Bill 's Blog

Analyses of Texas and New Mexico Housing Markets

Casa Latino Real Estate — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:13:42 -0600

HUD USER has posted Comprehensive Housing Market
Analysis (CHMA) reports for the areas of Fort Worth,
Texas; Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas; and Albuquerque, New
Mexico. These CHMAs contain valuable information for
builders, mortgage lenders, borrowers, local planners,
and others who keep abreast of area housing conditions
and trends. Prepared by field economists in HUD's Office
of Policy Development and Research, the reports provide
data that are useful in anticipating changes in the
demand for new housing. Our analyses describe the
economic, demographic, and housing inventory
characteristics of these housing market areas from 1990
to 2000 and from 2000 through May 2008. They also
include projections regarding anticipated market
activity for the period of June 1, 2008 to June 1, 2011.

These, and additional analyses examining housing market
areas across the nation, are available
at www.huduser.org/publications/econdev/mkt_analysis.html
and can be downloaded at no cost.

Casa Latino Real Estate Headquarters Relocates

Casa Latino Real Estate — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:53:51 -0600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Celebration, FL - January 1, 2009

Casa Latino Franchise Corporation, the country's largest network of Hispanic and minority owned real estate offices has selected Celebration, Florida as its new corporate headquarters.

Speaking from Connecticut, Casa Latino CEO Robb Heering announced that the company was relocating its headquarters and national franchise sales operations to a new facility in Celebration, Florida, roughly one mile from Disney World.

"We have systematically grown our company and our expansion is increasing at a rapid pace. We needed to make some decisions regarding office space sooner than later as we need to immediately increase our ability to host franchise owners and prospects and house additional corporate staff. We decided to expand the bounds of our office search outside of our current location in Southbury, Connecticut.

Our new location in central Florida is a global destination. Celebration is a town that was designed by the Walt Disney Company and it's a far cry from the snow and ice of the northeast. The new office space can accommodate our needs to have training and conference facilities and allows for expansion for additional staff. The new state of the art building known as Palm Plaza was constructed and is managed by La Rosa Development Corporation. Joe La Rosa, a principal at La Rosa Development is also a Casa Latino franchise owner and a major area developer for Casa Latino in several markets.

Our cramped Connecticut office has been vacated and our move to Celebration has been accomplished in time to kick off 2009. We will grow our brand presence in many additional markets in 2009 here in the US and in Latin America and the new venue will serve our needs well.

Casa Latino's new headquarters office is located at 1420 Celebration Boulevard, Suite 200, Celebration, FL 34747.

Press Contact:
William Arce, VP, Casa Latino Franchise Corporation
BillArce@CasaLatino.com (904) 415-2755

Casa Latino Real Estate Expand its Operation To New York

Casa Latino Real Estate — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:35:04 -0600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

New York Real Estate Power Players Join Casa Latino Real Estate

Southbury, CT - December 09, 2008 The Metro New York market will soon be home to dozens of Casa Latino Real Estate offices. The national leader in the Hispanic and multi-cultural real estate market has awarded a large multi-unit area development franchise to one of New York's preeminent power players.

Speaking from his Connecticut headquarters, Casa Latino CEO Robb Heering announced that a team led by Kevin McClarnon has acquired exclusive rights to open, operate, and broker the sale of Casa Latino real estate offices throughout metropolitan New York.

"Kevin McClarnon was one of the founders of Long Island's National Homefinders Signature Properties, which was acquired in 2003 by NRT, Incorporated to operate under the Coldwell Banker banner. Kevin is a highly respected real estate professional who continues to influence the greater New York real estate market. We have been searching for a quality, competent, and professional team to lead our New York operations since our company began in 2005. Kevin and his growing team will give our national brand tremendous credibility and reach in the Metro New York market."

McClarnon and his team have executed an exclusive territorial rights and area development agreement for, Kings, Bronx, New York, Richmond, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk Westchester and Rockland Counties.

About Casa Latino Franchise Corporation

Casa Latino was created in 2005 based upon the premise that Hispanic home buyers and sellers have unique needs based upon cultural differences and lifestyles, bolstered by the fact that those needs are not being effectively served by any other national brand. While the company serves everyone, regardless of heritage, the company's model is designed to provide superior service to a multicultural market. The company offers franchisees unprecedented culturally specific and significant back office support, training, marketing tools, advertising, coaching, and much more to ensure their success. The franchise model encourages a variety of agent compensation programs which dramatically enhance a broker's ability to recruit agents. The low franchise fee and an exceptionally low transaction based royalty structure make Casa Latino an extremely attractive opportunity. Casa Latino has awarded franchises in 14 states and is executing an aggressive growth plan in the USA and several other countries.

Press Contact:

Bill Arce, VP, Casa Latino Franchise Corporation

BillArce@CasaLatino.com

(904) 415-2755

CASA LATINO REAL ESTATE ENLISTS HISPANIC MARKETING EXECUTIVE VETERAN AS FRANCHISEE AND AREA

Casa Latino Real Estate — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:41:05 -0600

For More Information Contact:

William Arce
BillArce@CasaLatino.com
(904) 415-2755

CASA LATINO REAL ESTATE ENLISTS HISPANIC MARKETING EXECUTIVE VETERAN AS FRANCHISEE AND AREA DEVELOPER

Mercy Lugo-Struthers to head brand and business expansion in Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland

Danbury, CT, December 2, 2008 - Casa Latino Franchise Corporation today announced the addition of Mercy Lugo-Struthers, former Director of US Hispanic Marketing for AOL Latino and DirectTV Más, and real estate investor, to their rapidly expanding Casa Latino family. With this announcement Casa Latino Real Estate enters the coveted US Capitol Metro area backed by a professional that clearly understands what it takes to effectively reach and service the US Hispanic market.

Ms. Lugo-Struthers has consistently combined her marketing talent and her passion to improve the lives of Latinos in America. During her nearly two decades of corporate marketing experience, she devoted her time and talent to empower Latinos to achieve their American dreams in a variety of ways. Whether it was developing programs to educate Latino's about the importance of computers and the Internet in the Latino household, or advancing their TV viewing habits to include rich cultural and educational programming. More recently, inspired by the foreclosure crisis of Latinos in Prince William County, she designed a program to educate them about how to get back into responsible homeownership.

Robb Heering, Casa Latino Franchise Corporation Founder and CEO stated that, "We have been speaking with Mercy for several months regarding her career move from corporate marketing to residential real estate, an area she's been immersed in during the past two years. Her passion and commitment to serving her community combined with her knowledge of the real estate business made her a perfect fit for our brand."

"We have awarded a multi-unit area development contract to Mercy. Her team will expand the Casa Latino Real Estate brand throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC and portions of Maryland. The first Metro DC office will open in Virginia this winter with others to follow throughout the region."

