to Ranker.com – they have a list of the most gay friendly US cities: List of the most gay friendly cities in America and gayest cities in the USA. These large cities and smaller towns are known for their large… Read more »
Orange County, CA: Attention Riders – The Orange County Housing Appreciation Ride is coming to a stop. Please keep your arms and legs inside the car.
Data Source: Steven Thomas, Reports on Housing Appreciation: With more homes on the market and the expected market time rising, the rate of appreciation has slowed. At the start of last year, home values were at lows dating back to 2003. With interest rates at record lows, it didn’t take long for investors to see… Read more »
Terry’s Blog: Personal Bankruptcy Tips that can Help Your Credit
 If you want to make sure that you do not become bankrupt, then you are in the right place. Many people are struggling with these harsh economic times, and find themselves thinking about filing bankruptcy. Do not file bankruptcy, do what you can to secure your finances. Read the tips in this article to… Read more »
Moving Day!!
When moving into your new home, it is better to plan ahead early to ensure that it is a smooth process. This is no doubt an exciting time, but can involve a great deal of stress and anxiety during the whole process, from planning to moving. With a few careful considerations your moving process can… Read more »
Featured Gay Friendly Realtor: Maura Sullivan, Woodbridge, Virginia
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. True customer service is the most important dynamic in real estate. I’ll take great care of you because you matter! There are many gay-friendly communities in Northern VA. Let… Read more »
Washington DC’s Gayborhood – Logan Circle
Last week we asked Borderstan readers, “Where’s the Gay Neighborhood in DC”, and for the third consecutive year Logan Circle was the winner. Once again, it was not even close, with 38% saying Logan Circle, followed by Dupont Circle with 13% and 9% for U Street and 9% for Shaw. Actually, the choice of “Everywhere… Read more »
Capitol Hill: Denver’s Gayborhood
Capitol Hill is one of the most cosmopolitan neighborhoods in Denver, well known as a haven for artists and bohemians. There are numerous restaurants, clubs, bars, stores, concert venues, and other cultural amenities in the community. East 13th Avenue is the center of Denver’s punk community with the punk club Bender’s, as well as various… Read more »
Featured Gay Friendly Realtor: Tina Schafer, Portland, Oregon
Periodically we’ll feature one of our real estate professionals here to let our readers know about some great Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Other Real Estate Professionals. Tina recently moved to Urban Nest Realty after 14 years as an award-winning real estate agent with RE/MAX. Portland is liberal, accepting, green, pretty, environmentally-friendly. See Tina’s Expanded Listing… Read more »
Rainbow Crosswalks Coming to San Diego’s Gayborhood?
Momentum is building for the possible installation of rainbow crosswalks in Hillcrest, and some community members will soon begin organizing to make it happen. Since the City of West Hollywood installed a set of rainbow crosswalks in that city in last summer, activists in cities around the globe have wanted their own rainbow crosswalks. A… Read more »