Happy Hispanic Heritage Month from the Chicago Association of REALTORS®! We celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities — and the members, clients and neighborhoods that strengthen Chicago and our real estate industry.
We believe the strength of our organization, industry and city is built through every dimension of diversity. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we reaffirm our commitment to fair housing and equitable, sustainable pathways to homeownership.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we elevate Hispanic and Latino real estate professionals, connect consumers with trusted housing resources and champion policies that help every Chicagoan build stability, opportunity and generational wealth through housing.
Learn more about our industry partner, NAHREP Chicago
Why does Hispanic Heritage Month start in the middle of the month?
It is the independence anniversary for the Latin American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras. Also, the independence days of Mexico and Chile fall on September 16th and September 18th, respectively. Dia de la Raza, also known as Columbus Day, falls within this month, on October 12th.
Learn more:
- Everything you need to know about Hispanic Heritage Month (National Geographic)
- Hispanic Heritage Month | National Museum of the American Latino
Who Is NAHREP Chicago?
The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals® advances sustainable Hispanic homeownership by educating and empowering the professionals who serve homebuyers and sellers, advocating for supportive public policy and connecting housing-industry stakeholders. NAHREP Chicago brings that mission to our region through community outreach, professional education and business networking.
NAHREP Chicago’s 2026 calendar includes its annual Gala on October 23rd. Nationally, NAHREP will also bring its Leadership Academy + Family Reunion and Regional Connect: Midwest to Chicago on November 16th–17th, 2026.
NAHREP — 2025 State of Hispanic Homeownership Report
The newest report available for Hispanic Heritage Month 2026 shows both extraordinary growth and a persistent access gap. Latino households added a record 441,000 homeowners in 2025, reaching 10.2 million owner-households. Hispanics accounted for 92.6% of net U.S. household growth, yet the Hispanic homeownership rate declined to 48.5% as household formation outpaced ownership growth. The report also identifies continued shortages of homes priced below $350,000.
- Hispanic households added a record 441,000 new homeowners in 2025, reaching an all-time high of 10.2 million Hispanic-owned households.
- Hispanics drove 139.6% of U.S. homeownership growth last year, meaning Hispanic gains offset losses among every other demographic group nationally.
- The Hispanic homeownership rate dipped slightly to 48.5%, not because fewer people are buying, but because new household formation (+1,094,000, accounting for 92.6% of national growth) is outpacing ownership growth. That’s a sign of a young, growing population still moving into its prime homebuying years.
Expanding Access to Homeownership Through Our Forms
The Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Representation Agreements are available in Spanish, giving Spanish-speaking buyers the chance to read through their agreement in the language they know best. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting the tools that help every client walk into a transaction with confidence and a full understanding of what they’re signing.
Download the translated form on our Forms & Contract page.
Celebrating OUR Hispanic Leaders
Immediate Past President ERIKA VILLEGAS
RE/MAX Mi Casa
Director & Foundation trustee MEGAN OSWALD
Coldwell Banker Realty
Director GASPAR FLORES JR.
Su Familia Real Estate, Inc.
Foundation Trustee Sharon Aguilera
Gentium Properties LLC
And Our Past Presidents:
- Northside Real Estate 1988-1989 President Kenny Ortiz
- 1989-1990 West Towns Board President Loretta Alonzo
- 2005-2006 West Towns Board President Margarita Amaro
- 2010-2011 President Mabel Guzman
- 2011 West Towns Board President Juan Del Real
- 2009-2010 President Genie Birch
- 2006-2007 President Alexander Chaparro
- 2023-2024 President Drussy Hernandez
- 2023-2025 President Erika Villegas
Their work and dedication continue to inspire our membership and industry.
Pilsen: Culture, Community and the Work of Staying Rooted
Pilsen’s story reflects Chicago’s many layers of migration and neighborhood change. Once home to large German, Irish and Bohemian communities, it became a center of Mexican-American life as families moved into the Lower West Side in growing numbers during the mid-20th century, including after displacement connected to the construction of the University of Illinois Chicago campus. Murals, cultural institutions and locally owned businesses continue to express that history. In 2026, The Resurrection Project announced plans with Chicago Commons for 76 affordable apartments and an early-childhood education center at 18th Street and Peoria — a current example of community-led investment designed to help families remain and thrive in the neighborhood they helped shape.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2026 Events
- September 15th | Chicago Cubs Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month Celebration
- September 15th-October 11th | Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
- September 23rd | Hispanic Heritage Month Career & Resource Fair
- October 23rd | NAHREP Chicago Gala