Engel & Völkers recently held its fourth annual Pride Summit from June 29 to July 1 in downtown Chicago, drawing real estate professionals from across the country to focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion in homeownership.
In her opening remarks, Jennifer Ames, a licensed partner at Engel & Völkers, celebrated the journey of the past four years, emphasizing the profound stories shared by attendees that have inspired advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.
“Over the past four years, we’ve heard stories that moved us to tears. We’ve learned how to become better allies, more thoughtful advisors and stronger advocates,” Ames said.
The event featured an interactive format, including roundtable discussions and prominent speakers designed to foster deeper engagement among participants.
Attendees had the opportunity to network through various activities, including The Legacy Project Walk, a tour of Wrigley Field, and an architectural walking tour.
Attendees also enjoyed a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan, providing a vibrant close to a day of learning and sharing.
The Legacy Project, an organization focused on preserving LGBTQ narratives, concluded the event with a panel discussion. The organization’s #WeWillNotBeErased campaign aims to ensure ongoing resources to counteract the intentional erasure of LGBTQ voices and stories, reinforcing the importance of representation in real estate.
One of the highlights of the summit was a presentation by Leo Abel, an attorney at Howard & Howard, who shared insights on the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in the context of real estate.
Abel referenced the 2022 NAGLREP LGBTQ+ Real Estate Report, noting that 46% of LGBTQ+ buyers conduct research on state and local laws prior to making a purchase, often avoiding states with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation or insufficient non-discrimination protections.
He stressed the importance of being prepared and advised couples to keep important documents, such as a power of attorney and marriage license, on a flash drive in their vehicle to ensure their rights are protected in critical situations.
In addition to legal insights, Engel & Völkers advisors led a session on the art of referrals, highlighting the importance of building personal connections in the real estate industry.
Bryan Garrity, an advisor with Engel & Völkers Dana Point, stated, “Your brand travels before you do,” underlining the significance of authenticity and communication in creating trust with clients.
He stated that in recent months, he had received 96 phone calls from agents across the country seeking referrals, illustrating the necessity of establishing genuine relationships.
“I’m not giving you a referral if I’ve known you for 10 seconds,” Garrity added, emphasizing the need to build rapport, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, where clients often seek out safe spaces.
Bethany Behrmann, an advisor from Engel & Völkers Venice, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We have a responsibility to protect our clients.”
Lutalo McGee, the CAR president-elect for 2025, led a session that addressed the serious issue of appraisal bias, extending the event’s discussions into critical areas of equitable treatment.
McGee highlighted startling statistics, noting that 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ renters experience discrimination, and same-sex mortgage applicants face denial rates significantly higher than their counterparts.
He advised attendees to document any bias encountered during the appraisal process and to compile relevant information to aid in potential appeals, reinforcing the need for advocacy at every step.
As the Pride Summit wrapped up, participants were reminded that fostering LGBTQ+ inclusivity in real estate transcends policy; it fundamentally revolves around human connections.
Through education, shared experiences, and purposeful engagement, Engel & Völkers and its network of advisors are committed to building a future where every client feels safe, seen, and supported in their journey towards homeownership.
image source from：chicagoagentmagazine
