Special to The Truth
In the heart of Los Angeles, Toledo’s real estate professionals made their mark on the national stage. The Greater Toledo Realtist Association (GTRA) sent a powerful delegation of more than 10 members to the 77th National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) National Convention and they came back with awards, new credentials, and a renewed mission for the city.
One of the most celebrated moments was the recognition of Faye Smith, Mortgage Loan Originator at Fifth Third Bank, as one of the Top 10 Mortgage Loan Originators in the nation. Her work has helped countless families — especially in underserved communities — achieve the dream of homeownership.
The convention also marked the graduation of three GTRA members from the NAREB Developers Academy Class of 2025: Deon Davis, Caitlyn Stuart, and President De’Lisa Moore. These emerging African American developers are building more than innovative, affordable housing in Toledo they are creating opportunities that strengthen the economy and empower the community
“We went to Los Angeles as representatives of Toledo, but we came back as part of a bigger movement,” said Moore. “These achievements belong not just to our members, but to every family we will help into a home, every neighborhood we will strengthen, and every young person we will inspire to see real estate as a pathway to wealth.”
GTRA will continue that mission locally with its Fourth Annual Masquerade Night at the Casino Fundraiser on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Gesu Sullivan Center. Tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite.com. Those looking to learn more about GTRA can join our General Body Meetings, held every third Tuesday of the month at 6 PM at Tolhouse, 1447 N. Summit St., Toledo, OH 43604. Meetings are open to the public.
Founded in 1947, NAREB is the nation’s oldest minority trade association, committed to promoting democracy in housing and increasing homeownership in Black and underserved communities.
