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NAHREP Bronx chapter outlines programs to help Hispanic New Yorkers access homeownership
Summary
Representatives from the NAHREP Bronx chapter explained outreach efforts, cited local homeownership and income figures to contextualize barriers, described lending options that can lower conventional down‑payment and credit hurdles, and announced an April 23 estate‑planning workshop; registration will be posted on the chapter's channels.
Representatives from the Bronx chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) described on a local radio program how the chapter is working to boost Hispanic homeownership through education, partnerships and targeted events.
The guests — introduced on the program as Julie Soul, Francisco and Amy Menddees — said NAHREP’s mission is to advance sustainable Hispanic homeownership by educating prospective buyers and connecting them to lenders, mortgage brokers, inspectors and attorneys who can support a purchase. They said the association has more than 120 chapters nationwide and operates locally to help people understand programs and qualifying rules that can reduce traditional barriers such as large down payments and high credit‑score thresholds.
Why it matters: The guests noted that Bronx homeownership is lower than the city average, describing the Bronx rate at about 20% compared with roughly 30% citywide and citing a median Bronx household income of about $49,000 versus $79,000 for New York City. The chapter presented those figures as context for outreach: lower incomes and lower rates of ownership make targeted programs important to help residents move from renting to owning.
Programs and qualifying rules: Chapter representatives said multiple city and state programs, and some federal lending programs, can allow purchase pathways with smaller down payments and lower credit scores than typical rental screening rules. The speakers described mortgage options that can qualify borrowers with credit in the high‑500s to around 600 in some programs, while noting that apartment rentals often screen at higher scores (about 650). They framed those programs as practical tools the chapter uses to guide first‑time buyers through the application and underwriting steps.
Education and outreach: The guests described the chapter’s outreach work — workshops, planning events and social media — to connect interested residents with resources, counseling and professionals who can help through the buying process. One guest identified herself as the chapter marketing director and said she has been photographing and posting event materials on the chapter’s channels to increase community awareness.
Upcoming event: The chapter announced an estate‑planning and tax‑strategy workshop scheduled for April 23 intended for professionals and homeowners seeking to protect assets and plan for transfers across generations. The guests said a registration link would be posted to the chapter’s online channels this week.
The program closed with the hosts thanking the guests and noting the chapter’s social presence. No formal policy action or vote occurred during the segment.
