NAGLREP

In a first-of-its-kind forum, over 200 LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) and gay-friendly real estate sales professionals from across the United States and Canada gathered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. to discuss meeting the unique and growing needs of the LGBT real estate market, and issues that influence and impact home sale services to these buyers and sellers.

Hosted by the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP), the inaugural symposium featured a broad spectrum of subject-matter experts, top speakers and industry leaders. Notable names in attendance include Freddie Mac Deputy Chief Economist and Leonard Keifer, who both provided their perspective on home finance issues from. HUD Secretary, Julian Castro, also provided his perspective via a special videotaped address.

“We were incredibly thrilled with the enthusiastic and heart-felt response that we received to the conference from all of our attendees, speakers and Founding Partner sponsors. Everyone gave so generously of their time and in their sharing of knowledge and years of expertise,” said Jeff Berger, NAGLREP Founder. “NAGLREP has been a leading advocate and voice for the LGBT real estate market and real estate sales practitioners since it’s founding in 2007, and the idea for having a conference seemed like the prefect extension of our work.”

The conference was highlighted by the opening keynote address, which showcased the work done by Chicago’s Dream Town Realty in creating the nation’s first-ever formal LGBT Client Services Division. Todd Szwajkowski, President of Dream Town’s LGBT Client Services Division, also presented the results of their first-of-its-kind formal study of the LGBT real estate market to the crowd.

“The LGBT community has come a long way in an incredibly short span of time, especially with all the recent advances in marriage equality” said Szwajkowski. “These advances will continue to drive the housing market, as more LGBT couples form families and move from renting to buying homes together. That’s where firm’s like Dream Town can be a tremendous resource in their local communities.”

NAGLREP is a mission-driven trade association that combines business and advocacy for equality to advance sustainable homeownership and wealth creation in the LGBT community. With members in nearly every state and more than 35 local chapters nationwide, NAGLREP is the voice of the LGBT real estate market.