Group Is Forming for Latino Real Estate Professionals

A national nonprofit association has been formed to support Hispanic American real estate professionals and Hispanic American homeowners and buyers.

The National Assn. of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals has almost 1,100 members, according to executive director Ruben Garcia, and is growing by about 100 members a week.

Local chapters are expected to be started soon in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Miami, San Antonio, Phoenix and Albuquerque, Garcia said. A monthly newsletter and annual conference also are planned.

“More than 50,000 Hispanic Americans are employed in real estate and its fields of lending, insurance, escrow and title,” Garcia said.

“A united voice can have great impact on the general success of these professionals, as well as on the growth of Hispanic American home ownership.”

Membership is free. An application is available on the group’s Web site at https://www.nahrep.org or by calling (800) 964-5373.

Serving on the group’s board of directors:

* Gary E. Acosta, president and founder of Century Finance USA, a California-based mortgage banker.

* Irma Cantu Acosta, executive vice president, Montebello Board of Realtors.

* Ray Leal, president of the Texas Assn. of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce.

* Ernest J. Reyes, broker and founder, Network Realty, a California real estate brokerage.

* Rafael Sanchez, finance chairman, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

* Gaddi Vasquez, division vice president, public affairs department, Southern California Edison Co., and former Orange County supervisor.