Report Predicts Hispanics Will Boost Housing Market

U.S. Hispanics will drive growth in U.S. housing demand due to their population size, age and greater propensity to be married with children, according to a new report issued by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP).

The report, "The State of Hispanic Homeownership," predicts that this demographic will drive demand for condominiums, smaller starter homes and first trade-up homes in the next 15 years. NAHREP adds that these demographics will also represent a "rapidly growing segment of the middle and middle-upper markets for housing."

NAHREP notes that Hispanics are the largest minority group in the nation and represent a significant portion of the 26- to 46-year old age group that are involved in most home sales.

"The Latin boom has been forecasted for years, but we are now seeing the front edge of it," says Carmen Mercado, president of the NAHREP. "It has the potential to help the nation's housing system get back on track if we can create a safe credit environment for new buyers to get into the market."

Mercado adds that it is crucial for housing policy to focus on encouraging affordable housing. "In the climate of crisis, we must resist over-reaching with regulations that make homeownership more expensive for millions of responsible consumers who have the buying power to revitalize our fragile housing market," she says.


Full Report Available Online...

Meeting with Latino Leaders Across the U.S.

Director Mayorkas joined Chicago area business leaders As I travel across the country to meet with various higher education organizations, I have also had the opportunity to meet with Latino community leaders to share with them the Administration’s initiatives and to hear about their concerns and accomplishments. I have been struck by their dedication to their communities, their commitment to our country, and their determination to provide a better future for their children. The President’s 2020 education goal is deeply resonant with them and with the communities that they serve.

In a suburb of San Diego, Gary and Kathleen Acosta graciously opened their home to me and about a dozen colleagues and friends from the real estate industry, the arts, and academia so I could share with them the President’s agenda for the Hispanic community. Gary is an officer of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, and through his leadership, that organization has embraced improving the educational level of the Latino community as one of its goals. The group was keenly interested Read More Here!

REL Launched “Path to Sustainable Latino Homeownership Sweepstakes”

For immediate release: June 1st, Jacksonville, FL. Education remains a major barrier to Latino homeownership.

RealEstateLatino.com (REL) celebrates Homeownership Month by launching “Path to Sustainable Latino Homeownership Sweepstakes” nationwide. Over the years REL has become a trusted online resource to educate the Latino community about the process of homeownership. REL is expanding its educational efforts by providing realtors who embrace our core value of “Impeccable Ethical Behavior” with tools to help inform their local communities.

REL, one of the most trusted online real estate destinations for Spanish speaking consumers in the US, kicks off June’s Homeownership Month today launching “Path to Sustainable Latino Homeownership Sweepstakes”. This promotion will run from June 1st through August 30th and will be open to all real estate sales associates and brokers regardless of their company affiliations and cultural background. Three lucky agents will be selected by September 15th.

REL understands that under current market conditions many agents will face challenges if they decide to incorporate a Spanish branded website in their business plan. By entering REL’s “Path to Sustainable Latino Homeownership Sweepstakes”, real estate professionals get a chance to win a free website and a complete REL marketing package that can help increase their business in the local Latino market.

A custom-made website includes all the tools an agent will need to ignite his or her local online market. The agent website features real estate education articles and local resources that along with lead capturing forms on every page will ensure a successful lead-capturing strategy. “Need extra online exposure? You got it,” says Bill Arce, founder of REL. The winners will also receive a full year membership with RealEstateLatino.com. The certified membership provides real estate professionals an innovative online marketplace en Español where agents can list their properties for sale, promote their bilingual services, and receive phone-verified real estate leads.

About RealEstateLatino.com:

RealEstateLatino.com, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is the nation’s leading provider of real estate resources and information, with a mission to increase homeownership opportunities within the Latino community. Launched in 2004, RealEstateLatino.com was founded by William (Bill) Arce to answer Latinos’ real estate concerns about purchasing homes. The future is getting brighter for the Hispanic real estate community, as RealEstateLatino.com partners with trusted real estate professionals to make it the premier source of real estate information nationwide. For more information please visit http://english.realestatelatino.com/sweepstakes

Media Contact:


Dunia Arce
(904) 647-4420
info@realestatelatino.com
###

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

Latin Builders Association® Celebrates 40th Anniversary

The Latin Builders Association® (LBA), the largest Hispanic construction association in the United States, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2011. Since inception in 1971, the LBA has strived to provide a vital forum for discussion, networking, training/development and representation at the local, state and federal level.

