Six Pennsylvania Realtors® named to top 250 NAHREP list of Latino agents

Six Pennsyvania Realtors® were named to the top 250 National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals’ list of real estate professionals.

Brian Baca, a Realtor® with RE/MAX Gettysburg, landed in 82nd on the list. “I was honored to make the top 250 NAHREP list of Latino agents,” said Baca.

“I work very hard on every deal and am proud to represent Latino agents everywhere and encourage more diversity in real estate.”

Baca became a licensed Realtor® in 1999. “It took me forever to sell my first house, but the training paid off, and I eventually found a rhythm. My next venture was buying rental properties, which I still do today. Being named one the top 250 Latino agents was awesome. I would encourage more Latino agents to get involved, as I feel Latino agents, at least in my area, are limited in numbers. I would also encourage more Latino homeownership in the area.”

Evette Ruiz with Century 21 Advantage Gold in Philadelphia was 93rd. Ruiz has a business degree and was looking for a career change when she became a Realtor® 15 years ago.

“I am truly honored to be nominated for a second year in a row as a top Latino agent. Helping achieve homeownership to the Latino market has had a huge impact in my business, I am grateful for all the families I have helped become homeowners for the first time. In some families, they are the first of their generation, which is something so amazing that I am part of every day,” said Ruiz.

Anthony Ramos of Century 21 Ramos Realty in Bethlehem was 100th. Ramos has been involved in real estate his entire life. “I remember going with my father to see homes and to open houses as a child,” he said. Ramos has been been licensed since 2004, after graduating from Temple University with a degree in business management and real estate.

“The family business led me to my career, we truly have a family business office, my father is the broker and my mother, brother, wife and nephew are all agents,” said Ramos. “It is a honor being named one of the top 250 Latino agents. Being Latino and bilingual has helped my business evolve, Spanish-speaking buyers and sellers feel an extra degree of confidence when speaking their native language. Buying or selling a home can be a complicated process, but being able to walk them through the process is a business asset. This has open the door to so many real estate referrals. The Latino community is continuing to rapidly grow in the Lehigh Valley and being able to help this community has helped my business grow.”

Marvin Vargas, a Realtor® with RE/MAX Access in Philadelphia came in 109th. “I’m honored to receive the award. Homeownership is an American dream and is the No. 1 component for family growth and success. I’m glad to help all people achieve this important step including my people who contribute culture, diversity and economic power to our country. I’ve sold homes to many immigrants starting out at $20,00 and going higher, of course.”

Vargas has been a Realtor® for more than 18 years.

Francesca Prieto of Coldwell Banker Preferred in Wynnewood was 114th. Prieto, who is from Puerto Rico, has had a variety of careers from working in the Philadelphia Museum of Art to architecture to restaurant ownership. “Real estate seemed like a natural career for me, combining customer service and a love of architecture,” she said. A Realtor® for 12 years, she’s a first-generation college graduate from the University of Pennsylvania.

“I’m really flattered to be included. In a time when Latino culture has taken a bit of a hit, this is some brightness,” said Prieto.

Laura Kaplan of Coldwell Banker Preferred in Exton landed in 212th. Kaplan grew up in Mexico and moved to Pennsylvania when she was 18. She later earned a marketing degree from West Chester University and an MBA from Penn State University. This is Kaplan’s fourth year in real estate.

“I am honored to be listed among the top Latino agents in the United States for the second year in a row. I strive to provide the best service to every client I work with and I am committed to contributing to the increase of sustainable Hispanic homeownership in Chester County.”