Bill Arce, Vice President of New Business Development for Casa Latino added "Mercy Lugo-Struthers will help to level the playing field in a market where many consumers, not just Latino's, have been hard hit by the current market. Years of abuse of consumers by unscrupulous mortgage and real estate practitioners have caused tremendous damage to this market. We expect Mercy to raise the bar and change all of that by delivering the sincere, honest, and ethical counsel, education, home buying and home selling services that the Casa Latino brand represents. We are very proud and humbled to welcome Mercy to the Casa Latino familia".

About Casa Latino

Casa Latino was founded in 2005 in Connecticut by Lawyer and Real Estate Broker, Roberto "Robb" Heering. It is the fastest growing Latino real estate brand and the only Latino-focused agency with a national footprint. While other real estate franchise companies have stalled or downsized in the midst of the current financial crisis, Casa Latino has more than doubled its franchised offices from 20 to over 44 in 2008. Casa Latino offers franchisees unprecedented culturally specific and significant back office support, training, marketing tools, advertising, coaching, and much more to ensure their success. The franchise royalty model encourages a variety of agent compensation programs which dramatically enhances a broker's ability to recruit agents. The low franchise fee and an exceptionally low transaction based royalty structure make Casa Latino an extremely attractive opportunity. The company will continue aggressive system expansion during 2009 throughout key US and international markets.

Para Mas Información Contacte A: William Arce
BillArce@CasaLatino.com
(904) 415-2755

CASA LATINO REAL ESTATE ENLISTA A EJECUTIVA VETERANA EN MERCADEO COMO DESARROLLADORA DE ÁREA Y DUEñA DE FRANQUICIA

Mercy Lugo-Struthers estará encargada de dirigir y expandir la compañía en el Norte de Virginia, el Distrito de Columbia y Maryland

Danbury, CT, Diciembre 2, 2008 - La compañía de bienes raíces Casa Latino anuncio hoy la adición a su equipo de Mercy Lugo-Struthers, la Sra. Lugo- Struthers, en su posición anterior ejercía como Directora de Mercadeo Hispano para AOL Latino y DirectTV, además de ser inversionista en bienes raíces. Con este anuncio la compañía de Casa Latino entra en el codiciado mercado del área Metropolitana de la Capital respaldada con una profesional que claramente comprende lo que se necesita para alcanzar y servir al mercado Hispano en una forma efectiva.

La Sra. Lugo-Struthers siempre a encontrado la forma de combinar su talento en mercadeo con su pasión de mejorar las vidas de los Latinos en América. Durante casi dos décadas acumulando experiencia en corporaciones nacionales, ella dedico su tiempo y talento para ayudar a Latinos a alcanzar el sueño Americano en muchas formas diferentes. Cuando desarrollaba un programa para educar a los Latino sobre la importancia de las computadoras y la red Internet en sus casas o mientras les ayudaba a fortalecer sus costumbres televisivas al incluir una programación rica culturalmente. Recientemente, inspirada en la actual crisis de ejecuciones hipotecaria que está afectando a los Latinos en el condado de Prince William, ella diseño un programa para educarlos sobre como ser dueños de casa responsables.

Robb Heering, fundador y CEO de Casa Latino Franchise Corporation dijo que, " Hemos estado conversando con Mercy por varios meces sobre la posibilidad que ella tenia de hacer un cambio de la industria corporativa de mercadeo hacia la de bienes raíces residencial, un área que ella ha estado muy involucrada en los últimos dos años. Su pasión y dedicación para servir a su comunidad con sus conocimientos sobre bienes raíces hace que sea una pieza perfecta para nuestro modelo de negocio."

"Le hemos dado un contrato a Mercy, para que desarrolle múltiples áreas. Su equipo ayudara a expandir el modelo Casa Latino por toda el área Metropolitana de la Capital del país. La primera oficina abrirá en Virginia este invierno mientras que otras abrirán consecutivamente."

El Vice President of New Business Development, Bill Arce adiciono, "Mercy Lugo-Struthers nos ayudara a mejorar las condiciones en un mercado donde muchos consumidores, no solamente Latinos, se han visto afectados duramente debido a la situación actual de la industria. Años de abusos al consumidor por prestamistas predatorios y agentes de bienes raíces inescrupulosos han causado un daño sin precedente a este mercado. Esperamos que Mercy sea un ejemplo y cambie todo esa negatividad al proveer el servicio sincero, honesto y ético asesorando a compradores y vendedores por igual con servicios que el modelo Casa Latino representa. Estamos muy orgullosos y encantados de darle la bienvenida a Mercy a nuestra gran familia".

Sobre Casa Latino

Casa Latino fue fundad en el 2005 por un abogado de Connecticut y Broker de Bienes Raíces, Roberto "Robb" Heering. Es la compañía Latina con mayor crecimiento en real estate y la única agencia que se enfoca directamente en la comunidad Latina a nivel nacional. Casa Latino continua su crecimiento con 20 oficinas operando en el comienzo del 2008 ahora cuenta con más de 44. Casa Latino le ofrece a los dueños de franquicias un apoyo cultural como es entrenamiento, herramientas de mercadeo, publicidad entre otras que aseguraran su suceso. Para más información visite www.casalatino.com

2008 NAHREP MIDWEST REGIONAL CONFERENCE / CHICAGO"

Casa Latino Real Estate — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:08:23 -0500

Come join us on "2008 NAHREP MIDWEST REGIONAL CONFERENCE / CHICAGO" on Thursday, October 23 at 8:00am.

Event: 2008 NAHREP MIDWEST REGIONAL CONFERENCE / CHICAGO

"Midwest Housing Conference"

What: Lecture

Host: Alex Chaparro

Start Time: Thursday, October 23 at 8:00am End Time: Thursday, October 23 at 4:00pm

Where: Chicago Navy Pier

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=46601958856

Casa Latino and Los Taxes have signed a strategic alliance

Casa Latino Real Estate — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:31:33 -0500

Casa Latino Real Estate and Los Taxes have built a strategic alliance to promote both brands within the Latino community.


PRESS RELEASE September 15, 2008		CONTACT PERSON: Juan Cabrera 718-210-3203

CASA LATINO AND LOS TAXES HAVE SIGNED A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE

NEW YORK, NY – Casa Latino Real Estate and Los Taxes have built a strategic alliance to promote both brands within the Latino community. Casa Latino is American’s leading multicultural Real Estate brand whose mission is to help its clients achieve the American dream of homeownership. Casa Latino founder and CEO Robb Heering stated “The Casa Latino business model is the first nationwide real estate franchise that is customer-centric, agent-centric, and owner-centric. Our model simply allows our agents to deliver better services to our customers. Our franchise expansion efforts have been well received and we anticipate tripling our system size during the next 12 to 18 months. Most would agree that there are consumer needs out there that have not been effectively and ethically met. Casa Latino brings a fresh and innovative approach to the market and the market is responding positively”.