The LBA’s core goal is to represent and further the interests of the South Florida Community, the local building industry, and the individuals and companies that strive day after day to make our community a better place to live, work and play.

“We are grateful to have grown as an association and to have experienced the journey we have endured over the past 40 years,” said Noelia E. Moreno, President, Latin Builders Association®. “The LBA was first started because our fathers and grandfathers were looking to have access to the building opportunities in Florida and were eager to be welcomed into our community and, as a united front, they were able to experience much success and worked hard to become recognized and valued for their hard work. We look forward to continuing to make them proud and follow the lead that they have paved for us in the years to come while accepting change.”

Further defining the LBA’s commitment to the community is the LBA Children and Families Foundation which houses the organization’s philanthropic work to formalize and further extend LBA’s involvement and commitment to providing help to those in need. Even in the midst of tumultuous times, the association continues to recognize the importance of educating our future workforce and providing for those who benefit from a helping hand. LBA’s philanthropic ventures are made possible through the commitment of the members to help the community one child at a time.

Established in 1971 by a group of local contractors, Latin Builders Association, Inc. ® has embodied the interests of builders, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians and tradesmen associated with the business of construction, striving to provide a vital forum for discussion, networking, training/development, and representation at the local, state and federal level. Today, we are the largest Hispanic construction association in the United States, representing over 750 member companies throughout South Florida.

www.latinbuilders.org

Mexico Real Estate Coalition Announces "Live Mexico" Campaign

Houston, TX (PRWEB) January 6, 2011

For the first time, a nationwide array of companies are joining forces to promote living and real estate investment in Mexico. Individuals from some of the most respected companies including Grupo Questro, Capella Pedregal, Punta Mita, Querencia, RCI International, BBVA/Compass Group and Stewart Title Latin America have compiled a stellar group of talent to combat the negative media, security concerns and perception challenges that have faced Mexico the past year. www.livemexico.org

The Mexico Real Estate Coalition (MREC) has a very clear and simple goal: to promote the many benefits Mexico offers to those seeking a place to retire or own a second home. The second home/retirement home sector is a multi-billion dollar industry in Mexico, spread over several major markets and many smaller ones. Until now, there has never been a national association to advocate this specific segment. As a national industry-wide Coalition, the MREC has the combined power to ensure that Mexico continues to attract people from United States and Canada and educate them on the main benefits of living in the country.


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/01/06/prweb4945844.DTL#ixzz1B38aGwxZ

Casa Latino International Enters Global Expansion Phase

(ORLANDO, FL) -- Casa Latino International, an Orlando-based multicultural real estate firm, has launched a global development initiative to expand the Casa Latino brand into select markets in South America and Europe, further strengthening the real estate franchise brand beyond the U.S. territory.

The expansion of Casa Latino International into the worldwide marketplace will establish partnerships with foreign real estate professionals, agencies and brokerage firms to create an access point to the U.S. realty markets, including access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Sonny Buoncervello, president of Casa Latino International, is spearheading this global marketing initiative with the support of Dream Factory Productions, a multicultural marketing and advertising agency with experience in the development of brands in global markets.

"Casa Latino International is creating ambassadorial-style partnerships with real estate professionals to enhance their business with residential and commercial MLS inventory from the American market in their language," said Buoncervello. "We are launching boutique real estate centers abroad to serve the interests of their citizens in popular destinations within the U.S."

Buoncervello has over 35 years of experience in the real estate business and played a pivotal role in the development of two of Central Florida's most beautiful resort communities, Celebration and Reunion, which gives him a unique advantage in real estate market development. In his desire to expand the Casa Latino brand internationally, Buoncervello recently brokered a Master Franchise Agreement with Eros Spinozzi, President of Italico Srl, to develop the Casa Latino brand throughout Italy.

During the first quarter of 2010, Casa Latino International plans to expand the real estate brand to Mexico, Costa Rica and Brazil, all countries that offer excellent market potential given the established travel routes to U.S. airports with a constant flow of tourists and business travelers.

