Baird & Warner, Illinois’ largest family-owned independent real estate services company, today announced the opening of its Berwyn office at 6347 Cermak Road. The new Chicago-area location will not only serve as a full-service real estate branch, but also a community resource center featuring workshops and services for future homebuyers.
“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,” said Tanesha House, director of social impact at Baird & Warner. “Through the Berwyn office, Baird & Warner is pioneering an exciting new concept creating a bridge to homeownership, which will greatly serve the people of Berwyn and its surrounding communities.”
The Berwyn location is Baird & Warner’s first real estate office to offer ongoing educational workshops for those interested in purchasing a home or growing their knowledge on a variety of homebuying topics – from financial management to the importance of a home inspection.
Baird & Warner has united with its longtime Good Will Works partners, the Spanish Coalition for Housing and YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, to offer these complimentary workshops at the Berwyn office through Baird & Warner’s new HomeEasier program. Monthly workshops are available to the general public through online registration via the HomeEasier webpage. As part of this new initiative, Baird & Warner will have Spanish-speaking agents on site at the Berwyn office to remove any language barriers and help make the process of homeownership easier for the Spanish-speaking community.
“Spanish Coalition for Housing is proud of its ongoing partnership with Baird & Warner, and we are excited to be involved with the Berwyn location’s community resource center, helping prospective homebuyers through counseling and education,” said Joseph Lopez, executive director of the Spanish Coalition for Housing. “Homeownership is an opportunity to build equity and generational wealth, and our goal is to make it possible for everyone.”
Seasoned Baird & Warner brokers James Salazar, director of growth and development, and Molly Surowitz, vice president and designated managing broker, will lead the Berwyn office. Combined, they have more than 35 years of real estate expertise and are acutely familiar with the Berwyn area and surrounding communities.
“Baird & Warner has deep roots and a rich history of serving the people of Chicagoland,” said Salazar. “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 and empowering homebuyers, sellers and homeowners with the knowledge they need to realize their real estate goals and have a successful and enjoyable real estate transaction.
“Together with our partners, Spanish Coalition for Housing and the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, Baird & Warner is not only providing Berwyn residents with the services and thoughtful expertise our skilled brokers are renowned for, but also providing those who perhaps never thought they would be able to purchase a home with the education and resources to make that dream a reality.”
To create a dynamic and welcoming environment at the new Berwyn office, Baird & Warner chose to bring visibility to local artists and their craft by partnering with the Berwyn Public Art Initiative (BPAI), a local non-profit organization that uses art to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the Berwyn community. The Berwyn office will feature a long-term art collection of original pieces, primarily from local artists and curated by BPAI.
Complimentary HomeEasier workshops offered at the Berwyn office through the Spanish Coalition for Housing and YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago will include the following topics:
- Financial Education + Coaching
- Pre-Purchase Education + Counseling
- Post-Purchase Education + Counseling
- Financial Management
- Overview of Home Ownership
- Lender Presentation
- Down Payment Assistance Program
- Importance of Insurance
- Realtor’s Role in Homebuying Process
- Importance of a Home Inspection
- Attorney’s Role in Homebuying Process
To register for Baird & Warner’s HomeEasier workshops at the Berwyn location, visit the HomeEasier website or click on one of the current workshop dates:
- October 3 – Financial Management
- November 16 – Homebuyer Orientation
- Additional workshops will be scheduled on a monthly basis.
The new Berwyn office marks the 28th Baird & Warner location in the Chicagoland area. Located at 6347 Cermak Road, Unit B, the new office is at the intersection of Ridgeland Avenue and Cermak Road. Complimentary parking is available within the perimeter of the building as well as Cermak Road.
Visit www.bairdwarner.com today to learn more about joining the firm, or to find a home and an agent who can help make buying and selling an easier and more rewarding experience.
About Baird & Warner Real Estate, Inc.:
Established in 1855, Baird & Warner is Illinois’ largest family-owned independent real estate services company. The Baird & Warner brand has been synonymous with making real estate easier through experience, innovation, and integrity for more than 165 years. Steve Baird, the firm’s fifth-generation owner, has been consistently recognized among the industry’s most influential leaders. Baird & Warner has been named a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for eight years in a row. With more than 2,500 broker associates in 28 offices and comprehensive mortgage, title, and relocation services, Baird & Warner ranks among the nation’s top real estate firms. Learn more at BairdWarner.com.
About Spanish Coalition for Housing:
Spanish Coalition for Housing’s mission is to provide comprehensive counseling, education and housing resources necessary for Latinos and other low- to moderate-income families in Chicagoland, develop competence and responsibility in meeting their financial and housing needs, and advocate for and proactively promote additional resources for them. Learn more at https://www.sc4housing.org/.
About YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago:
Founded in 1876, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is a social enterprise committed to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. As a leading association among a national network of more than 200 YWCAs, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago touches tens of thousands of women and families annually through comprehensive human services provided across the region. Located in the third-largest American city, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago serves as a national incubator for innovative programming, outreach and engagement strategies. YWCA Metropolitan Chicago works at both the individual and systems levels to create the truly inclusive marketplace necessary for a diverse and balanced economy. Learn more at www.ywcachicago.org.
About the Berwyn Public Art Initiative:
The Berwyn Public Art Initiative (BPAI) is a community-driven 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that uses public art, cultural programming, pop-up galleries and arts education to strengthen the social and economic fabric of Berwyn. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and advocate for using public art’s creative power to build a more healthy, inclusive, culturally vibrant community. Our vision is to create public art that reflects our inclusive, equitable and diverse community. Learn more at www.berwynpublicartinitiative.org.
