MILWAUKEE — Like most realtors, Karen Block’s days are busy. On a Monday morning, she can be found checking in on a listing ahead of a planned open house and then heading back to her home office to catch up on emails. 

Block said being a realtor is hard work, but is also very rewarding, especially when it involves first-time homeowners. 

“They are making good, smart, savvy decisions. When they pick the right house and know what they have to do to get it, and are willing to go there, it is just so exciting. You just see their future unfolding in front of them,” said Block. 

About five years ago, Block made an important career decision. Block began marketing her business to the LGBTQ+ community, which she is a part of. 

Block calls herself “Your LGBT Realtor,” and is a member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. She also tailored her website to serve the community. 

Block said simply making LGBTQ+ homebuyers and sellers comfortable goes a long way. 

“They can be their authentic selves with me and that brings a level of comfort during the process,” said Block. 

Block said many clients are pleased to keep their business within the LGBTQ+ community. 

JC Cheney used Block as a realtor when purchasing a condo a few years ago. Cheney said knowing that their realtor would understand their needs and connect them to other welcoming people in the home buying process meant a lot. 

“It was very important for me to have somebody who was in the LGBT community, just understanding the dynamics and pressures,” said Cheney. “I have worked with people that aren’t in the LGBT community before and then there is always that question of, are they really treating me as well as I could have been treated?” 

Cheney runs In Context, a Wauwatosa-based company that does website design and search engine optimization. Since working together to purchase Cheney’s home, Karen Block now uses In Context’s services for her website. Cheney and Block both said it is an example of working together to support LGBTQ-owned businesses.