Multicultural Homeownership Solutions Program Offers Specialized Services for Latino Home Buyers

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RISMEDIA, March 7, 2007-First American Title Insurance Company announced the recent opening of an office that caters specifically to San Antonio's Hispanic home buying community. Located at 3326 Southeast Military, Suite 104, the new office is strategically located on the south side of San Antonio, an area with a significant Latino population. First American will kick off the new office opening with a reception for real estate agents and mortgage lenders on Tuesday, March 6, from 4-7 p.m.

The new location provides resources dedicated to assisting real estate professionals focused on the traditionally under-served Hispanic community and employs a talented staff fluent in Spanish and with a deep understanding of Latin culture. In addition, Spanish-style architecture and accents were incorporated throughout the new office's design to help Hispanic home buyers feel more comfortable during the home buying process.

"We are excited to be the first title company to offer this level of service directly to San Antonio's Latino community," said Luis Yeager, First American Title vice president and sales manager. "It is my firm belief that the success of this new location will come not only from a strategically placed branch, but also our personal involvement in the Hispanic community in which we are located."

Recent U.S. Census statistics indicate that Hispanic homeownership rates lag behind that of non-minorities by 27%. The national homeownership rate of non-Hispanic whites is 76%, while Hispanic homeownership continues to hover just under 50% nationally.

First American's statewide multicultural homeownership solutions program is aimed at helping to break down the cultural and financial barriers that often arise when members of minority communities enter the home buying process. It is comprised of consumer-focused outreach and educational events, specialized programs for real estate professionals and the hiring and training of key First American staff to better service ethnically diverse communities. Specifically, the Hispanic marketing program helps home buyers, many of whom are not native English speakers, understand complex loan and closing documents and empowers them to take decisive steps toward the financial security and wealth-building opportunities that homeownership can offer.

"The opening of our new San Antonio office is yet another example of First American's dedication and unwavering commitment to the multicultural community," said Jessica S. Verduzco, Texas Strategic Markets director for First American Title Insurance Company. "Through these efforts, and in partnership with others in the industry, we have the potential to create tens of thousands of new homeowners in the state of Texas."

The new office in San Antonio is First American's second Hispanic-focused office in Texas. The first opened in northwest Houston last year.

For more information, visit www.firstam.com.

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