Founded in 1986, Houston’s first and largest network group of Hispanic real estate professionals. For R.E.A.L. Members * Offers network opportunities to establish relationships and alliances throughout the industry * Sustains professional development via updates on business trends and real estate practice * Monitors changing government regulations, develops relationships with policy makers and elected officials
For Potential Hispanic Homeowners, Education is critical to: * Create awareness of homebuyer rights and mortgage options * Establish the importance of using Realtors and other key professionals in the home buying process * Accessing the Process of Home Ownership
R.E.A.L.’s activities continue to demonstrate a commitment to fair housing while creating value for its membership by promoting home ownership opportunities for Houston’s largest emerging market segment.
Accessing the Process of Home Ownership The Hispanic community learns how to obtain their own individual thread to weave into the fabric of the American Dream through bi-lingual educational outreach events held in schools, churches, community centers and new home developments.
Resource Center Provides intervention and guidance for victims of alleged fraud or discrimination in the pursuit of housing with appropriate agencies*. Originated fifteen years ago when local Hispanic TV and radio stations referred alleged victims to R.E.A.L. Foreclosure prevention and the return of pilfered money were examples of successful interventions that resulted in a HUD Best Practices Award to R.E.A.L.in 2000.
* Attorney General, District Attorney, HUD’s Fair Housing Compliance Division, Texas Real Estate Commission, Texas Dept of Savings & Mortgage Lending, and other regulatory agencies & pro-bono attorneys. R.E.A.L. does not litigate.
Roundtable for Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Started in 2004, forums moderated by the director of the City of Houston’s Housing & Community Development Department, marking the first time in Houston’s history that Hispanic real estate professionals have assembled specifically to discuss the challenges in developing housing opportunities for Houston’s Hispanic community.
Celebrating Professional Diversity R.E.A.L. organizes an annual co-op reception with the leaders of ethnic, cultural and professional real estate groups for the incoming chairman of the Houston Association of Realtors. Another R.E.A.L initiative bringing together professional and community groups.
Recent Developments * R.E.A.L. at Night After hour events in restaurants, night spots and professional locations provide members additional network opportunities in different environments throughout the year.
Current Projects * Completion of internet access site to a unique first time homebuyer guide filmed entirely in Spanish
Private property ownership is the foundation of America’s free enterprise system. R.E.A.L.’s history reflects the belief that the achievement of homeownership for Hispanics and all minorities will continue to be a key symbolic experience in the transition to mainstream American life.
Political Activity / Involvement Elected officials or public office candidates have addressed R.E.A.L. regarding real estate industry and private property issues. R.E.A.L. members and the public should know that: R.E.A.L. is a non-profit organization. It does not endorse, support nor contribute funding or in-kind services to any public office holder or candidate, nor for any kind of political campaign.
