16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 12-25, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide• GayMardiGras.COM real estate

potentially make the difference between a Tips for LGBT home prompt sale and a listing that languishes sellers - Attracting a on the market without any real nibbles or purchase offers. qualified buyer Here are five things to consider, for veryone is well aware that for example, to assist the listing agent: the past couple of years the Maintain Curb Appeal Ereal estate market has been Although it may take an extra hour a rather lopsided in favor of buyers and quite week, keeping a home looking attractive challenging for sellers and their real estate from the street is one of the easiest ways agents. That situation is based on lots of to add intangible equity. Think of the visual economic factors but it all boils down to the appeal of the home as charisma that can fact that there is an excessive inventory of be felt from the street. Keep the lawn homes on the market, so buyers have manicured, the flowerbeds tidy, and put a plenty to choose from when they go shop- new coat of paint or varnish on the front ping. More houses for sale means greater door because it can work wonders in terms competition for a finite number of qualified of pulling in buyers and making the listing buyers, so LGBT homeowners who are agent’s phone ring with inquiries. able to more effectively market their homes Set the Stage home by keeping it free of clutter, because under the gaydar ...from 14 will have a distinct advantage. When a buyer makes an appointment extra space makes any home look larger There are practical steps a seller can to view a home it is not just a dress re- and real estate buyers typically pay more behind. take to assist the Realtor, and these can hearsal; it’s show time. Help market the [continued on 19] “You know if you are hungry, I am sure I can satisfy you both with something I have in this kitchen,” he said seductively. “Well, I could use a salami foot long,” Elizabeth said. “We are good, thank you Colston,” I said as he walked pass me brushing up against me closely so I could feel his rock hard “abs.” We walked out on the patio and to- wards the pool where we found half a dozen nude Adonises frolicking in the wa- ter. They snapped to attention when Rhonda approached. “I just love a man that commands my awareness, don’t you Lizzie honey.” “Hey, do you have an ATM here,” she said salivating at one blond boy who seemed to be at full attention as he got out of the water. And there was definitely no shrinkage there. “I have one in the parlor, but we also take, Visa, Master Card, American Ex- press and Discover, and we charge it dis- creetly to your bill, so your employer, wife, loved one, whoever, will never be the wiser.” “I think we are fine and have seen enough, thank you for all your help, but we will be leaving.” “Leaving,” Rhonda moved so close to me I could smell the light but alluring fragrance she was wearing, “why Tony I was hoping you would stay and maybe grill me some more with your deep probing questions, maybe a little rougher this time. You know some say I am a very bad girl.” “Wow, lets just say no to that right now, we are leaving,” I turned around and saw Elizabeth sitting on a lounge chair slathering sun tan lotion on some nubile young man’s body. “Elizabeth, come on it is time to go.” “I am not finished questioning this man here, Rhonda, you said you take American Express?” Rhonda replied yes. “So Tony take my keys and come back in about, lets say three hours, I should be done questioning these potential sus- pects.” She handed her credit card to Rhonda. “Thank you Lizzie honey, Daveed will run your card right away. Well, I am going to my stables to ride my stud.” “Oh, do you have horses?” I asked her. “No why. I am sure you can show

[continued on 19]

Gay EasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • October 12-25, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 17 celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

evin Limberg and Chuck LaVenture kick off the annual Art In The Hood art exhibition along with Cutter's bar baron Mac McAll purchasing the first Kartwork raising $100 for Buzzy's Boys & Girls. The sale goes on through the end of the month at Cutter's in New Orleans. The big dinner and auction is slated for Saturday, October 23 at 7pm. Past sales have generated over $21,000 for the popular AIDS charity.

he 20th annual Miss Gay Louisiana America pageant culminated with the crowning of Miss Gay Lafayette America Zhane Kennedy as Miss Gay TLouisiana America 2010 by Miss Gay Louisiana America 2009 Bambi Bextor artender Paul (left) and 2010 Coco Montrese (right). Held at 's in Lake showcases the lat- Charles, Zhane will be joined by 1st Alternate and Miss Gay Capital City America Delanie B est Friday night Valentine representing Louisiana in the upcoming Miss Gay America pageant. For more craze in The Balcony Bar above on MGLA visit MissGayLouisianaAmerica.INFO. (Photo by official Ambush photogra- Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Or- pher Jeff Palmquist) leans. Every Friday beginning at 5pm, Paul serves up 25¢ shrimp with cocktail sauce while they last. Can you imagine, $3 a dozen! Get there early, or you'll miss out on this bargain basement deal.

