Bilingual Realtors Help Pave Path to Homeownership in Southern Idaho

Courtesy of Teresa Loya

Homeownership has been a cornerstone of economic stability and upward mobility for the growing Hispanic community in the Southern Idaho region and beyond. 

Owning a home not only provides a safe and stable environment for families but also creates opportunities to build equity, invest in the future, contribute to the local economy, establish roots and promote a deeper sense of belonging. However, navigating the sometimes complex process of purchasing a home can be daunting, particularly for Spanish-speaking families. That’s why bilingual real estate professionals such as Teresa Loya, owner of H&L Real Estate Co. in Burley, are so valuable. 

Mission Possible 

Loya has been a driving force behind the region’s real estate market for more than two decades. She says her journey into real estate began after recognizing a gap in services for Spanish-speaking homebuyers. 

“I wanted to come in and be a trusted guide – someone who could be there for these families, helping them buy a home. It was important to me that they knew owning a home was possible and that they were informed and given correct and accurate information so there were no regrets at closing.” 

Building Futures 

For Loya, facilitating homeownership is far more than simply selling properties – it’s about creating generational wealth within the Hispanic community. 

“Homeownership provides stability; that’s the biggest part of it. Everything you read and study about people who own homes suggests the sooner you own a home, the greater the wealth you’ll build,” she says. “Not only that, but when children are raised in a home that their parents own, they have a sense of belonging and security. Then, that’s when people start thinking, ‘Hey, if I can own a home, I can own a business.’” 

Community Connections 

When asked what makes Southern Idaho particularly welcoming to Hispanic families and entrepreneurs, Loya points to the region’s small-town values and supportive business environment. 

“I was born and raised in the area. I raised my children here. Continuing to be surrounded by the small-town values makes this a safe and secure place to not only grow a family but also grow a business,” she says. “People here genuinely want to support one another. When you see a good business – someone who’s really trying to get out there – you’ll see a ton of support from other community members, and I think that’s great. There is a lot of encouragement for people who want to grow something and succeed.” 

Loya’s business growth is a prime example. What began as a one-woman mission has evolved into a thriving team of real estate professionals. As her agency has expanded, Loya has embraced opportunities to connect with the broader business community. 

She recently joined the South Central Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce after opening an office in Twin Falls, extending her reach beyond her original Burley market area. “That’s why we joined the chamber – to become more involved in the community and network with other businesses,” she says.