When home inspector Luis Santiago Alcaraz evaluates a house for a Spanish-speaking client, he goes further than identifying potential problems; he educates his clients about homeownership; and he explains the home’s technical systems—all in their native language. Why? To help put first-time homebuyers at ease.
Alcaraz started his groundbreaking home inspection firm InspectuCasa in 2003 to focus on servicing Spanish-speaking clients. As the only licensed Hispanic evaluator in Minnesota for “truth in sale of housing” inspections, and the state’s only Hispanic member of the American Society of Home Inspectors, he saw the business potential of serving Minnesota’s rapidly growing Latino population. Plus, he knew his background in electrical and mechanical systems, remodeling, and mortgage banking would add to his potential for success.
“I like the feeling of helping people,” says Alcaraz, a U.S. citizen who is originally from Mexico and has Cuban roots. The business has been profitable, certainly, but Alcaraz says he also appreciates when clients are grateful for his help—whether they buy, or not.
It keeps him busy, but Alcaraz is no stranger to hard work. Since the age of 12, he has worked and attended school, often holding two or three jobs simultaneously. In addition to running his business, Alcaraz volunteers as a bilingual teacher for “Home Stretch” classes, which teaches potential buyers about the home purchasing process. He knows the value of education in his own life and wants to stress its importance to his fellow Latinos.