Through the establishment of partnerships with agents and brokerage firms in the Latin American territory, as well as in Spain and Italy, customers will benefit from the opportunity to purchase real estate in many of the most popular destination cities in North America--a growing trend in countries with strong middle class segments.

Since many are likely to be unfamiliar with real estate transactions in the U.S., Casa Latino International's offers foreign real estate brokers the value-added benefit of making available a full range of resources, including MLS inventory, financing options, title assistance and bilingual support.

RealEstateLatino.com continues providing Free Services to the Latino community in the US.

RealEstateLatino.com-a leading bilingual online real estate community based in Jacksonville, FL continue providing Free Services to the Latino community in the US.

We are experiencing a very challenging and fast changing real estate market with a lot of opportunities for Latinos to buy their dream home, but these opportunities can be easily out of reach to many Latinos for lack of information or knowing where to find resources, said Bill Arce, President and CEO of Real Estate Latino Network.

Record low Interest rates, new down payment assistance program like the federal tax credit, first time buyer program under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, just to name a few, are examples of resources available to Latinos NOW, continue, Mr. Arc. RealEstateLatino.com offers free access to detailed information to these and more resources available across the border in Spanish.

RealEstateLatino.com not just offer FREE real estate information and resources, as a part of a its commitment to assist a Latino homebuyer reach the “American Dream”, REL provides homebuyers with an unique professional matching service. Latino buyers looking to purchase a home in the US can ask REL to be referred to one of the many REL’s certified real estate agents to help them find, negotiate and close on their dream home.

RealEstateLatino.com is taking daily applications from ready to buy buyers looking to purchase a new home within 90 days. We are currently offering exclusive territories in Florida, Texas and California, if you are a broker/owner and would like to know more about this great offer, email me at info@realestatelatino.com or just call our company 888-934-9779.

Rene Lugo
Account Manager

Real Estate Latino, LLC

SBA Forms Strategic Alliance with Vista Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals

SAN DIEGO - (Business Wire) Ruben Garcia, the San Diego district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), signed a strategic alliance memorandum today with Maria Lopez Flores, President/CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), Vista chapter.

The signed agreement allows SBA and the NAHREP Vista to work together, with SBA and its resource partners providing maximum financial opportunities, training and technological information to NAHREP entrepreneurs.

“I’m extremely pleased with the work that is being accomplished by NAHREP Vista and the excellent leadership provided by Maria Lopez Flores,” said Garcia. “Maria has a rich history of helping entrepreneurs take their place as business owners and I know she’ll continue doing a great job of assisting potential owners to fulfill their dreams of small business ownership.”

This collaboration between the SBA and the NAHREP Vista is building a strong foundation for the future. NAHREP’s mission is to increase Hispanic homeownership rates through educational tools and a network of professionals in the real estate industry.

Notes Maria Lopez Flores, “Having SBA San Diego as a strategic alliance partner only enhances a strong foundation of services for future entrepreneurs, especially those working in North San Diego County.”

To learn more about the SBA call (619) 557-7250 or (619) 727-4883 and visit the web at www.sba.gov/ca/sandiego. To find out more about NAHREP Vista, call Maria Lopez Flores at (760) 803-4696.

Release Number: 09-17

U.S. Small Business Administration
Cynthia Harris, 619-727-4884
http://www.sba.gov/ca/sandiego/SN_NEWS.html

Esperanza Addresses the Real Estate and Mortgage Crisis During The State of Hispanic Housing Dinner

The dinner will focus on the state of Hispanic housing in the United States and will highlight the specific issues that affect the Latino community. Mr. Kenneth D. Wade, CEO, NeighborWorks America, will speak to the challenges regarding the foreclosure crisis and will identify strategies for confronting the crisis as it relates to the Hispanic community.

Mr. Ira Goldstein, Director, Policy and Information Services for The Reinvestment Fund, will also speak during the dinner. He will present a study he was commissioned to conduct by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh identifying the impact of the current real estate and mortgage markets on the Hispanic population.

Congressman Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL) will address the audience, as well, and will express his support of and commitment to Latino homeownership as a facet of the American Dream that should be achievable for every American.

