The Nudist Niche: When your buyers are naked

You thought real agents had every niche covered?

You ain’t seen nothin’ yet (literally).

Jackie Youngblood, an agent with Keller Williams in Tampa, Fla., caters to nudists who are coming to Pasco County, known as the nudist capital of North America for its 12 clothing-optional resorts.

Just how big is the nudist niche? In the first six months of this year, Youngblood sold 22 properties at prices ranging from $135,000 to $800,000. Though Youngblood does sell to “textiles” – an affectionate term for non-nudists – she estimates that nudist clients make up 85 percent to 90 percent of her business. Most are either purchasing a second home or retiring in the community, she said.

“Many are buying in cash,” Youngblood adds. “Most of them are businesspeople who have watched their money over the years – and when they want something, they get it.”

Nudist real estate has become so popular in the area that it’s even caught the attention of television network TLC. In October 2013, Youngblood signed on to have her work life filmed as she shows properties to clients – who are very much in the buff during the showings.

The show, “Buying Naked,” which airs on TLC at 11 p.m. on Saturdays, chronicles Youngblood as she helps nudist couples hunting for the perfect home in clothing-optional communities.