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If asked where the "Gay" neighborhoods are, do yourself a favor and don't answer

By
Real Estate Agent with Home Real Estate
Some of us subscribe to Trulia questions and sometimes we post answers, which is fine. There are a number of questions that if we answer them can get us into a lot of trouble. I have been asked questions like, can you tell me what neighborhoods don't have any minorities. After I get over my shock that a person who doesn't know me very well, would ask that question in a serious manner. I simply reply, there are a number of great neighborhoods in this city, I cannot speak to the specifics when it comes to demographics.

Today I received a notification from Trulia that there were new questions. What was the question you ask? Here is it is: "My Partner and I are moving to Denver. Are there any cool areas that are more gay centric?"

Here are some of the agents responses:

Bill, The Cheesman Park neighborhood is great for gay couples. I have quite a few friends that live in that area, as well as the Capitol Park neighborhood. There are some great bars and restaurants that are gay-focused. If you'd like some help looking for a home purchase when you move to Denver- please let m know. Thanks, April --------------------

Stephen's answer below is right on: "pretty much any part of SE Denver or the Highlands and Sunnyside neighborhoods in NE Denver" Although I'm straight (not narrow) I'd love to help you! Leah Kelley Real Estate - Your Way -------------------

Here is an idea, encourage people to Google their request, but never answer questions like that. You really can get into a whole lot of trouble. Work with the client, but be honest with them about the fact that legally you can't answer certain questions. There are many neighborhoods where home owners happen to be "gay" if you will, but is there a "gay" neighborhood?

This is fundamental stuff here, and troubling that agents would potentially get themselves into trouble by answering this question in the incorrect way. Let's not start the New Year off by being investigated by the Real Estate commission or any other government agency.

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Steven Wright Realtor

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Jean Hanley
Coldwell Banker Kivett Teeters - Hemet, CA
Specializing in Folks Who Want To Buy/Sell Homes

OMG ! ! !  ARE YOU KIDDING ME????  I cannot believe (oh wait, yes I can!) that agents are naive and un-informed enough to actually THINK they have a right to answer a question such as this.  Attorneys are just lurking around every corner waiting for one of us to screw up on something like this.  Great post, by the way.

Jan 05, 2011 06:01 AM
Donne Knudsen
Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA
CalState Realty Services

Steven - GOOD GRIEF!!!  I can't believe that agents would actually answer that question in such detail.  While I am not a Realtor (I'm a licensed MLO), I am a licensed agent with the CA DRE and even I know not to answer a question like that in such detail.  I'm with Jean on this one, those agents are jeopardizing their license by answering that question in such detail.  Those agents are a lawsuit waiting to happen to their poor broker who probably has no idea what they are doing. 

Jan 05, 2011 06:19 AM
Tammy Emineth
Personal SEO - Website SEO and Real Estate Marketing - Frenchtown, MT
Content Marketer, SEO Teacher, Website Fixer

Steven - Oh dear! Like you said, being honest with them about not legally being able to address that question should set their mind at ease unless you get those "Oh come on, I know you know, just tell me" kind of people..  Can you suggest they contact a place that is more of a concierge type of service? Facebook pages or just Google it? ha! Agents just probably always think it won't matter this one time. HA

Jan 05, 2011 08:04 AM
Tim Peterson
Wisconsin Realtor Safety and Concealed Carry Classes - Madison, WI
Realtor Safety Training Classes

Hi Steven--wow I don't think any normal human let alone agent would answer that

 

Jul 04, 2011 04:52 PM