The Future of Real Estate Is Inclusive: Why Diversity Isn’t Optional Anymore

 Approximately 66% of Americans own property today. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, that ownership breaks down like this:


  • 80% White
  • 7% Black
  • 6% Hispanic/Latino
  • 4% Asian
  • 3% LGBTQ+



Now compare that to the actual U.S. population:


  • 59% White
  • 15% Black
  • 19% Hispanic/Latino
  • 6% Asian
  • 9.3% LGBTQ+



These numbers don’t add to 100% because LGBTQ+ people can be part of any race or ethnicity — and that intersectionality matters.



The Ownership Gap



When you look at the overlap, here’s what it really means:


  • Roughly half of Black Americans own property
  • About one-third of Hispanic/Latino Americans own property
  • Nearly three-quarters of Asian Americans own property
  • Only one-third of LGBTQ+ Americans own property



That’s not just a social gap. It’s an economic opportunity waiting to be served more equitably.



Income & Buying Power



Median household incomes show another side of the story:


  • White heterosexual households: $96,000
  • Black households: $57,000
  • Hispanic/Latino households: $66,000
  • Asian households: $112,000
  • LGBTQ+ households: $122,000



Despite often earning more, the LGBTQ+ community still faces the lowest rate of property ownership. Between discrimination, lack of targeted outreach, and the absence of visible representation in brokerages, many potential buyers simply don’t see real estate as a safe or welcoming space.



A Generational Shift Is Coming



According to Gallup’s 2025 data, the share of Americans identifying as LGBTQ+ is rising fast:


  • 2.7% of Baby Boomers
  • 3.3% of Gen X
  • 11.2% of Millennials
  • A staggering 19.7% of Gen Z

That means one in five future homebuyers identifies as LGBTQ+. The agents and brokerages that build authentic trust and representation today will be the ones thriving tomorrow.

Why Inclusive Recruiting Matters

If your office doesn’t reflect the communities you serve, you’re missing out — financially and culturally.

Inclusive recruiting isn’t just good for business. It’s essential for the future of real estate.

By creating a culture that values diversity, we can attract top talent, better serve our clients, and strengthen our communities.

The numbers are clear: representation isn’t just about fairness, it’s about foresight.

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