Baird & Warner has officially opened a new office in Berwyn, located at 6347 Cermak Rd. In addition to functioning as another real estate branch for the firm, this office will serve as a first-of-its-kind community resource center for potential homebuyers.
Leading the Berwyn office are two seasoned Baird & Warner brokers: James Salazar, director of growth and development, and Molly Surowitz, vice president and designated managing broker.
Tanesha House, director of social impact at Baird & Warner, reflected on the mission of the unique office in a press release. “In today’s ever-changing real estate market, it’s never been more important for homebuyers – especially first-time buyers – to be educated on the homebuying process,” she said. “Through the Berwyn office, Baird & Warner is pioneering an exciting new concept creating a bridge to homeownership.”
At the Berwyn site, these homebuyers take educational workshops on a range of topics, including financial education and coaching, pre- and post-purchase education and counseling, financial management, down payment assistance programs, home inspections and more.
To offer these services, Baird & Warner is partnering with Good Will Works, the Spanish Coalition for Housing and the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago as part of its new HomeEasier program. The program includes monthly workshops, which are available through online registration.
Spanish-speaking agents will also be available on-site to provide language assistance to the students. “Homeownership is an opportunity to build equity and generational wealth, and our goal is to make it possible for everyone, ” said Joseph Lopez, executive director of the Spanish Coalition for Housing. “We are excited to be involved with the Berwyn location’s community resource center.”
Local DJ Shon Roka at the event
Salazar also expressed his excitement over the partnership. “As a member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, I’m thrilled to see the firm continue its legacy of reaching out into new communities,” he added.
The office was officially unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 15 where its art installations were also on full display. In another collaborative move, Baird & Warner partnered with the Berwyn Public Art Initiative to decorate the space. Going forward, the Berwyn office will feature a long-term collection of original pieces by from local artists.