Los Taxes is the First Latino Income Tax Preparation Franchise in America. “We have created a company with a simple mission: to provide honest and reliable income tax preparation service to the Latino community in a culturally sensitive office environment where taxpayers can find financial assistance in their language and culture offered by trained tax practitioners whose integrity and respect to system regulations are above all.” Stated Javier Solis, President and CEO of the New York based company. “Los Taxes will focus in providing excellence in tax preparation service to our Latino community. “Para Nuestra Gente” For our People, states our commitment to meet the financial needs of Hispanics, especially in the area of tax preparation and offering an office environment where Hispanic tax payers can find professionals who understand not only their language but especially their culture” added Javier.

This alliance will encourage Real Estate Professionals to adopt a new business model to provide a variety of financial services to our Latino community and help real estate practitioners increase revenues. Homeownership is the first step people take to build wealth and taking advantage of tax incentives encourage taxpayers to achieve homeownership. The implementation of Tax Service within a Real Estate environment is being implemented in several cities and Casa Latino franchisees will be able to take advantage of all the tools Los Taxes have available to run a tax center.

For a limited time, Casa Latino and Los Taxes will offer discounted franchise fees to those who acquire both franchises at the same time.

For additional information please, visit www.casalatino.com or www.loslaxes.com

Seeking Ambitious & Innovative Broker to Launch New Casa Latino Franchise in DC Metro Area

Casa Latino Real Estate — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 06:43:17 -0500

Seeking Ambitious & Innovative Broker to Launch New RE Franchise

Are You Ready to Take Your Real Estate Experience, Innovative Ideas, Leadership Skills and Desire to Succeed to the Next Level?

But have not yet found the right company to support your income goals, and your coaching, recruiting and marketing needs. Worse yet, your innovative ideas have been turned down by people who are simply waiting for the market to turn for things to get better and lack the right attitude to succeed in any market.

Stop wasting your time trying to convince those who can’t be convinced.

It’s time for you to find a new home, one that gives you and your real estate business the help and support you’ve been waiting for!

If you are ambitious, ready to break from the norm, and excited to try something new that works, then this rapidly expanding nationwide franchise is ready to become your new real estate home.

This is the opportunity of your lifetime!

You will benefit from…

· A flexible, aggressive compensation model to bring your income goals to the level you deserve.

· A fresh brand with an impeccable reputation to help you build trust in the marketplace and distinguish your business from the rest.

· The stability, marketing and resources of a recognized national company so that you are truly empowered to grow your business the right way.

· An outstanding recruiting and coaching support system to expose you to new ideas that you can take to the next level.

· A robust set of proprietary tools to ease your way into lead generating, acquiring customers, and closing transactions, and attaining the volumes you need.

· The support of a seasoned real estate business development and marketing team that understands that you too are a business owner, and wants to keep you motivated and on a continuous growth curve.

All of this, and more!

In return, the ideal candidate should be…

· Well Trained, Experienced and Ambitious: 3+ years as a top producing agent.

· Customer Driven: ability to sincerely and passionately help customers with an understanding and respect for their culture, faith, struggles, goals and dreams.

· Flexibility: change agent, always open to new ideas.

· Creative Problem Solver: someone who looks at challenges as new opportunities to invent and take action.

· Drive: ability to drive record sales despite slow home market.

· Team Builder and Leader: ability to recruit and effectively lead and motivate agents becoming top producers.

· Bilingual, Bicultural a plus!

We would be honored to tell you more about this opportunity.

Orientation and interviews scheduled for Wednesday September 24 from 10am – 5pm. Please call us at (703) 861-6510 or reply to this email to speak to us today!

Bill Arce

billarce@casalatino.com

Real Estate Agents Refund Commissions to Military Families

Casa Latino Real Estate — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:37:05 -0500

Real Estate Agents Refund Commissions to Military Families

In an effort to recognize the service of military families in their area and give back, some agents in Florida are refunding part of their commission with those families in the service they work with See article» 
http://www.heraldtribune.com

Casa Latino Bay Area Realty-Gran Apertura

Casa Latino Real Estate — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 07:01:37 -0500

Casa Latino Bay Area Realty is the first franchise office opened in the Bay Area. Below is a link to their "Gran Apertura" video. Congratulations to Carmen Chong and her group of professionals, I am sure you are going to run a very successful office.

To learn how you too can own a Casa Latino Office, call me 904-647-4420 or e-mail me @ billarce@casalatino.com

Saludos,

Bill Arce

Forget Back to Basics - It's Time for a ‘New Deal' in Real Estate - Casa Latino CEO Presentation @ RisMedia Conference

Casa Latino Real Estate — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:26:20 -0500

Forget Back to Basics - It's Time for a ‘New Deal' in Real Estate
RisMedia.com (press release) - Norwalk,CT,USA
Robb Heering founder and CEO of Casa Latino Franchise Corporation, America's first and currently only Hispanic real estate franchise with a national ...
See all stories on this topic

Understanding opportunities in multicultural markets

Robb Heering founder and CEO of Casa Latino Franchise Corporation, America's first and currently only Hispanic real estate franchise with a national footprint, filled Oscar Gonzales' spot on the panel, who was called by the state of Texas to assist in emergency preparations for Hurricane Gustav.

Heering's remarks focused on multicultural markets and how moving in new directions to turn the housing industry around also includes a comprehensive understanding of these powerful markets.

"What's been eroded in this industry is trust. Most of my customers come from the Latino market place where trust is best gained through the sharing of information," he said. "Many need to be educated on how the system works, on the value of credit and banking. Many don't have bank accounts and even those of a higher economic scale don't have the education of the market needed to succeed in it. So you have to share market information and help educate them. You need to understand cultures. There is not much in common with a New York Puerto Rican and a Texas Mexican. You should be aware that more than half of buyers will come from a multicultural background. The Hispanic community is a large and powerful demographic today. If you don't speak the language, you can speak the culture. It's all about relationships and if you can impart education and are willing to share it so they understand the market, you will see success in this area.

Report on 2008 RISMedia Leadership Conference

Casa Latino Real Estate — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:56:31 -0500

Jacksonville, September 8th, 2008-RISMedia's 2008 Leadership Conference was held September 3-4 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. One notable newcomer on stage was Casa Latino's CEO, Robb Heering who spoke at the opening session and also moderated and served on a panel entitled ‘Attracting More Buyers/Sellers from Multicultural Markets'.

The following is a summary report of the conference for those unable to attend this high-level annual networking and educational event for America's real estate leaders.

