The Complexities of Access To Capital…….

It's been really interesting to think about how to market myself.

Currently, I'm lucky to have so many clients that the need is not immediately there.

Though, I imagine when covid subsides and the higher interest rates return I'll be up in folks' dms begging for a chance.

I'm trying to learn this Insta & FB Boost business, but I'm not a true internetter y'all.

I'm an introvert in an extrovert dominated field.

I have challenged myself to start posting soon so send me a tweet or something?

But how do I show the public proof/receipts of a job well done without images?

Oh yeah, that brings me to my point.

I'll be the first to say that representation matters. Yes!

But have you ever thought about what it means for folks to represent themselves as a person with access to capital?

Not following?

Here me out.....

My clients tend to run the gamut. Many have marginalized identities, some poc, some lgbtqia2+, some disabled, some are none of the above. Yes, most of them drive subarus, but that's beside the point.  We, as individuals, are taught to traditionally display our accomplishments publically for others to celebrate. You did it. Job well done.

But, many of my clients aren't here for the photos and hooplah. And I get it.

Many of  them have access to some generational wealth or privilege by being able to afford Homeownership. An opportunity that many of their surrounding community members do not have. Don't get me wrong, there's many proud moments of homeownership for my clients. Absolutely! But often coupled with complexity. One that feels overwhelmingly lucky, with a tug of guilt. Oftentimes, my clients want to remain anonymous.

Homeownership is very different from big milestones like graduating school and or getting a good job, or having a kiddo. There's no immediate association with wealth to do these things.

Homeownership however, more often means you have access to minimally 10k to make it happen. And we all know that realistically 10k is chump change in Portland. Most often it's plenty more than that. Some have absolutely worked hard and saved and overcome obstacles. Others have simply waited on standby for big money to arrive in their account from mom and pops. Both options are very real and very valid.

There is an old song that goes "it ain’t no fun if my homies can't have none."

And while I think that's extreme, I know some of the sentiment is there.

I reassure my clients that guilt or shame is not a feeling to sit in.

But action is.

There are many ways to offset wealth.

Donating, renting an ADU at a lower cost to someone in need, supporting businesses (not  just food and art ya'll, that goes for professional businesses as well) of folks with marginalized identities. You name it, there's an opportunity.

So, how do I market my success without photographing it?

I'll be able to get creative, no worries on that front.

I just find it a very interesting position to be in given so many of my clients have a complex relationship to homeownership.

And then there's the ones that want a Full Photo Shoot.

And I'm here for that too. Haha.

I'll conclude by setting an intention here:

May housing accessibility be so plentiful in the future that smiling marginalized faces won't be an anomaly to see and celebrate. Therefore errybody can get in the photo and not think twice about whether they are deserving of a home.