Finding a home in today’s turbulent market may be stressful. Securing a realtor someone can trust, finding a lender who is knowledgeable, locating the right property in a safe neighborhood, and getting through the process until moving day. There could be various obstacles derailing the path toward home ownership.
Now, take those landmines and include those people who identify as part of the LBGTQ+ communities. They also need to find professionals who they can know, like, and trust. This may limit their ability to find suitable options. Where could they turn to find the home of their dreams?
One answer comes as a first-of-its kind event addressing these issues on Wednesday, October 16, at The Met in Pawtucket. The Love Is Love Home Expo features vendors from mortgage lending, realtors, trades and other real estate-related industries, who can assist potential homeowners with navigating through the home-purchasing process.
The Expo is free to everyone and will be open from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
Event Organizer Suzanne Caldeira said that there is a definite need for this type of event for anyone in the housing market, and for anyone in the gay and lesbian communities, in particular.
“I come into contact with people who tell me they do not have somewhere to go for help,” said Caldeira, who came out in her early 20s, and sees some of their concerns first-hand. “They are fearful because the person they are dealing with may not know the issues that may present problems. This event will bridge that gap and connect people with those who will do what is possible: putting them in their dream home.”
Caldeira said that when she came out, she did not get involved with helping the community at first. That stance would evolve over time. She now feels that helping others in those situations is critical.
She noted how successful the annual Rhode Island Home Show has become. With that as her inspiration, Caldeira wanted to bring that same energy of that event on a smaller scale.
Caldeira said that people not knowing what resources are available to them was another reason for putting this together.
“There are people who are being discriminated against because of how they choose to live,” she said. “There needs to be more empathy and kindness in the world. It shouldn’t matter what you believe or what life path someone decides. We have an obligation to help anyone who wants it. We will make a difference!”
Caldeira said that the questions surrounding becoming a homeowner are universal. She said getting preapproved is important. With her day job as a mortgage loan officer at Movement Mortgage in Downtown Providence, she begins the process for her clients. She works with them to determine what they can afford, along with understanding their credit, and takes an educational approach to her business.
Caldeira added that knowing what people can afford goes a long way toward where they could locate their next (or first) home.
“There are certain aspects people don’t think about or consider when they look for a home. They don’t check their credit score, for example. That can affect their buying power. If someone either has bad credit or no credit, then there are programs that can help address those concerns. We want to help people turn into the best kind of buyers – an educated buyer,” she said.
Regarding the Love Is Love Home Expo, there will be vendors, a disk jockey, giveaways, and raffles. Caldeira estimates several hundred people attending.
There are opportunities of becoming an event sponsor. Ranging in levels from $100 to $1,000, some benefit levels include a table for displaying materials, signage at the event, and access to the attendees’ list.
The Met is conveniently located on 1005 Main Street, #122, in Pawtucket. There is ample parking and event admission is free.
Proceeds generated from the event will be given to Youth Pride RI, an organization dedicated to helping gay and Trans youth with programs and services. Anyone can make a donation at this event.
Caldeira has worked in mortgage lending for nearly 24 years. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her wife, Monica. They have been together for 18 years, and married for close to 17 years. They enjoy golf, travel, and working out, during their free time.
Caldeira is also excited about being employed at Movement Mortgage. Movement Mortgage is an Impact Lender who gives close to 50% of its profits to the Movement Foundation. It’s given her a new fire to want to make as big of impact as possible, and more can be learned of the Movement Foundation here – https://movementfoundation.org/.
“What the company is doing to help those in need speaks to the values of Movement and my belief in helping others,” she said. “We can see first-hand what is happening in these areas and the positive impact we are having.”
More details may be found by contacting Suzanne Caldeira at 401-480-3670, or at suzanne.caldeira@movement.com.