am Woodroof and Monique Michaels birthday blowout raised $275 for Gulf Coast Restoration at Tubby's Golden Lantern in New Orleans. Every ebe Zahara Benet, winner of RuPaul's Season One, joins bar SSaturday night you can catch the Divas R Us Revue at the Lantern. (Photo: baron Jerry Ehlen following Bebe's fantastic live performance at B-Bob's in show director Rikki Redd, Monique Michaels, MC Lady Hope, Envy McClain & Coca BMobile, Alabama. Her song "I'm The Sh*t" was a hit with the huge audience. Milan) 18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 12-25, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide• GayMardiGras.COM under the gaydar ...from 17 real estate ...from 17 ing or intruding because residents are in update marketing plans. If it might help the home. then organize an open house event or yourself out.” And with that she was gone. for a bigger property. Fifteen minutes be- Beware of the Adorable Kitten and consider a strategic lowering of the price. “Fine,” I said frustrated, “Elizabeth, I fore the Realtor arrives, turn on a few lights Cute Puppies Of course another way for a LGBT will pick you up later.” I left the impromptu to illuminate rooms and architectural fea- If there are pets in the home then seller to enjoy a market advantage is to pool party and reentered the house. I tures and pick up any clutter. That way the arrange for them to go to the park during hire a LGBT Realtor. If a home is located in found myself back in the kitchen with house is ready to show as soon as the the showing, and remove the litter boxes. a popular gay or lesbian enclave, for ex- Colston. He was standing at the large buyer steps through the door. The Realtor If someone is allergic to cats or has a ample, that can be a great selling feature kitchen island with a marble countertop. can always extinguish lights to save en- general fear of dogs, for example, they and those real estate brokers who con- “Are you sure, you do not want anything,” ergy before he or she locks up and leaves. may not even step inside to tour the prop- stantly work with LGBT clients will have a he said edging closer to me. Do a Disappearing Act erty and that could spoil the chance to longer list of potential LGBT buyers. They Vacate the premises before every make a sale. Pet odors are also one of the will also know gay-friendly mortgage lend- “I‘m good, thanks, but maybe you showing appointment. This avoids any most often cited reasons that buyers give ers in the area who can help potential could answer a few questions about some face-to-face awkwardness but more im- for not liking a home. buyers get an affordable loan with a low of the guys who work here.” I told him their portantly it allows the buyer to imagine or Listen, Learn, and Communicate interest rate and manageable monthly names and he said he did not anything pretend that the home is actually theirs, After each house tour find out the payments. about the guys. He said they were not not someone else’s. Once a buyer takes reaction of the buyer and learn from their LGBT sellers should keep in mind that Rhonda’s usual house boys who lived here, possession of the home within his or her feedback how to improve the presentation mortgage financing doesn’t just benefit but rather freelancers, who just do this to mind they subconsciously begin to make a before the next showing. The listing agent buyers. Loan financing is just as important make some extra money on the side. I real emotional connection with it. This psy- should call the showing agent and find out to the seller because unless the mortgage thanked him noticing he never broke my chological transformation will usually in- specific reasons why the buyer liked the application is approved and the loan goes gaze with his baby blue eyes. spire them to make a written offer – but it home or found it less appealing. Talk to the through the transaction will fall apart be- may not happen if they feel that are impos- listing agent and continually collaborate to fore closing. That’s why having a team of “Now are you absolutely positive you LGBT-friendly real estate professionals do not want anything to nibble on,” he who can help potential buyers is a really opened the refrigerator and pulled out savvy and proactive way for a homeowner some whipped cream. “ I think I can fix you to facilitate a sale. Those expert Realtors up something on the house.” Suddenly he Don't be left out! and lenders who are themselves active let his apron fall to the ground exposing his members of the local LGBT community will muscular body. Over 85 Distribution Points in the Gulf South also have social and professional relation- ships that extend deep into the community. “Well maybe just one little bite won’t So they can even help advertise the home hurt,” I smiled. Ambush through that extended network and pipe- line. (This is a complete work of fiction, so Halloween Deadline: try not believe everything you read.) To find real estate and mortgage pro- Tuesday, October 19 fessionals dedicated to active support of Have an event or have something of the LGBT community, visit interest to the LGBT community, feel free www.GayMortgageLoans.com and to send press releases or information to 504.522.8049 www.GayRealEstate.com, or call toll free [email protected]. [email protected] 1.888.420.MOVE (6683).

Gay EasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • October 12-25, 2010 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19 20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • October 12-25, 2010 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide• GayMardiGras.COM