The opening session was entitled Leadership-Information-Change-Diversity-Profit, How to Succeed in Real Estate Today and featured comments from John Featherston, President & CEO, RISMedia, Ed Krafchow, President, Prudential CA/NV/TX Realty, Jim Sherry, President, Innovative Solutions, Allan Dalton, Senior Advisor, RISMedia, Lloyd Frink, President, Zillow, Robb Heering, CEO, Casa Latino Franchise Corporation, Dottie Herman, President & CEO, Prudential Douglas Elliman, Peter Hunt, Chairman & CEO, Hunt Real Estate Corp., Alex Perriello, President & CEO, Realogy Franchise Group, Craig Proctor, Sales Associate, RE/MAX Omega Realty, and Monty Smith, SVP of Strategic Initiatives, NRT. Can there have been a more illustrious lineup?

Of particular note were comments by Realogy's CEO, Alex Perriello, who was upbeat about the market going forward and encouraged practitioners to effectively communicating the positive aspects of the current market to the public, such as the great opportunities for buyers in many markets. Casa Latino CEO Robb Heering spoke at the opening session and highlighted the fact that the public has lost confidence and faith not only in the market but, more importantly, in Realtors. "Trust has been substantially eroded", he said. "In order to regain the trust of the public, real estate practitioners need to educate themselves and their consumers about both financing and valuation to ensure that buyers and sellers make educated and fiscally responsible decisions". While some speakers discussed various measures of controlling and realigning expenditures or even cutting back, Heering's closing message to the 1,000+ crowd was "as a practitioner in this market you basically have three options from which to choose. You can quit and leave the industry, you can lay low and wait for the storm to pass, or you can learn to dance in the rain.....as Casa Latino has done". Heering emphasized proactive advocacy and education to rebuild trust and to succeed in this market.

Craig Proctor, one of the most successful agents in the world and a frequent #1 agent at Re/Max delivered an inspirational message of how anyone with passion, dedication, and thinking outside of the box can succeed.

Educational opportunities at the event included sessions on foreclosures and the market fallout, recruiting, self marketing, agent teams, online marketing, cost cutting, mobile search, and RISMedia's new Top 5 in Real Estate designation.

Clearly, RISMedia continues to bring the industry's most successful and influential leaders together in an action and information packed annual event.

Visit www.RISMedia.com to learn more about this leader in real estate information, news, research, trends, and market analysis.

TO learn more about Casa Latino Franchise Opportunity now, call Bill Arce 904-647-4420

Would You Like To Learn More About Casa Latino?

Casa Latino Real Estate — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:17:02 -0500

Here is your chance, this Friday our CEO will be hosting a webinar for some potential franchise owner. Just send me an email letting me know that you are going to be there. Here is the info:

You have been invited to join a meeting on the Web, using WebEx MeetMeNow. MEETING: CASA LATINO FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW MEETING PASSWORD: No password Date: September 5, 2008 Time: 1:00PM, Eastern Daylight Time (GMT -04:00, New York) 10:00AM Pacific Time Teleconference: Call-in toll number (US/Canada): 1-650-429-3300 Meeting Number: 945 143 322 Please click on the link to join the meeting: ATTENDEE: < https://mwmus.webex.com/mwmus/jm.php?PWD=&MK=945143322 >

Feel free to call me if you have any question.

Bill Arce

904-647-4420

Would You Like To Learn More About Casa Latino?

Casa Latino Real Estate — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:14:58 -0500

Here is your chance, this Friday our CEO will be hosting a webinar for some potential franchise owner. Just send me an email letting me know that you are going to be there. Here is the info:

Feel free to call me if you have any question.

Bill Arce

904-647-4420

Save DPA.

Casa Latino Real Estate — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:36:49 -0500

September 3 Virtual Town Hall with Scott Syphax

Join Scott Syphax, President and CEO of Nehemiah Corporation of America, for a 30-minute virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday, September 3, at 10:00 AM PST / 1:00 PM EST.

We will be placing a call to you approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the actual start of the event. To join the live virtual town hall, simply stay on the line to be connected.

There is no obligation for you to join this town hall, we do feel this is a very important time in our industry and your participation would be greatly appreciated. There is no charge to you for this event and your questions and feedback will be welcomed.

In addition to answering your questions, topics will include: status of H.R. 6694, update on our grassroots campaign, what you can do to help convince Congress to pass H.R. 6694 that will allow downpayment assistance to continue indefinitely.

If you do not receive or miss our call, the dial-in number is 1-877-269-7289 and pin is 13908. Please dial-in 5 minutes prior to the actual start of the event. Space is limited; if you receive a busy signal the meeting has reached capacity. Watch for additional town hall meetings this month.

We cannot make any adjustments to phone numbers for the September 3 town hall. If you would like to be placed on the call list for the next town hall, send an email to marketing@getdownpayment.com and include a valid phone number.

Tropical Storm Hanna

Casa Latino Real Estate — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:11:59 -0500

New Orleans FAIR HOUSING CENTER LAUNCHES NEW INFORMATIONAL RESOURCE WEBSITE WWW.GUSTAVINFO.ORG

Casa Latino Real Estate — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:22:14 -0500

FAIR HOUSING CENTER LAUNCHES NEW INFORMATIONAL RESOURCE WEBSITE WWW.GUSTAVINFO.ORG

On September 1, at 6pm EST, the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) will launch the website www.gustavinfo.org in order to provide those affected by the storm, Gulf Coast advocates, and people across the country interested in Gulf Coast issues with the information they need to move forward. The website will include:

-up to date news information in relation to the storm's impacts
-updates from federal agencies like FEMA and local governments
-news videos from local government officials
-pages to help people connect with missing loved ones and pets
-how-to information on applying resources such as FEMA assistance and filing insurance claims
-a blog site for people to post news from non-traditional sources like community groups and neighborhood organizations
-a listing of relief, advocacy, and social service providers with updated contact information
-a way for donors to connect with local organizations providing relief

Visitors to the site will also be able to subscribe to receive daily email alerts from gustavinfo.org.

GNOFHAC Executive Director James Perry comments "One of the most frustrating aspects of our experience during Katrina was the difficulty we had in getting information. Gustavinfo.org will provide anyone concerned with the impact that Hurricane Gustav is having on the Gulf Coast with centralized information and resources to deal with the storm this time around."

