An ASL real estate agent exists for one simple reason. People deserve to fully understand the most important financial decision of their lives. When communication is limited, rushed, or misunderstood, risk increases. Stress increases. And trust breaks down.
In a recent conversation with Tomás Fonseca on the Icons of Real Estate Podcast, I shared how my experiences as a CODA influence my approach to accessibility in real estate. Being an ASL real estate agent is a responsibility based on experience, advocacy, and respect, leading to better outcomes through enhanced understanding.
Link to episode: How Inclusive Communication Builds Trust (and Top-Producing Real Estate Careers)
My First Experience Advocating Through Language
I learned American Sign Language before I learned English. I am a CODA, a Child of Deaf Adults, and communication shaped my life long before real estate did.
At twelve years old, I helped my parents buy their first home.
There was no interpreter. No one slowed down. The documents were complicated. The pressure was real. I stepped in because I had to. I remember how isolated my parents looked. Not because they were incapable, but because the system was not built for them.
That experience made communication access non-negotiable in my career. It is the foundation of how I practice real estate today.
What a Deaf Real Estate Agent Actually Does (Beyond ASL)
People often ask, “What does ASL mean in real estate?” Others assume it simply refers to knowing the ASL sign for a real estate agent or using captions on a phone.
It is far more than that.
Communication clarity and informed consent
An ASL real estate agent ensures Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing clients fully understand every step of the transaction, including contracts, negotiations, timelines, and financial risk.
Cultural context and expectations
ASL is not English on the hands. It is a distinct language with its own grammar, structure, and cultural norms. Understanding those norms matters during high-pressure decisions.
Education, not interpretation
My role is not to rush clients through paperwork. It is to educate, explain, and confirm understanding so consent is informed, not assumed. Accessibility is not an accommodation. It is a safeguard.
Why Choosing a Real Estate Agent for Deaf Clients Matters
As a deaf real estate agent advocate and ally, I see the same breakdowns repeat themselves across transactions.
Most contracts are explained verbally, quickly, and with heavy terminology. Without visual reinforcement, understanding suffers. Negotiations move quickly. Tone, urgency, and nuance are often lost when communication is incomplete.
When timelines shift without clear explanation, stress increases. Confusion compounds pressure. These gaps create risk. Not because Deaf clients are less capable, but because the system assumes everyone processes information the same way.
Deaf accessibility issues in real estate are rarely intentional; often, agents are simply unaware of their legal obligations to ensure effective communication.
How to Communicate Effectively With Deaf Clients
Many agents ask me how to communicate with a deaf person without “doing it wrong.” That question comes up often, and it came up directly in a recent industry conversation as well.
During that discussion, I was asked what most real estate agents misunderstand when working with deaf clients. My answer was simple. They rush. And rushing breaks trust.
When agents slow down, communication improves immediately. Clients feel respected. Questions are asked. Confidence grows. Time spent explaining prevents mistakes and misunderstandings later.
Most communication issues come from discomfort, not lack of care. Effort builds connection. Avoidance creates distance. Trying matters more than getting everything right.
5 Ways to Communicate With a Deaf Person in Real Estate
-
Ask how they prefer to communicate: Each deaf or hard-of-hearing client has unique communication preferences, such as ASL or writing. Asking about their preferred style, rather than assuming, builds trust for successful interactions.
-
Slow down the process: Real estate often moves fast, especially during negotiations or contract deadlines. Speed can seem efficient but poses risks if communication isn't clear. Taking time allows for questions and confirmations, enhancing understanding. Clarity minimizes stress and prevents costly mistakes later.
-
Use clear written explanations: Deaf clients need clear written communication, particularly for legal or financial terms. Use simple language, avoid jargon, and clearly explain each step and its importance to enhance their confidence.
-
Be visually present: Visual communication is crucial. Face your client, maintain eye contact, and avoid phone or computer distractions. Facial expressions and body language convey meaning, showing respect and attention.
-
Bring in interpreters when needed: Professional interpreters ensure accurate communication, allowing clients to fully engage in decisions affecting their finances and future. They protect informed consent and reduce liability for all parties.
Deaf communication methods are essential professional standards, not just accommodations. For real estate agents working with deaf clients, these methods lead to better outcomes and smoother transactions.
If you’d like to hear the full conversation, you can listen to my discussion with Tomás Fonseca on the Icons of Real Estate Podcast, where we talk more about accessibility, communication, and real-world experiences in real estate.