The hope is that as Hispanic clergy become more informed of the depth and breadth of the housing crisis and the approaches necessary to navigate the system successfully, they can serve as conduits to their church congregants who are experiencing the direct impact of the housing dilemma, as well as be able to affect public policy and drive a movement for just legislation.

Immediately following the State of Hispanic Housing Dinner, three-time Latin Grammy Award winner, Marcos Witt, will be speaking during the Church Leadership Plenary where he will be discussing, in an open forum, how church leaders can address a community in crisis.

Renowned Christian singers Ingrid Rosario and ARPA Award winner, Julissa will lend their voices and perform during both the State of Hispanic Housing Dinner and the Church Leadership Plenary.

"Many Hispanics are losing or are in danger of losing their homes," stated Reverend Luis Cortes, Jr., President and Founder of Esperanza. "Esperanza is one of only a handful of Hispanic groups addressing this issue and we are hopeful we can get other Latinos to join us."

The Reverend Luis Cortes, Jr. is president of Esperanza, the largest Hispanic faith-based Evangelical network in the United Sates. With a national network of more than 12,000 churches, ministries, and community organizations, Esperanza is one of the leading voices for Hispanics in America.

For more information, go to www.esperanza.us.

Back To http://blog.realestatatelatino.com

Struggling Latino CU in Phoenix Merges

Jim Rubenstein
The $3.5 million Chicanos Por La Causa Federal Credit Union of Phoenix has become the latest victim of the Arizona economy, formally merged this month into its Latino rival, the $27 million Marisol FCU.

“Conditions could not have been much worse for a credit union whose members are involved in real estate construction and related fields,” said Robin Romano, president/CEO of Marisol and who since last July has been serving as interim manager for the struggling Chicanos Por La Causa.

The CU was founded by a Phoenix-based Latino nonprofit group and is a member of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions. Read More Here.

Go back to www.realestatelatino.com

RE/MAX Adds Brazil to International Roster

RISMEDIA, June 3, 2009-RE/MAX International Inc., recently welcomed the Federative Republic of Brazil to its expanding list of international regions. Four region owners, who originate from Brazil and Portugal, have purchased master franchise rights for RE/MAX Brazil and plan to open offices throughout the largest country in South America.

In 2008, RE/MAX sold more than 700 franchises and surpassed the 70 country milestone, an international presence greater than any of its competitors. Brazil is only the eighth country to join the RE/MAX Network in the last six months, preceded by Albania, Bahamas, Ecuador, India, Macedonia, Singapore and Uruguay.

“Brazil is a country of great international stature because of its economic viability and we’re thrilled to have a presence there,” said William Soteroff, senior vice president of International Development at RE/MAX International. “The new region owners have a vision to use the RE/MAX Network to bring a new level of professionalism and education to the real estate industry. Brazilians will certainly benefit from an internationally-recognized name brand with a reputation for outstanding customer service.”

RE/MAX Brazil Region Owners Luis Juliao, Jose Luiz Monteis, Renato Teixeira and Paolo Toledo average more than 20 years of real estate experience and have been operating an independent firm in Brazil with more than 800 agents.

Full story: http://rismedia.com/2009-06-02/remax-adds-brazil-to-international-roster/

New America Alliance Applauds Administration on the Nomination of Rosie Rios for U.S. Treasurer

DALLAS, May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New America Alliance (NAA) applauds the nomination of Rosa "Rosie" Gumataotao Rios for United States Treasurer. As the premier advocate for increasing Latino access to economic capital, the NAA, along with other national Latino organizations such as the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, strongly supported the nomination of Rios.

"We commend the Administration for this appointment to this key Treasury Department post," said Carlos Loumiet, NAA Chair of the Board. "Rios' strong financial services expertise and background will make her a valuable contributor in helping solve the economic difficulties we are all currently experiencing. Just as important in the long run, as her appointment evidences, the President continues to identify and appoint outstanding young Latinos and Latinas who want and will be able to serve our country for decades to come."