###

The Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) is a private non-profit organization. The Center was established by a group of concerned New Orleanians in 1995 with the help of the National Fair Housing Alliance and a grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNOFHAC is dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination and furthering equal housing opportunities through education, outreach, advocacy, and enforcement of fair housing laws across the metro New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. The activities described in this release were pursued exclusively using private funds. Activities were not funded with Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) funds or sponsored/ authorized by the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

NEW BofA Processing Policy for Short-sales

Casa Latino Real Estate — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:48:21 -0500

NEW BofA Processing Policy for Short-sales
This update regarding BofA's process pertains particularly to their Jr. lien / HELOC processing dept. the Home Retention Team. What I noticed as a pattern developing a while ago was that all our offers for release of lien were being declined, and I do mean ALL OF THEM. Frustrated, I reached out to a BofA V.P. I know within Loss Mit. She was able to confirm for me what I had suspected; a policy shift whereas all short-pay offers are to be declined unless the offer is equal to or greater than 10% of the remaining balance.

That's right, BofA is seeking no less than 10% CASH recovery. Its important to note the key word (CASH) is not negotiable; and that's cash at closing. Important also to note that the 10% figure is not automatic, meaning this is a MINIMUM starting point. They are now also requiring the verbiage on the HUD, line # 505, to not include the word "settlement"; it must say offer.

IF, the cash offer to BofA for release of lien is equal to or greater than 85%, they will consider that a "settlement" and the balance forgiveable.

On average, in our market these Jr. liens / HELOCs range from $50k to $180k. That translates to a cash at closing necessity from your client of $5k to $18k to satisfy BofA and secure release of lien.

You might ask; do they realize that in the Jr. lien position, they will achieve $0.00 cash recovery at C.O.E. if the Sr. forecloses? The answer is yes, of course they do. I suppose for them its "risk vs. reward". Whereas they are banking on their ability to collect on the debt down the road as their primary means of loss mitigation.

At this point, we will no longer accept short-sale listings with a BofA Jr., and that's pretty much, that. What are your thoughts?

Obeo Wins 2008 Real Estate Pacesetter Award

Casa Latino Real Estate — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:25:52 -0500

Obeo Wins 2008 Real Estate Pacesetter Award

August 2008

Obeo is chosen for honor from more than 40 competitors by Inman Community members

Obeo, a leading provider of full-service residential real estate online marketing products in North America, is the winner of the 2008 Real Estate Pacesetter Award, as voted by the Inman Real Estate Trends Group.

The award was given as a part of the Inman Real Estate Olympics, a contest in the Inman Community sponsored by Stefan Swanepoel, who is widely known as a leading visionary on the residential real estate industry and its trends.

More than 40 competitors were narrowed down to a slate of just eight real estate trend leaders. Criteria set up by Swanepoel included being an innovative Web 2.0 company or user of Web 2.0 technology; the size, need and demand for the companies/services; the quality or uniqueness of services; and the potential impact of services on the industry.

CondoDomain and Roost received second and third place, respectively. Other finalists were Agent Shield, Goomzee, eShowings, Bug Realty and Beat You There.

About Obeo

Since its inception in 1999 and its evolution from 360 House to Obeo in 2004, the Salt Lake City, Utah-based company has become the largest preferred supplier of full-service residential real estate online marketing products in the United States and Canada. The Latin word for “to go to” or “to encompass,” Obeo provides REALTORS®, homebuilders, land developers and property managers with customized online marketing solutions and offline sales tools. To find out more, go to www.Obeo.com.

Former HUD Secretary Cisneros Cites Housing Decline as Unprecedented Drag on US Economy; Calls for New Stimulus Package With Strong Housing Measures

Casa Latino Real Estate — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:07:02 -0500

FHLBank San Francisco DNC Forum Releases New Demographic Data on Sub-Prime Borrowers
Last update: 7:46 p.m. EDT Aug. 27, 2008

DENVER, Aug 27, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Henry Cisneros, former secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), declared today that the housing industry is in a "truly dangerous place" and that significant steps must be taken by the next administration to address the mounting problems.

Mr. Cisneros spoke at a housing forum at the Democratic National Convention that was hosted by the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco). Mr. Cisneros said the stakes are high because housing "is so embedded in the overall economy," and the situation "continues to get worse."

"Today, we cannot say how it will turn out," Mr. Cisneros told the gathering at the Colorado Convention Center. Joining him on the panel were Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, and Maurice Jourdain-Earl, managing director of Compliance Technologies. The panelists reflected their personal views during the forum, and those views were not necessarily endorsed by the FHLBank San Francisco.

Dwight Alexander, vice president of legislative affairs at FHLBank San Francisco, set the stage for the discussion by noting that the housing industry has been beset with foreclosures related to sub-prime loans, depreciation of property values, tight credit by the banks and problems at the mortgage giants, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are suffering millions of dollars in losses each quarter.

"The housing industry is facing serious problems, and we brought this talented panel together to help us better understand the issues and what the solutions might be," Mr. Alexander said.

With the economy staggering along, Mr. Cisneros said the new administration next year will be forced to pass a second stimulus package. He said it must contain measures to deal with the credit crunch that is curtailing investments and lending. "We won't get the job machine started without credit," he said, adding that measures must also assist people and communities hurt by foreclosures, assist those who will be hurt in the future and increase the supply of affordable rental housing.

Mr. Morial agreed, but said an emphasis must be placed on homeownership. He noted that government programs, such as the GI Bill, were the foundation for the growth of the middle-class in the 70s, 80s and 90s. "Homeownership must be a goal," he said. "The goal for the nation must be to close the homeownership gap between whites and people of color."

Mr. Morial also said that any measures aimed at improving the credit situation for banks must also include a national law against predatory lending.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jourdain-Earl gave the audience a clearer picture of sub- prime borrowers. His company is a leading provider of technology that analyzes lending patterns across the country. His data determined that while the majority of sub-prime loans went to non-Hispanic whites, there was a much higher concentration of sub-prime loans to people of color.

"Whites had more sub-prime loans than all minorities combined," he said, but added that more than 50 percent of the loans to African Americans were sub-prime loans.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco delivers low-cost funding and other services that help member financial institutions make home mortgages to people of all income levels and provide credit that supports neighborhoods and communities. The Bank also funds community investment programs that help members create affordable housing and promote community economic development. The Bank's members -- its shareholders and customers -- are commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, thrift and loans, and insurance companies headquartered in Arizona, California, and Nevada.

SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

Go back to www.realestatelatino.net

San Francisco Bay Area Welcomes Casa Latino Real Estate

Casa Latino Real Estate — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:57:06 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Francisco, CA
August 28, 2008

San Francisco Bay Area Welcomes Casa Latino Real Estate

The Greater San Francisco Bay Area welcomes its first Casa Latino Real Estate franchise this week.

The national leader in the Hispanic real estate market has announced the opening of Casa Latino Bay Area Realty at 555 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City, CA.

Casa Latino CEO Robb Heering stated that "our entry into the Bay Area is critical to our continuing expansion as the leader in multicultural real estate. The Bay Area is a very diverse, deserving and desirable market.

