It’s crucial to be on the same page and even the same paragraph with your partner during the house-building process, otherwise this ordeal will become even harder. Luckily, you can use this guide to rely on when things get hard. Here are a few basic things to know when you’re building a house with your LGBTQ partner: 

Start from your location

No matter if you’re building your house from the foundation up or if you’re doing a complete rebuild, the location is the key, especially for LGBTQ couples. We might not enjoy the same safety in every country, state, city or even neighborhood, so it’s important to choose the right location for your construction. Luckily, there are apps like Trulia and OK Cupid that have “Pride Scores” for different neighborhoods so you can know where you’re welcome the most. 

Think about financing

This is a hard one, especially today when land, building materials and contractors are so expensive. You’re going to need a lot of dough for your new home, and believe it or not, not every bank is ready to loan to gay couples. Inequality when it comes to LGBTQ home ownership is still very noticeable, especially in countries and states that do not recognize gay marriage. It’s best to get a lawyer and go over your rights before visiting a loan provider. Later, you can discuss joint property ownership. 

Hire the right people

Interior designers or DIY?

After your contractors are finished and gone, you’ll be left with this empty space that needs to be turned into a home. You have two options—try decorating yourself or hire a professional. If you’re attracted to a very modern and functional space, then hiring pros might be the best thing to do (even though it can cost you more money). But those couples dreaming of a traditional house or something completely crazy and quirky will benefit better from a DIY route. Just because you’re gay, it doesn’t mean you can automatically design an amazing interior for your new home, so don’t feel pressured to do everything yourself. 

Stay on the budget

It’s so easy to get carried away while planning, designing, building and especially decorating your home. Unless you have an unlimited budget, it’s wise to come up with a good plan that will keep you going over the budget. Put structural works at the top of your list, going from more significant to less important elements. No matter how it might seem to you while you’re in your designer mindset, it’s always better to have a comfortable bedroom and a functional kitchen than a huge party pool or a designated gaming room. Also, it’s essential to pay for legal fees and estate planning changes. 

Work on your flexibility

Do you have an exact vision of your forever home? Often, what you have in mind is simply impossible to pull off in reality. Also, during the construction and interior design process, you’ll come across many limits and obstacles, but don’t let them discourage you. Be flexible and armed with plenty of backup plans. 

It’s more than possible for LGBTQ couples today to live together happily ever after in their own little castle. With these tips above, you’ll get to design your castle together and truly live the gay fairy tale life. 

The post Tips for Building a Home as an LGBTQ Couple appeared first on PinkPlayMags.

When that couple is also a part of the LGBTQ+ community, things get a bit more complex. There are different factors that also play a role, many of them coming from outside sources such as the law situation in their country, the community they live in, families, etc. This is why, according to one survey, only 43% of LGBTQ+ couples are feeling at ease with their financial future.

Nevertheless, there are ways to overcome all the obstacles, if the will is strong enough. In this article, we will talk about some of the moves you can make; hopefully, it will put you on the right path.

Set your mutual goals

When you have your goals specified, you are well on your way. This takes a lot of talking, then putting thoughts to paper, which turn into plans, which leads you to making a financial plan and steps to making it the best couple partnership there is.

Thinking over a mutual financial plan is key. First, decide on a minimum amount you two can handle investing. Go from there. Then the maximum. If possible, apply for a mutual loan, although it is difficult in countries where same-sex marriages are still not possible. If not, then make an agreement on who will apply.

Once you have your financial plan settled, move on to your goal.

Pick the best place to invest

If you have your investment goal settled, seek the right location and social circumstances.

Let’s say you want to invest in real estate as a couple. This is always a sure thing if you have the money ready. Take your time. Research the locations you both like. Europe is always good for buying houses in tourist cities. This way, you have a great place to rent out or maybe retire and live there eventually.

Since the Mediterranean area is loved by so many LGBTQ community members, try a place not completely exploited. For example, Montenegro is still growing tourist-wise. With good real estate there, you can eventually earn high. Try renting first. There are lots of properties in Montenegro which you can turn into something amazing for you two or for curious tourists, exploring this fresh territory.

If, for some reason, this is not your thing, try investing in a fleet of vehicles, which is also a great opportunity to make a big profit. Day-to-day rentals, company long-term rentals, party vehicles – the list is endless.

Anything you set your mind to is okay, just research the location and demographics, and the investment is solid.

Always have a backup plan

Every investment has to have a backup, insurance or at least some savings put aside, in case the plan flops. Not only that, an LGBTQ+ couple usually faces prejudice and man-made obstacles, especially in countries that had not yet completely accepted their LGBTQ+ community.

Have at least some money saved for rainy days. Find good insurance for every business you start or house you buy, with reliable insurance companies. Besides that, try to avoid every area that is known for prejudice and homophobia; you certainly don’t need that while starting your new business journey. 

Think of retirement savings

According to some research, only 20% of LGBTQ+ people can rely on their family and/or friends after they have come out. The percentage of LGBTQ+ people that can do that in their old age is usually, unfortunately, not higher than that. Therefore, until same-sex marriage is normal everywhere, that kind of couple can experience problems when it comes to old age, retirement, illness, or death.

Seek advice from your lawyer and financial advisors. See that you save into a private fund, of which you are both beneficiaries. Save for private caretakers. See that both of you have written each other in a will.

Every couple has their ups and downs, business-wise or not. So, trust is what you need the most, as well as the will to make it together. When you have that, you are well on your way to success.

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