The Ideal Blend

The Hudson Valley is a big place. We think its charm really sets in once you’re 1-2 hours north of Manhattan and begin exploring the counties of Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam, Greene, Orange and Columbia. The region benefits from what we think of as the ideal blend of small town life with urban resources; for example, did you know that the Hudson Valley is home to one of the nation’s largest rural LGBTQ+ community centers?

Featuring a mix of farmland, small villages and mid-sized cities, the housing here is as diverse as the communities that we call home. Some residents live here full-time while others just spend weekends and rent their place when it’s unoccupied. If you’ve been thinking about buying a home Upstate, read on for BGHV’s advice on how to get started and connect with a local gay real estate agent.

How to Get Started

With many looking to escape city life and purchase a home in the Mid-Hudson Valley, BGHV hosted a chat with our friends at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Hudson Valley Properties that offered a virtual glimpse into the bustling queer community Upstate. Whether you’re looking for a full time home or an investment property that you’ll live in part-time, the Big Gay Hudson Valley is a diverse and inclusive region and each of its communities offers something unique.

This conversation is moderated by BGHV co-founder, Stephan Hengst, and features a panel of the (mostly gay) team from the Clement, Brooks & Safier Team at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Hudson Valley Properties.

Prepare for Your Search

  • Research the Region. Read up on the cultural, health and social resources available for our LGBTQ+ community. Make a list for yourself of the things that are important to you: Do you need access to transportation like the Thruway, bus lines or train lines? What accommodations do you need for your professional endeavors?

  • Take a Drive. The best way to get to know the region is to see it with your own eyes. Schedule some time for a road trip to explore our small towns, cities and beautiful vistas. See which areas have an energy that speaks to you.

  • Spend the Night. Once you’ve found a community (or a couple of communities) that speak to you, plan a getaway. Dine out, do a little shopping, go for a drive and ask yourself: “Could I see myself living here?”

  • Make a House Wish List. Think through and write down the things you’re looking for in a house. How many bedrooms & bathrooms do you need? How much of a yard do you want? What about other amenities like a pool, barn or additional buildings – are any of those important to you?

  • Get Pre-Qualified. Once you’ve determined your budget, contact your preferred lending institution to get pre-qualified for a mortgage. There is no cost to get pre-qualified and it will speed up the process when you find a home that you want to put an offer on.

Connect with BGHV’s Real Estate Resources

Stephan Hengst
Stephan HengstLicensed Real Estate Salesperson
As co-founder of Big Gay Hudson Valley, Stephan’s pulse on the local community & network of real estate resources are uniquely equipped to support you when it comes to buying or selling a home in the Hudson Valley of New York.

Equipped with countless personal relationships from decades of living in the region, I & my incredible network of award-winning real estate resources can help you to better understand the nuances of financing, home inspections, and how to structure a winning offer that can lead to your dream home.

Please take a moment to fill out the inquiry form below and I’ll give you a call to learn more about your goals. Just think of me as your friendly queer neighbor and concierge to the Big Gay Hudson Valley. No pressure here – I’m happy to help you to learn more about the area and answer any questions you might have about living Upstate.

If you’d like to take the next step and start receiving real estate listings or visiting properties, I can connect you with an agent that will make that happen.

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