With more than 21 years of real estate and urban development experience, Rios is Managing Director of Investments for MacFarlane Partners, one of the leading real estate investment management firms in the U.S. She serves as the primary liaison with the firms' real estate and capital partners to facilitate investments located in urban and high-density suburban markets and recently closed on over $345 million worth of equity commitments. Recently, Rios served as a member of the Treasury/Federal Reserve Transition Team on behalf of the Obama Administration.

Prior to joining MacFarlane Partners, Rios was a Principal with Red River Associates, a consulting firm specializing in providing development, project management, and executive management services for municipalities. Previously, she served as the director of the Redevelopment and Economic Development departments for the City of Oakland. Rios has a long track record in California economic development with municipal governments in the cities of Fremont, San Leandro, and Union City. She serves as a Trustee of the Alameda County Employees' Retirement Association (ACERA) and is a board member of the California Association of Local Economic Development (CALED) and the Fruitvale Spanish-Speaking Unity Council. A graduate of Harvard University, she is also a Fellow with the Royal Society of the Arts.

The New America Alliance (NAA) is a national organization comprised of prominent Latino business leaders united to lead the process of American Latino economic empowerment and wealth-building through economic capital, leadership development, strategic philanthropy, and public policy advocacy.

www.naaonline.org

RealEstateLatino.com Launches Updated Educational Website

RealEstateLatino.com becomes and instrumental component in educating the Latino underserved community by releasing the most comprehensive and educational Spanish language website available. Bill Arce, Founder and CEO of RealEstateLatino.com, recently announced his exponential growth continued, with corporate support from such entities as Fidelity National Financial and RED Key Internacional, LLC of Orlando, FL.

Orlando, FL, September 29, 2007 Education remains a major barrier to Latino homeownership.RealEstateLatino, LLC, one of the nation’s leading real estate resources for the Latino community, announced today the launch of its updated Spanish web portal, RealEstateLatino.com.

The website, found at www.RealEstateLatino.com, is part of the company’s online real estate education and resource initiatives to help raise home-ownership rates for the underserved Latino community.

Launched in 2004, RealEstateLatino.com has quickly become the online source for consumers in need of real estate information and other industry resources. According to eMarketer, there were 15.7 million Hispanic internet users in the United States in 2005, rising to 16.7 million in 2006. The number of users is expected to grow by 33 percent over the next five years, reaching 20.9 million in 2010. “As a result of this fast-growing market segment, RealEstateLatino.com has implemented in its new version a combination of a more user-friendly, easy-to-navigate interface, with direct access to industry news and information, resources, a Realtor directory, and information on foreclosure prevention and predatory lending,” said William R. Arce, founder of Real Estate Latino, LLC and President of the Jacksonville Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals.

Arce considers one of RealEstateLatino.com’s greatest accomplishments as bringing together organizations, companies and professionals in one online marketplace that are committed to assisting Latino home buyers, especially first-time home buyers who depend heavily on a trusted advisor to successfully purchase their dream home. “My goal, as an immigrant myself, is to continue assisting fellow Latinos in creating more wealth through real property ownership,” Arce stated.

“The recent sub prime loan crisis reminds us how important it is to educate and reach out to consumers, particularly the traditionally underserved and immigrant communities,” said Pablo Wong, Senior Vice President for Market Development for Fidelity National Financial (FNF). FNF is one of the nation's largest title insurance companies through its title insurance underwriters - Chicago Title, Fidelity National Title, Ticor Title, Security Union Title and Alamo Title. Through title education and its national network of Spanish-speaking closers, FNF is hoping to help RealEstateLatino.com assist home buyers overcome the barriers to homeownership.

About RealEstateLatino.com:

RealEstateLatino.com, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is the nation’s leading provider of real estate resource and information with the mission of increasing homeownership opportunities within the Latino community. Launched in 2004, RealEstateLatino.com was founded by William R. Arce to answer Latinos real estate concerns about purchasing homes. The future is only brighter for their Hispanic real estate community, as RealEstateLatino.com partners with such entities as Fidelity National Financial and RED Key Internacional, LLC - a national consulting and educational research firm - to make it the premier source of real estate information nationally and internationally.
For more information please visit, www.realestatelatino.com.
Media Contact:
Bill Arce(904) 415-2755
Bill.arce@realestatelatino.com