Inclusive real estate in Ottawa
You should feel at home in the process, too.
Buying or selling a home asks you to share parts of your life that may be private, personal or difficult to explain. You should be able to do that, ask honest questions and make important decisions without wondering how you will be treated.
I'm Jacob Karam, a Sales Representative with Engel & Völkers Ottawa. I'm also a gay man and a person of colour, so I understand what it can feel like to enter a conversation wondering whether you will be understood, whether an assumption will be made or how much of yourself you will need to explain.
When we work together, the focus can stay where it belongs: on your needs, your options and the decisions in front of you. You will never be asked to make yourself more understandable first.
Why might it matter who you work with?
For some people, it may not matter at all. For others, working with someone who understands their experiences can make the process feel much more comfortable.
It often comes down to small things: having your name and pronouns respected, not having assumptions made about your relationship or family and knowing you can ask a question without first having to explain why it matters to you.
I will use the names and pronouns you give me. I will not make assumptions about your relationship, your family or what home should look like for you. If something uncomfortable or inappropriate comes up during the process, we can address it together and I will be clear with you about what I can do to help.
What protections do I have when buying or renting in Ontario?
The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination in housing based on protected grounds that include race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability and receipt of public assistance.
These protections apply throughout the housing process, including interactions with landlords, housing providers and real estate professionals. They cover being refused housing, being treated differently and experiencing harassment.
Learn more from the Ontario Human Rights CommissionCan you tell me which Ottawa neighbourhoods are LGBTQ+ friendly?
I can help you learn about Ottawa's different neighbourhoods, but I will not decide where you should or should not live based on your identity.
Real estate professionals cannot direct someone toward or away from an area because of who they are. This is known as steering, and the rules exist for an important reason: everyone should have the freedom to choose where they want to live.
What I can do is give you the information you need to make that decision for yourself. We can look at recent sales, housing styles, transit, schools, services and what is nearby. If access to 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, community spaces, affirming congregations or other resources is important to you, I can help you locate those as well.
I can help you see each area clearly. Where you choose to live, and what makes a place work for your life, is entirely up to you.
What if my partner and I are not married?
That is common and it does not make the buying process more difficult, but there are a few decisions worth discussing early.
How you take ownership of the property, whose names appear on the mortgage and what happens if your circumstances change can all have legal and financial implications. Those questions should be answered by a lawyer who can advise you based on your specific situation.
I will make sure the conversation happens early enough that you have time to get proper advice, rather than having to make an important decision just before closing. If you need an introduction to a lawyer, I would be happy to connect you with one.
What happens if I experience discrimination during a purchase or sale?
Please tell me. If possible, keep a record of what happened, including dates, names, messages or anything else that may be relevant.
The appropriate next step will depend on what occurred. Concerns involving a real estate professional may be reported to the Real Estate Council of Ontario. Matters involving the Ontario Human Rights Code may be brought to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. A lawyer can help you understand which option may apply to your situation.
The decision about whether to take further action will always be yours. My role is to listen, help you document what happened and make sure you have accurate information about the options available to you.
What if English is not my first language or I am new to Canada?
Buying a home in Ontario can involve unfamiliar terms, expectations and steps that are not always explained clearly.
I speak English, French and Arabic, and I am happy to communicate in whichever of those languages feels most comfortable for you. If additional support in Arabic would help ensure everything is properly understood, I can also arrange for someone to join us and provide that support.
You may be hearing about deposits, financing conditions, status certificates, closing costs or lawyer reviews for the first time. I will explain what is happening, what is expected from you and what comes next without assuming you already know.
There is no such thing as a question you should already know to ask. What matters is that the process makes sense to you and that you can make each decision with a clear understanding of what it means.
Do I have to talk about any of this?
Not at all.
This page is simply here so you know where I stand. You do not need to share anything you would rather keep private or have a conversation about identity before we can talk about real estate. I want you to know that you are welcome here and that you can expect to be treated with respect and without judgment.
Where this commitment comes from
This commitment also shapes where I give my time and where I direct a portion of my business.
Over the years, I have volunteered with MAX Ottawa, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO), iSisters and Habitat for Humanity. Each organization supports people in practical, deeply human ways, whether through housing, health, skills development or connection.
With every closing, I also contribute a portion of my commission to two organizations doing meaningful work in our communities: the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa's work supporting LGBTQ2S+ youth experiencing homelessness and Special Olympics.
The Youth Services Bureau provides housing and support for young people in Ottawa, including LGBTQ2S+ youth who are disproportionately affected by homelessness. Special Olympics creates opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to experience belonging, build confidence and develop lasting friendships through sport.
That commitment is shared by Engel & Völkers Ottawa. Our brokerage has contribution-at-closing relationships with both organizations, allowing advisors to support their work in celebration of their clients' next chapter.
To me, inclusive real estate is not about a badge or a statement on a website. It is about how people are treated in every conversation, every showing and every decision along the way. It is also about finding meaningful ways to contribute to the communities we are fortunate to serve.
A place to begin
If this sounds like the kind of support you have been looking for, I would love to hear from you.