Op-ed:Offer More Housing Options for Latinos

Patricia Lindo, the president of the National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Associates (NHORA), a non-profit trade organization responds to Patch's article "Report Gives 'D' Grade for Affordable Housing for Latinos."

The Latino population, at nearly one quarter of the San Mateo County population, is the fastest growing demographic group in the county and is estimated to be the state’s largest population group within the next 30 years. The largest population group has specific housing and quality of life needs, and it is critical that those needs be addressed in long range planning and policy decisions.

While the county continues to offer jobs, it is currently far off track from offering enough diverse housing to accommodate the range of income levels living and working in San Mateo County. In fact, in a recently released study, “The Silicon Valley Latino Report Card,” developed by the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, housing for Latinos received a “D” grade due to the housing quality, crowding, and affordability issues. Experts predict the lack of adequate housing will create major quality of life issues for the Latino population in San Mateo County as well as the Silicon Valley community at-large.

We need the support of our entire community – business, civic, labor and community leaders – in order to succeed in our mission to improve the quality of life for Latinos and sustain the prosperity of this county. This call to action is a win-win strategy for Latinos and non-Latinos alike. Together we need to:

Collaborate with public and private sector parties to develop or make available more affordable housing options
Advocate for housing policies, projects and opportunities that benefit the Latino community
Implement sustainable ownership measures, including financial and mortgage education for new homeowners
Last week at the Latino Bay Area Housing Report, held in Redwood City, a broad range of Bay Area housing leaders called on the Latino community and the county as a whole to take the steps necessary to help solve the housing problems. There is a huge opportunity for the greater community to join our efforts and to contribute the time and resources necessary to succeed in this effort. Education and awareness is key to mobilizing our supporters in every community. But, time is of the essence.

At the luncheon, we heard from housing experts about their minority group-focused sustainable housing programs and financial literacy education. A few of the speakers also mentioned opportunities that need serious consideration in San Mateo County, including the Baylands project in Brisbane, which includes several hundred flat and townhomes, and the Redwood City Saltworks project, which proposes up to 12,000 homes, 15% below market rate. Both projects offer considerable community and environmental benefits. It is critical for the Latino community to get involved in these projects and others and to advocate for housing product types, below market rate housing, and community benefits that benefit Latinos.

Change is possible if we act now. Commitment from our public and private sector is necessary to improve the fate of our Latino community and San Mateo County – but most importantly we need all community members to get involved. There are many ways to do so: sign up for an Engagement Circle, part of Phase II of the “Silicon Valley Latino Report Card”, www.hfsv.org; join NHORA to learn more about opportunities specifically in San Mateo County; join the Housing Leadership Council; and, go to city websites to learn about specific projects and how to participate, including the City of Redwood City, Brisbane and other cities on the Peninsula.

NHORA’s next forum will focus on education and will be held in September. Like our housing forum the next forum will be a call to action for Latinos and the greater community. I hope you will join us.

Do you believe Latinos have enough affordable housing options? Tell us in the comments.

NHORA Celebrates One Year Anniversary- Installs National Leadership Council

Real Estate Professionals organize a trade association to elevate professional standards and promote commerce through sustainable home ownership in the Latino community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Francisco – February 23, 2011 – The National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Associates celebrates its first anniversary at an event in San Francisco St. Mary’s Cathedral. At this gathering, Patricia Lindo will be installed as the national board chair and the National Leadership Council will be activated.

NHORA National past President Richard Gonzalez said “I am delighted to have played a key role in getting NHORA off the ground and proud to see Patricia step up to the top leadership role”.

NHORA National Board Member, Jorge Carcamo of San Francisco adds “Patricia has a tremendous passion for NHORA’s commitment to transparency, leadership development, highest ethical standards and to our Latino community. The President’s Council is important component of our governance to ensure transparency and leadership development.”

The impact of the current economic market has had a disproportionally higher negative impact on Hispanic communities. NHORA has been created to help thwart this kind of damage in our communities and further educate and empower ethical professionals and the consumers they serve.

Patricia Lindo said “Some of us have been advocating for many years for a true trade association that focus on sustainable home ownership in the Latino community. I am humbled and honored to lead this organization and take it to the next level.”

NHORA Membership opportunities are open to industry professionals and leaders in Housing, Banking, Ancillary Service Providers and housing related Business Owners with chapters scheduled nationwide.

For more information go to www.NHORA.com

"The Future of Real Estate"

NHORA National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Associates

Dear NHORA Members,

Our new series "The Future of Real Estate" will begin on July 14th luncheon and will be launch by a powerhouse of REO Agents that will be sharing regarding the future of Real Estate from a perspective of an REO agent. This luncheon is sure to sell out; therefore we are encouraging everyone to pre-register to reserve your space.

I encourage those who have not yet become a member to do so now. NHORA's vision is to encourage, promote affordable and sustainable homeownership and every month we bring forth this mission to our members.

La hora de NHORA es ahora!

Gema Smith
President

Register at
Http://nhorajuly14.eventbrite.com/

Download .pdf flyer
http://nhora.org/events/july14th.pdf

Announcing the launch of NHORA (National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Associates)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Richard Gonzalez or Margie O’Campo de Castillo
TEL: 800-75 NHORA Email: info@NHORA.org

Real Estate Professionals organize trade association to elevate professional standards and promote commerce with sustainable home ownership in the Latino community.

(San Diego, Ca. November 14, 2009) In response to the need for consumer education and community outreach, Hispanic Leaders in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas announce the launch of NHORA tm, the National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Associates at Booth #3309 of the
NAR Convention in San Diego California November 15-16, 2009 with specially developed founding membership levels to mark the NHORA inaugural year.

NHORA National Board Member, Richard Gonzalez of California says “Our communities need an organization whose values are more than words in a mission statement. They need organized leadership and membership that exemplifies the care and well being of community in all financial affairs, especially housing”.

NHORA National Board Member, Margie O’Campo de Castillo of Arizona adds “ Our trade association is made up of democratically elected, seasoned industry leaders that are well known for their commitment to elevating the standard of service by providing valuable and timely information and educational forums for community outreach to ethical professionals in the mentoring of local, regional, and national leadership. NHORA members will act as one body in the advocacy of necessary changes within the Hispanic community with the strength of professional affinity membership”.

The impact of the current economic market has had a disproportionally higher negative impact on Hispanic communities. NHORA has been created to help thwart this kind of damage in our communities and further educate and empower ethical professionals and the consumers they serve.

National Board Member, Jorge Carcamo of San Francisco states “Our vision is to promote a true democratic trade association within the context of a membership based organization of ethical professionals primarily engaged in facilitating sustainable home ownership and commerce building opportunities with affinity professionals for the benefit of the communities they serve with complete transparency”.


The NHORA National Founding Board of Directors and Advisory Board of distinguished professionals including Hilda Ramirez, Miguel Velazco, and Patricia Lindo are currently developing NHORA Chapters in the states of Arizona, Northern and Southern California, Illinois, Florida, and Texas hosting various business developments and networking seminars beginning in the fall of 2009 into 2010 and beyond.

NHORA Membership opportunities are open to industry professionals and leaders in Housing, Banking, Ancillary Service Providers and housing related Business Owners with chapters scheduled nationwide.