Real estate broker, Carmen Chong will manage the Redwood City office. With almost two decades of mortgage experience, Carmen is also the President of CC Legacy Financial Corporation, a Redwood City based mortgage brokerage. Her mission is to fulfill the real estate needs of all communities, especially of the rapidly growing Hispanic population in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Heering further stated “Carmen is exactly the type of dedicated and ethical real estate professional that we need to carry our flag in the Bay Area. Carmen is a hard working, intelligent and committed professional. She was born and raised in Nicaragua from Chinese descendants. She’s a graduate of San Francisco State University and has extensive local ties. While we expect the Redwood City office to grow its roster of agents quickly, the management team currently includes Ana Alvarez, a real estate finance pro and Viviana Bolivar, a veteran of the legal, title and escrow industry. The leadership team at Casa Latino Bay Area is tremendously well qualified, and we anticipate they will quickly obtain considerable market share.”

Earlier this year, Casa Latino awarded an area development contract to TAW, LLC, whose principals will award individual franchises as well as own and operate several Casa Latino Real Estate franchises throughout the region. Additional offices will soon be opened in Hayward, Pittsburg, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Daly City, and other communities.

A grand opening celebration will take place August 28^th at 4pm at Casa Latino Bay Area Realty, 555 Twin Dolphin Drive in Redwood City.

About Casa Latino Franchise Corporation

Casa Latino was created in 2005 based upon the premise that Hispanic home buyers and sellers have unique needs based upon cultural differences and lifestyles, bolstered by the fact that those needs are not being effectively served by any other national brand. While the company serves everyone, regardless of heritage, the company’s model is designed to provide superior service to a multicultural market. The company offers franchisees unprecedented culturally specific and significant back office support, training, marketing tools, advertising, coaching, and much more to ensure their success. The franchise model encourages a variety of agent compensation programs which dramatically enhance a broker’s ability to recruit agents. The low franchise fee and an exceptionally low transaction based royalty structure make Casa Latino an extremely attractive opportunity. Casa Latino has awarded franchises in 14 states and is executing an aggressive growth plan in the USA and several other countries.

###

Media Contact

Bill Arce

Casa Latino

904-647-4420

billarce@casalatino.com

RSVP TODAY: NAHREP Austin's September General Membership Luncheon

Casa Latino Real Estate — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:09:44 -0500

Via Victor Montalvo:

RSVP FOR SEPTEMBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

Date: September 17, 2008

Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Location: Holiday Inn Town Lake

20 N. IH35 Austin TX 78701

Website: www.nahrepaustin.org

Member - $15.00 or Non-Members - $20.00

(Limited to 2 visits per year for Non-Members)

RSVP to: RSVP@nahrepaustin.org

RSVP Deadline: September 12, 2008

(WILL BE ENFORCED)

NAHREP Texas Regional Event:

"What are the GSE's doing for Texas in this National Crisis!"

Speakers:

Round-Table style: Panelist:
Daniel Lopez - Fannie Mae, Texas Representative
Sophia Guerra - Freddie Mac, Texas Representative
Dionisia Bejarano Coffman - PMI Group, Washington DC Representative
Amelia Ruiz - Texas Department of HUD, Texas Representative

Special Featured Guest:

Rebecca Serrano Gallardo - National NAHREP, Chairwoman

Lunch Adverting Partner:

Class: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Following Meeting):

Speaker: Dionisia Bejarano Coffman:
Topic: "Mortgage Insurance and Lending and how it effects Diversity or Minority Groups!" and Role out of Access Product by

Sponsored by:

(November) Still Available - Please Contact Nicole Torres Cooke at 512-461-0266

To become a member or renew please visit: https://www.nahrep.org/Membership/Membership.aspx $90.00 per calendar year.

Updating Members Information for NAHREP:
All members must goto: https://www.nahrep.org/Membership/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fMembership%2fProfile%2fMemberMenu.aspx

If anyone has problems updating their contact information, please contact Lise Renee Samuels -

Director of Membership by email: liserenee@exitlt.com or call cell (512) 203-4383.

SAVE these DATES - Upcoming Events:

Community Involvement Project:

Bring $10 extra with you to our Monthly Meetings. Did you have those 2 Starbucks this week? Did you go to lunch or happy hour this week? Go to the movies this week? Did you know that just $10 a piece can make a difference in our community and help a child in need?

**We prefer cash that folds but are ok with cash that jingles**

National NAHREP Hispanic Marketing Convention and EXPO - Phoenix AZ

Dates: September 27 - October 1, 2008

Location: Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa

For more information goto: http://www.2008hispanicmarketingconvention.com/

NAHREP Austin's 6th Annual Education Seminar

Date: October 6, 2008

Location: Holiday Inn Aboretum (Corner of Mopac and Hwy 183)

Keynote (Motivational) Speaker: Critical Choices, author: Daniel Castro, Leaders to Legends International:   www.criticalchoices.com

For more information contact Director of Education:

Rose Costas on cell at 512-797-1211 or email: Rcostasvidal@yahoo.com

ABoR's Realty Round-Up EXPO (NAHREP Austin's Booth)

Date: October 22, 2008

Location: Austin Convention Center

Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

NAHREP Austin's Annual Installation and Christmas Gala

Date: December 2, 2008

Location: Mexican American Cultural Center

For more information contact President Elect:

Ron Urias on cell at 512-923-1988 or email: rurias@farmersagent.com

Next General Membership Meeting for September 2008:

Date: October 15, 2008
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Holiday Inn Town Lake, 20 N. IH35 Austin TX 78701

Speaker: Harry Savio, Executive Vice President: Greater Austin Home Builders Association

Class: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Following Meeting): On Green Building

Mission Statement: 'To increase the sustainable rate of Hispanic homeownership by empowering the real estate professionals that wish to serve the them.'

Casa Latino CEO Among the 45 Leaders At RISMedia’s Leadership Conference

Casa Latino Real Estate — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:05:10 -0500

45 Industry Leaders Make Their Debut at RISMedia’s Leadership Conference

Posted By Paige On August 21, 2008 @ 3:30 pm In Today's Top Story, Real Estate | Comments Disabled RISMEDIA, August 22, 2008-

This year more than half of the speakers at RISMedia’s Leadership Conference will be new faces as presenters at the real estate information leader’s annual conference in New York next month. RISMedia is bringing more than 80 industry-leading speakers in all together to share their expertise and leadership insights over the two-day educational and networking event.

Now in it’s 19th year, the Leadership Conference is a high-level, networking and educational event for America’s real estate and relocation leaders held in New York City every year. Presented by RISMedia and sponsored advertisers of RISMedia’s Real Estate magazine, this conference focuses on building stronger real estate and relocation businesses and the future of our industry.

