This past June, RE/MAX Unlimited held Own It: A Woman’s Home‑Buying Experience at the Highlands Model Home in VIDA subdivision, a women‑only event aimed at empowering single women to take charge of their homeownership journeys. Sparked by the City of San Antonio’s “Status of Women” findings—particularly that just over 50% of single women households own homes, compared to around 76.6% of married couples—RE/MAX Unlimited responded with action.
Own It was designed by women, for women. Former Vice Chairwoman of the Commission, Sara Briseño Gerrish, stated: “Once I heard these stats, I knew action needed to be taken. I thought about what I could do to help increase these numbers personally, and our “Own It’ idea was born. ”The event featured female real‑estate agents, a mortgage professional, a title expert, a home warranty company, and a banker, all sharing advice tailored to women’s unique financial profiles. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and attend mini-sessions on credit building, down payments, budgeting, and navigating market challenges, as well as debunk common myths. Beyond practical tools, the atmosphere prioritized community: attendees could network, build confidence, and envision themselves as first‑time homeowners.
Building on local data—such as the insight that single-woman homeownership hovers just above 50%—Own It tackled both knowledge gaps and confidence barriers. Experts highlighted how women, particularly Latinas and Black women, continue to trail behind white women in ownership rates (Latinas ~39%, Black women ~37% vs. non‑Hispanic white women ~62%). The event offered targeted guidance on accessing home‑buying grants, down payment assistance, and culturally responsive resources.
Hosted by sisters Sara Briseño Gerrish & Rachel Briseño Bruno, whose mother was the first Latina franchise broker in San Antonio, the event reaffirmed the brokerage’s mission to uplift women in real estate, both as professionals and homeowners. By centering women’s experiences, Own It serves as both a response to and a catalyst for increased single-woman homeownership in San Antonio. Partners of REMAX Unlimited include Rae Saldaña of New Fed Mortgage, Rachael Clutter of Capital Title, Letty Gonzales (a former Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women) of Generations Federal Credit Union, Linda Wright of Armadillo Home Warranty, Bertha Treviño of San Antonio Builder Guide, and Highland Homes. All the women immediately said “Yes!” when asked to partner for this cause.
Looking ahead, RE/MAX Unlimited aims to make Own It a regular event in different parts of town—one that closes the homeownership gap for women and turns data into proactive, community-focused solutions.
