This year I officially entered my late 20s and it seems like everyone I know is getting married, having babies, and buying houses. Getting married and having kids always seemed within reach to me, even as a queer person, but as a millennial I fully believed I would be renting my entire life. Enter: Monica Kramer.
If you follow me on any social platform you’ll know that Monica is my partner of over a year now (!!!) and while I admire and love so many things about them, I’ve also learned SO much about homebuying since we met. As a masculine-of-center person who is pretty visibly queer, Monica is passionate about not only providing a safe, inclusive, and comfortable homebuying and listing experience for queer and trans folks, but also sharing info on homebuying for anyone who is unfamiliar with the process. And because knowledge is power, I asked them to sit for an interview on my blog so they could empower you, lovely reader, on how to find a queer or LGBTQ+ realtor. Enjoy!!
So tell me about yourself!
My name is Monica Kramer, I’m from Philadelphia, I’m vegan, my pronouns are they/them, and I’ve been in real estate since August 2018 so I’m currently in my third year.
Why do you use the hashtag #QueerRealtor?
I use #QueerRealtor so that people can find me on Instagram and social media and know that not all realtors look the same. And to be out and proud in an industry that is predominantly cis, straight, and male.
You’re pretty new to the real estate agent game! How did that happen?
Funny story! I knew I wanted a career change so I decided to retake my Meyers-Briggs personality test and my results were ESTJ. The website recommends career options that would best fit your personality. One of these careers was being a professor; check, I already do that! And the next career listed was real estate agent. I immediately laughed to myself because I never once thought of becoming a realtor, it wasn’t even on my radar. But I decided to trust in the test and texted a few close friends to ask them if they thought I would be good at it. It was a resounding yes! They thought it would be perfect for me because I’m originally from Philly, I’m involved in so many different communities, and I know so many people. Two months later I dove into real estate classes, passed the exam on the first try, and got my PA real estate license in August 2018. Haven’t looked back since.
Why do you think it’s valuable for LGBTQ+ folks to find a queer realtor?
I think it’s important for queer and trans folks to feel 100% comfortable with sharing who they are and their family makeup with their realtor. It’s also important to work with someone who understands the importance of pronouns and gender. Buying a house is a very emotional experience and the biggest financial transaction of your life so it should be done with someone you’re 100% comfortable with and someone you trust.
How can someone find a queer or LGBTQ+ friendly realtor?
Send me a DM on Instagram or shoot me an email! There are “rainbow networks” across many brokerages so you can always reach out to me and I can connect you to someone in your area. Other than that, I would look online! Search for your city and “LGBTQ realtor,” “gay realtor,” “queer realtor” and see what comes up. You could also browse Instagram for the hashtags and see who pops up.
Can you share 3 key pieces of advice that anyone looking to buy or sell a home right now should know?
#1: Talk to a lender ASAP, whether you’re looking to buy or sell, so that you can get all of your financial ducks in a row. Figure out what type of loan is best for you or your mortgage balance if you’re selling a home.
#2: Do your do diligence when finding a realtor and lean on them for their expertise. Are we in a buyers or sellers market? How are interest rates? These are all questions your realtor should be able to answer.
#3: Find a good home inspector. If buying, the home inspection is a huge part of the process. If selling, it’s a good idea to schedule a home inspection before listing your home on the market. You can gather as much information as possible on your home and get a head start on repairs if possible.
What’s your favorite part of being a queer realtor?
My favorite part of being a queer realtor is knowing that my clients of all genders, sexual orientations, and family makeups feel comfortable and have an inclusive homebuying experience. I also like taking up space in an industry where there aren’t many people who look like me and identify as me, so I can encourage other folks who don’t look like a “typical realtor” to become a realtor if that’s what they’re passionate about!
Thanks for indulging me in this quick interview, Mon! You can find Monica on Instagram @MonicaMovesPhilly and by email at monica@shemovesphilly.com if you’re buying or selling in Philadelphia OR if you are looking for a queer or LGBTQ+ friendly realtor somewhere else! It was so fun to chat with them about their journey and I hope you found this post useful and informative on your own journey to homebuying!
Until next time,