This year’s Leadership Conference brings together 45 industry leaders who will be making their debut and offering invaluable information on how you as an agent can set yourself up to succeed in today’s challenging market. Panels range from forming a winning agent team to attracting buyers and sellers from multicultural markets, giving you the depth and variety of knowledge you need to remain successful in your market. Don’t miss these facilitators and panelists joining us for the first time as speakers, as they share their expertise at this year’s Leadership Conference:

Lloyd Frink, President, Zillow Craig Proctor, Sales Associate, RE/MAX Omega Realty Monty Smith, SVP of Strategic Initiatives, NRT Valerie Fitzgerald, Previews Director, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Larry Vecchio, Broker/Owner, Better Homes USA Rosemary West, Team Leader, Rosemary West Team David Gorham, Broker Associate, Coldwell Banker Elite Jeff Wheeler, COO, Coldwell Banker United Barb Jandric, General Manager, Edina Realty Mary Tennant, COO, Keller Williams International Jacky Teplitzky,

Managing Director, Prudential Douglas Elliman Kim Cox, Marketing Director, Coldwell Banker United Leeann Iacino, CEO, Prestige Realty Group Nicolai Kolding, COO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Jose Perez, President & CEO, PCMS Consulting Tom Tognoli, COO, Intero Real Estate Services Curt Beardsley, Vice President of Products Marketing, REALTOR.com Marc Siden, Co-founder & CEO, Onboard Informatics Darryl Davis, President, Darryl Davis Seminars (facilitator) Paul Grover, Senior Vice President, Kinlin Grover GMAC Steve Harney, President, Steve Harney Inc. Robert Northfield, Realtor, Burgdorff ERA Realtors

Robb Heering, CEO, Casa Latino Franchise Corporation

John Wong, President, Asian Real Estate Association of America Jessica Ye, Operating Principal, Keller Williams Realty Brian Moses, Broker/Owner,

Brian Moses & Associates Dan Elsea, President of Brokerage Services, Real Estate One F. Lawrence Lobpries, Marketing Director of Specialty Sales, Lowe’s Companies John Bendall, Team Leader, The Bendall Group Faye Rispoli, Broker Associate, RE/MAX Premier Howard Witz, Associate Broker, Fillmore Real Estate Danny Griffin, Broker/Owner, Danny Griffin Real Estate (facilitator) Rick Sharga, Senior Vice President, RealtyTrac (facilitator) Heath Goebel, President & CEO, House Hunter America Tom Truong, President, RealtyDirect Boston Jonathan Blood, Vice President, Delta Media Group Michael Fischer, SVP of Marketing, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Aric Kazarnovsky, Executive Vice President, PropertyMinder Pat Lashinsky, President & CEO, ZipRealty Ashley Leigh, Realtor, Linton Hall Realtors Nate Martinez, Broker/Owner, RE/MAX Professionals Karen Scott, Sales Associate, Coldwell Banker Riverside Marilyn Wilson, Founder, The WAV Group (facilitator) Gaurav Jain, Vice President, Business Development, Polar Mobile Dena Nash, Marketing Director, Prudential Kansas City

About the Conference: “Be an Information Leader: Moving Full Speed Ahead in Today’s Market” Date: September 3-4 Location: The Roosevelt Hotel, New York, NY To register for the event, [1] click here For more information, e-mail Stephanie Andre, managing editor, publications and events, at [2] Stephanie@rismedia.com. RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: [3] realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

Casa Latino Real Estate Arrives in Philadelphia

Casa Latino Real Estate — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:39:29 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 21, 2008Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia will soon be home to a Casa Latino Real Estate office. The national leader in the Hispanic real estate market has awarded a multi-unit area development franchise to Casa Latino Delaware Valley, LLC, a company owned and managed by two prominent and experienced industry professionals. Casa Latino CEO Robb Heering stated that “We are proud and humbled to have Eliud Gautier and Holando Falcon as part of our franchise family. They will expand our brand throughout Greater Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware. Eliud Gautier, formerly with Exit Realty, is also a former marketing coordinator for Esperanza USA. He also has experience as a mortgage loan originator with AHM Mortgage as an ITIN specialist where he helped immigrants buy their first home in the Delaware Valley. Eliud’s roots are in social work, mentoring, and pastoral work. Holando Falcon previously owned and operated a mortgage company and real estate entity in Florida. He was also a HUD Certified Mortgage Counselor and previously served in this capacity with several entities including Nueva Esperanza and Centro Pedro Claver, among others. Holando has an extensive background in housing finance and related matters. The first office in the Philadelphia market is located at Penn Treaty Park Place, 1341 North Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia. Additional offices are slated for several Pennsylvania communities, Camden, Bridgeton, and Vineland, New Jersey; and Wilmington, Delaware. A Business Presentation of the Casa Latino Delaware Valley real estate model and opportunity in the Greater Philadelphia area is scheduled for Saturday, August 23rd at 10am, Casa Latino Delaware Valley, 1341 North Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Telephone (888) 705-2272. Heering further stated that “the leadership team at Casa Latino Delaware Valley is expected to play a growing and continuing role in the expansion of the Casa Latino brand. Call me today to learn how you too can also own a Casa Latino office.The #1 Latino real estate brand. Bill Arce 904 415 2755.

The discount Help-U-Sell Real Estate company filed bankruptcy

Casa Latino Real Estate — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:49:06 -0500

