For members of the LGBTQ+ community, buying a home that would allow them to live openly and honestly used to be an anxiety-inducing experience, writes Suzi Nash for the Philadelphia Gay News. 

And while times have changed, many still feel more comfortable turning to companies that have ties to the community and people they will not have to explain their situation. 

One such company was co-founded in Philadelphia by Phoenixville native Brian Figgs. He was in Miami with his partner and two friends when he announced he was getting his real estate license. One of his friends, Yul Giraldo, proposed they team up, and The Avenue Team was born. 

“Now we have two other team members, Nick Selvaggi and Adam Valone,” said Figgs. “It’s amazing how quickly we’ve grown, our sales last year were 14 million and we’re already at 12 mil this year!” 

And the whole crew are members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

“I like the fact that we’re a place where LGBTQ+ couples looking to get a place can feel comfortable being themselves,” added Figgs. 

Read the entire interview in the Philadelphia Gay News.