Join us on The DMV Business Show with Otto Sevilla as we feature Bree Jones, the Founder and CEO of Parity Homes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing vacant neighborhoods in Baltimore City by renovating and selling homes to community members who are prepared to own a home through financial literacy and mortgage literacy training. Parity aims to narrow the racial wealth disparity in home ownership rates. The organization has already completed 7 homes, with 7 families now living in them, and has 20 more homes in the works.Parity buys vacant properties by the block, renovates them, and then sells them to community members who are prepared to own a home through financial literacy and mortgage literacy training. The organization has recognized the importance of providing affordable rentals, with 20% of its 50 properties planned for rentals. This move helps to achieve its goal of promoting home ownership while also providing stable and affordable housing options. Parity keeps the neighborhood where the homes are located private to avoid attracting speculators and to ensure that the community remains stable.Bree Jones grew up in New York, specifically in the Bronx, New Rochelle, and Westchester County. As a child, she loved building things, such as Lego's, and was encouraged by her mom to pursue her interests. She went into finance and studied international business at Northeastern University, where she learned Mandarin Chinese and lived in China for two years. She became fluent in Mandarin and still maintains some proficiency. Throughout her career, Bree Jones has experienced a series of unexpected twists and turns. She landed a job at Morgan Stanley in market data, where she worked for two years before being headhunted by a hedge fund. At the hedge fund, she worked on an alternative data platform that used big data to forecast stock prices. She then transitioned to venture capital, where she worked in fintech investing for a year before feeling an itch to start her own business. She eventually left the VC job and started her own company, Parity.Throughout her career, Bree Jones has spoken multiple languages, including Chinese and French, which has been an asset in her work. She has also worked in different locations, including New York, China, Connecticut, and Maryland. Her career path has been marked by both successes and setbacks, but ultimately leading her to where she is today. Her experiences and skills have prepared her to lead Parity, and her passion for building and creating things.Bree Jones and Parity are inspiring examples of how individuals can make a positive impact on their community through dedication and hard work. With its mission to narrow the racial wealth disparity in home ownership rates, Parity is playing a vital role in fostering stable and affordable housing options in Baltimore City. Bree Jones's unique background and experiences have prepared her to take on this challenge, and her passion for building and creating things has driven her to make a difference in the lives of those around her. This episode is brought to you by: SEVI - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture https://seviproperties.com/ LET'S CONNECT! LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ottosevilla Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theottosevilla Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheOttoSevilla YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OttoSevilla Email Me! osevilla@ottosevilla.com Text Me! 240-706-7584
