By: STEPHANIE DAVIS SMITH
How AREAA is changing the plot.
With its vibrant diversity, California stands witness to the remarkable growth of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population. According to 2020 U.S. Census data, the AAPI community experienced a 25 percent surge over the past decade, outpacing all other ethnic groups in the state.
Amidst this seismic demographic shift, the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) emerged as a transformative force, advocating for AAPI interests and fostering homeownership opportunities.
With over 18,000 real estate professionals in its ranks, AREAA catalyzes change across local, regional, and national levels. At the helm of this movement are individuals like Julie Tran and Peter Au, who exemplify AREAA’s commitment to impact and service.
Tran, a distinguished REALTOR® at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties since 2015, led the Orange County chapter of AREAA as president before passing the baton to Au, whose dedication to promoting homeownership has been unwavering.
Operating from their office in Irvine, Tran and Au collaborate seamlessly, pooling their expertise to advance the group’s mission. AREAA’s reach extends beyond California with 43 chapters nationwide, each dedicated to promoting homeownership and community enrichment.
Tran’s vision manifested in the revival of the AREAA OC Homeownership Fair, drawing crowds eager to achieve the American dream of homeownership, even amidst the challenges of the pandemic.
The success of the homeownership fair underscores AREAA’s role in empowering aspiring homeowners. From its modest beginnings with 80 attendees in 2021, to a staggering turnout of 300 in 2023, the fair has become a beacon of hope for many. “I was able to help a young Asian American woman from the fair get into her first home,” says Tran. “It was so rewarding because she didn’t know it was possible.”
Tran and Au’s involvement extends beyond real estate transactions, encompassing local volunteer initiatives with organizations like Bracken’s Kitchen and OC Rescue Mission.
“I was at a local OC event during the holidays and going through a home transaction,” shares Tran. “The home loan fell through while I was at the AREAA event, and because I’m part of this organization, I was in a room full of lenders.”
“I began shopping the home and the buyers to all the other AREAA members from banks such as Chase and Bank of America,” she explained. “I said, ‘This is the purchase price; these are the buyers,’ and we were able to get them a new loan in the next 12 hours!”
“We got it done with the people in that room,” says Tran, “even during Thanksgiving week!”
The partnership between Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties and AREAA exemplifies a shared commitment to excellence and inclusivity. Martha Mosier, president at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, and Gino Blefari, president and CEO of HomeServices of America, Inc., champion AREAA’s mission, underscoring the importance of community engagement and empowerment. They also sponsor the group on the national level. “Their involvement makes us proud to be part of the company,” says Tran.
