AFFILIATE CORNER The impact of real estate

Homeownership is not only a keyway to creating generational wealth, but it also financially impacts our community in exponential ways. The real estate industry accounted for $293.8 billion (or 24%) of the gross state product in 2021, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. When homeownership becomes more accessible to more people, it benefits our state, community and industry. As we focus on fair housing this quarter, I want to highlight opportunities within Greater Tampa REALTORS® where both members and affiliate members can participate, donate and educate in the spirit of driving more homeownership opportunities in our community.

Real Estate for All Alliance

Per the GTR website, “The Real Estate for All Alliance (REFAA) is a diversity partnership between Greater Tampa REALTORS® (GTR) and the six real estate specialty groups in the Tampa Bay area. GTR formed REFAA to celebrate diversity and equal representation for homeowners from all backgrounds. Together, the Alliance represents strength in diversity, unity and real estate professionalism.” Check out opportunities for membership and education via www.tamparealtors.org/resources/refaa.

REALTORS® Care Foundation

This charitable organization was created to aid first-time home buyers in the form of a grant, which does not have to be repaid. Upon approval of the application, buyers are able to use those funds towards closing costs and downpayment. Additionally, this grant can be used with other down-payment assistance programs. Applications can be found and donations can be made here: www. realtorscarefoundation.org

Dare to Own the Dream

The City of Tampa offers this down payment assistance program to income-eligible buyers who have registered with a city-affiliated buyer’s program. Funds are available

Community Land Title Insurance Agency

Representative: Veronica Alfaro

Curbio

Representative: Brittany Ortiz

Elite Roofing Services Inc.

Representative: Camille Austin, Kelly Hamlett

Enterprise Title of Tampa Bay Inc.

Representative: Daniella Geoghagan

Febre Frameworks LLC

Representative: Manny Febre

Fidelity National Title Ins. Co

Representative: Martha Edwards

Haven Title LLC up to $40,000 and may be forgiven after 10 years of consecutive owner occupancy. Agents and lenders participating in this program must complete training through the city to be added to the approved list. For more information regarding registration and how to enroll a buyer in the program, visit:

JENNIE RESTREPO Affiliate Director

www.tampa.gov/housing-and-community-development/ programs/mortgage-assistance

Mayor Castor’s Infill Program

In 2017, Tampa’s mayor began a program where city-owned vacant lots were awarded to builders and non-profits at no cost with the caveat that the land be developed and property sold at a capped sales amount to income-eligible buyers. This program has the dual benefits of developing unused land and providing homeownership opportunities to income-eligible prospective homeowners. For more information on this program, use the following link: www.tampa.gov/housing-and-community-development/ community-development/infill-phase-ii

Nothing is more joyful than welcoming buyers and their families to their new homes. As agents and partners, we oftentimes share in the happiness of that milestone event in many people’s lives. As members of Greater Tampa REALTORS®, we are dedicated to spreading that joy and opportunity to as many members of our community as possible. These are just a few examples of ways to learn, grow and contribute while fulfilling that mission.

February: Aida Rizo – LMCU

March: Phil Clark – Enterprise Title

Representative: Jessica Arnold

Lotus Land Inspection Services LLC

Representative: Amir Ibrahim

Noble Property Inspections

Representative: Michael Marshall, Zachary Wilburn

Orbit 360 Home Inspections LLC

Representative: Ulises Guardiola

Prepense Business Solutions

Representative: Johnathan McKeen-Chaff

Rescue Roofing of Tampa Inc.

Representative: Collin Kruse

RMA Property Inspections

Representative: Brian Gruhn

Southern Skies Inspections Inc.

Representative: Jerry Bourguignon

The Maintenance Pro’s

Representative: Tye Swenson

Tricor LLC

Representative: Paul Eckley

V-Benefits Group

Representative: Scott Verdonck

Villa Residential Inspections LLC

Representative: Jelvis Villanueva