REALTY 1 NETWORK REACHES OUT TO HISPANIC COMMUNITIES

Social Responsibility Program Enables Home Ownership for Immigrant Families

CHICAGO, IL --- How does a new U.S. citizen, who speaks very little English and has limited access to resources, achieve home ownership with no money down and 100% financing? It happens every day. Operating from a humble office on the Northwest Side, Realty 1 Network has challenged its industry in Chicago by delivering a series of programs that not only put Immigrants in new homes, but also fund West-Side community organizations.

Delia Peterson, co-founder of Realty 1 Network, was born in Amealco (Mexico). In 2002, she and business partner/husband, Mike Peterson, decided to be a positive force within Chicago’s underserved Hispanic communities. They created two programs that have sent ripples through the city, putting people in homes and funding nonprofit organizations for the past two years.
The first organization on the list was one near and dear to Delia’s heart: Ciudadanos Unidos de Amealco. The Peterson’s created a 10% opt-in donation program out of the brokerage commissions they collect from participation in transactions. Clients are offered a selection of charities from which to choose, though many leave the choice up to Realty 1 Network.
Since that first donation, Realty 1 Network’s Sharing Program has provided over $16,000 in funds as well as over 100 hours of home buying workshops through charities including Crib Collective and Victory Outreach.
“We’re doing business with a conscience,” Delia explained, a feeling the couple has shared since they were married in 1994.

Through its Sharing Program, Realty 1 Network has seen their business’ referral rate grow exponentially. The Petersons explained that clients respond to their business practice of donating and pass the word to their friends and family, which does more than simply provide them with new business leads.

“At the end of the day, it makes us feel good,” Delia said.
In 1996 Mike and Dee founded Realty 1 Network, Inc. They work as a team, providing personal service for their clients. They are current members in good standing of local, State and national real estate organizations and Mike Peterson was “Lister of the Year” for one of Chicago's largest franchise branch offices in 1994 & 1995 when he was awarded membership in The International Diamond Society for the top 15% of Real Estate Agents Nationwide. For more information on Realty 1 Network and their Sharing Program, please contact Mike and Delia Peterson, 773-388-2224 or visit their website www.realty1network.com.

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Contact:
Ian Bryan of The Sensible City
+1-312-528-9111 / ianbryan@sensiblecity.com