The Help-U-Sell Real Estate franchise company entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings after a group of regional operators filed an involuntary petition for bankruptcy. Ashton "Ash" Asensio, who is consulting chief operating officer for Help-U-Sell, said today that the "franchise itself, the brand itself will survive this bankruptcy -- no question about that," and "franchisees should not be impacted by corporate's issues."John D. LaFountaine, president of the Western Michigan region and Eastern Michigan region for Help-U-Sell, and Garrett Pagon, manager of Help-U-Sell FS3 LLC of Snohomish, Wash., filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in March, seeking a judgment of $1.04 million from the company. FS3 is an umbrella organization for a handful of Help-U-Sell regional and franchise operations.It is not the first time the Help-U-Sell franchise company, Realty Information Systems Inc., has been involved in a bankruptcy proceeding. The company went through a bankruptcy proceeding during the last major downturn in the housing market in the mid-1990s, and emerged during the latest up-cycle as one of the fastest-growing real estate franchises before this latest plunge. The company estimates that there are about 450 franchise offices in the country -- that estimate compares with nearly 820 offices in 2006 and 650 offices in 2007.Help-U-Sell franchise offices offer flat-fee services to sellers and also offer services to buyers. The company was founded in 1976.Asensio said, "The real estate market itself was clearly the prime cause" of the company's financial problems, though some current and former affiliates who spoke to Inman News say they do not believe that the market is the only culprit -- and that corporate managers and the company's support systems for franchisees should share some of the blame."As everybody is aware, the market is not the best," Asensio said. "Revenues generated by the franchisees were not adequate to sustain them at the level they were currently operating at. We needed to restructure to have revenues and expenses more in alignment, and that's what this whole process is about."Asensio said that bankruptcy proceeds can typically take about six months, though it's difficult to predict a timeframe. "We're hopefully going to get to the point where we advertise a sale very quickly," he said. "There's no question that the brand will remain in place -- it's just a matter of who is ultimately managing (the company). "Dale Strack, a Help-U-Sell regional owner who was the first Help-U-Sell franchisee in the nation and who had been a part of Help-U-Sell's management team at two different times in the company's history, said that the company is making a bid to eliminate the regional director positions and to bring in consultants to work with franchisees. Strack said some of the regional structure at the company has been in place for nearly the entire history of the company, and he said he is concerned that he is at risk of having his director position stripped away in the bankruptcy proceedings."Some of them are totally dependent on the income they derive from franchises" in their regional positions, he said, and some regional directors also operate franchise offices.Some regional owners "have banned together to get legal representation at these (bankruptcy hearings)," he said. Asensio confirmed that the company has "a motion before the court to reject the contracts of the regional directors. "Strack said that he believed the company was headed down the path toward bankruptcy as far back as 2006. "The market changed but I don't think that was a significant factor," he said. Strack and others have cited the implementation of a new company Web site as a problem for franchisees, and he also said management changes may have contributed -- the company announced a management restructuring in 2005, with then-president Rick O'Neil and others leaving the company. Just prior to the involuntary bankruptcy petition in March, industry veteran Steve Ozonian -- who had led the company since 2006 -- left amid another management restructuring.Strack said the combination of factors served as "a perfect storm" for Help-U-Sell, and he said he has his doubts about whether the company will be able to reemerge strong from the bankruptcy proceedings. "I imagine this will be a challenging time," he said, for both the company and its franchisees.Mike Elliott, a former Help-U-Sell franchise owner in New Jersey who had been one of the company's top producers, left the company last year."My thoughts are the same they were a year ago -- the management team didn't listen to the successful franchisees," he said.He said that he believes that the "theory for the model is right," though there were offices that were not profitable in a good market, adding that he and others spent a lot of money on marketing in relation to the fee income that they brought in."I'm not sure how many times a company can go under and keep coming up," Elliott said. Asensio, meanwhile, said, "I'm very excited about the potential of the company as it emerges. We are the only fee-for-service company I'm aware of with some national presence, and with a solution that should be attractive to virtually anybody who wants to buy or sell a home. "In a July 10 announcement to Help-U-Sell franchisees, the company announced that it "will 'weather this storm.' We know that all of these events have caused great concerns and uncertainties to you and we greatly appreciate your continued support and cooperation. This is an opportunity. This bankruptcy will allow us to become a strong and healthy company."In 1992, Help-U-Sell's then-controlling shareholder, Mutual Benefit Life Co., was forced into receivership by the state of New Jersey, according to court documents, and that company sold its Help-U-Sell assets to S&S Acquisitions Inc., and in 1996 that company entered into negotiations to sell to Realty Information Systems.In the latest bankruptcy proceeding, American Pacific Financial Corp. and its related entities claim in court documents that they have "secured interests" in the Help-U-Sell franchise company's property, including receivables from home sales pursuant to loans that total more than $4 million.

Casa Latino Real Estate Enters Central Florida Greater Orlando Area

Casa Latino Real Estate — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:21:45 -0500

Casa Latino Real Estate Enters Central Florida Greater Orlando will soon be home to several Casa Latino Real Estate offices. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 19, 2008 – Greater Orlando will soon be home to several Casa Latino Real Estate offices. The national leader in the Hispanic real estate market has awarded a large multi-unit area development franchise to real estate brokers Dr. Carmen D. Ortiz of Palm Coast, FL and Joe La Rosa of Celebration, Florida. Speaking from his Connecticut headquarters, Casa Latino CEO Robb Heering stated that "Orlando is a very deserving and desirable market. We reviewed applications from several potential franchise owners in the Greater Orlando region. The group we selected is comprised of a team of tremendously qualified and committed real estate professionals. We know that they will make Casa Latino the dominant brand in central Florida. Casa Latino of Orlando, LLC, the first franchise in Central Florida, will be established in the city of Orlando with additional offices dispersed throughout Osceola, Orange, Lake, and Seminole Counties. The new Casa Latino Orlando leadership team includes Dr. Carmen Delia Ortiz, Joe La Rosa, Michael La Rosa, Heidie Velez, Judith Lopez, Ricardo Serrano, Rosely Torres, Jose Roman, Javier Garcia, Maribel Cardona, Iris Piovanetti, and Raul Piovanetti. These brokers and agents have recently left Exit Realty, ReMax, Keller Williams, and independent brands to join together in their mission to become the brand of choice in central Florida. Most of the leadership team are dual licensed in Florida and Puerto Rico. Heering further stated that "the Casa Latino Orlando team is also leading the charge to bring the Casa Latino brand into Puerto Rico, with the first office opening in San Juan late this year. Part of the reason for selecting this group to own the brand in central Florida is their documented experience and reputation throughout Puerto Rico. This is a very exciting time for Casa Latino and for the markets we serve. Real estate customers in Orlando and Puerto Rico will finally be able to experience the Casa Latino difference!" The Casa Latino Orlando team will exhibit at Telemundo's Feria de la Familia in Orlando and at the Feria Bienes Raices at Plaza Las Americas in San Juan, PR., between the 15th and 21st of September. About Casa Latino Franchise Corporation Casa Latino was created in 2005 based upon the premise that Hispanic home buyers and sellers have unique needs based upon cultural differences and lifestyles, bolstered by the fact that those needs are not being effectively served by any other national brand. While the company serves everyone, regardless of heritage, the company's model is designed to provide superior service to a multicultural market. The company offers franchisees unprecedented culturally specific and significant back office support, training, marketing tools, advertising, coaching, and much more to ensure their success. The franchise model encourages a variety of agent compensation programs which dramatically enhance a broker's ability to recruit agents. The low franchise fee and an exceptionally low transaction based royalty structure make Casa Latino an extremely attractive opportunity. Casa Latino has awarded franchises in 14 states and is executing an aggressive growth plan in the USA and several other countries. # # # Casa Latino is America's #1 Latino Real Estate Brand. While other brands are closing their doors and consolidating offices, Casa Latino is awarding franchises and opening offices at a record pace. The company will open as many as 50 additional offices before the end of the year. Hola, if you would like to learn more about owning your Casa Latino office or offices just give me a call@ 904 647 4420. Saludos, Bill Arce