LGBTQIA+ Division

Pride of Ownership

We’re committed to making sure that the LGBTQIA+ community has all the tools they need to fully understand their real estate rights and responsibilities. That’s why in 2014 we created the Dream Town LGBTQIA+ Client Services Division—the first of its kind in Chicagoland. This division offers resources and connections—powered by Dream Town’s award-winning residential consultants who specialize in serving the diverse needs of this market and help the LGBTQIA+ community fully celebrate “Pride of Ownership”.

Left to Right: 1.Brad Edwards, General Assignment Reporter for CBS 2 Chicago 2. Terry Cosgrove, Commissioner, Illinois Human Rights Commission 3. Byron Wardlaw, Assistant General Counsel, Illinois Human Rights Commission 4. Nicole Bashor, Equality Illinois Board Member & “Marriage Rights” Book Author; Vice President of the Gay and Lesbian Bar Association 5. Rick Garcia, Longtime LGBTQIA+ Community Activist 6. Jill Metz, Jill M. Metz & Associates, Attorneys at Law; President of the Board of Directors for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois 7. Vince Kueffner, President of Kueffner Group at Rate Mortgage; Professional Speaker and Trainer, Goal Setting and Personal Growth 8. Amie Klujian, Licensed Real Estate Broker; Executive Vice President, SwakeGroup at Dream Town Real Estate 9. Todd Szwajkowski, President of the Dream Town Real Estate LGBTQIA+ Client Services Division; Licensed Real Estate Managing Broker

History of the LGBTQIA+ Real Estate Division

When Illinois’ Marriage Equality laws took effect in June 2014—and Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ buyers and sellers begin to officially form their new families—we knew many would have questions about the implications that the change in legal status would have on home finance options, title transfer, taxes, and other residential ownership issues.

We were (and continue to be) committed to helping everyone celebrate their ‘Pride of Ownership.’ That’s why, on April 26, 2014, we hosted a panel discussion featuring notable subject matter experts and community leaders to discuss how Illinois’ new Marriage Equality laws would impact the homeownership rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Ongoing Commitment to the Community

Beyond ensuring equality in real estate, we support the local LGBTQIA+ community through our participation in local events and through fundraising for organizations that support the community. Recent events have included the Chicago Pride Parade, sponsorship of OUT of the Office, and a fundraiser for Center on Halsted.

Our definition of family has always been inclusive

Within Dream Town, we continue to support our LGBTQIA+ brokers and to educate our team about issues that affect the community. Recently we held an all-company meeting on Understanding Pronouns.