John Mijac is a Realtor with a technological bent. He's been a writer, an email administrator and Web designer, but found his true calling in Real Estate. He is the Chair of the Tucson Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service's Technology Committee. John is a strong advocate for social networking and believes in communication and ethical, open relationships in business. If you have questions about real estate, email him at john@mijac.info - he always answers.
I met Lyle and Hunter at the Tucson International Airport and drove them downtown for lunch. Their check in time at the Royal Elizabeth (their B&B) was 2:00 so that gave us just the right amount of time to get to know each other. Hunter seemed a little annoyed with Lyle. I was concerned about starting the whole house hunting process with an argument between the guys. Sometimes being a REALTOR includes marriage counseling. I do think that is one of the reasons gay couple want a gay Realtor or gay friendly Realtor. Buying a home is such a big and personal decision, no one wants to feel they have to explain their relationship in the midst of house hunting. After a few minutes on the road and some small talk, I spoke to them. "Hunter, I was wondering how you're feeling about the whole move. If I were you I would be a little nervous and uncertain about moving to a strange town where I don't know anyone." He looked at his partner and then said: "Well, no, that's not it, exactly. Lyle thinks it's silly, but where I grew up people can refuse to sell to you or allow you in a home owner's association if you're gay. I looked it up and there's no Federal protection for us. I just don't want to get my heart set on a place and then find out we're not welcome. Lyle says people can't do that but I think he's wrong."
I smiled, "Well you are both right." They both jumped in and picked up on an old argument, I stopped them:
"Lyle, Hunter's right, it can be a problem in some places. There is no Federal protection for Sexual Orientation. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s protected classes are: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap. However, here, if you remember, we've included sexual orientation as a protected class, so in Tucson you have no worries."
They smiled at each other, moved a little closer and I knew we were off to a good start. "So how about we drive around
downtown a bit first and I'll show you some of the grand old Barrio homes. Then let's stop at the
Café Poca Cosa and have a bite,." Hunter looked confused, "A Barrio is Spanish for neighborhood." Lyle said - his nose only an inch or two higher.
As we drove through the old part of town the two began to relax and enjoy the views and I could see we were going to have a wonderful time in the coming week. Hunter turned to me and asked, "Do you think it would be possible to find something like this one, with a little character and close enough to town that I might run a little gallery?" "Lyle smiled at him and told me that his partner had been painting for a while now. I knew part of the reason they wanted to move to Tucson was to support his art.
"Absolutely, in fact I know of a couple of classic homes here in the barrio which might be perfect for you. We'll stop by my office after lunch so we can look up all the information about them you might need and set up appointments to see each one." With that we went to lunch, all of us excited about the hunting we would do in the coming afternoon.
Check back with me in a week or so, for the next chapter in Hunter and Lyle's journey "The Perfect Home." I've asked, and they don't mind if you stay with us throughout the journey, from start to finish. Usually it's a pretty interesting ride and perhaps you'll find out a few things along the way about buying a home. We'll talk about it all and if you have questions don't hesitate to email me or give me a ring!
John Mijac john@mijac.info
520-404-0741
http://www.johnmijac.com
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