A CLOSER LOOK

THE MISSION

LifeVenture Real Estate Solutions

Educate and advocate for home buyers to gain access to available resources and subsidies needed for affordable homeownership.
Collaborate with local agencies and developers to track inventory and promote affordability tools.
Focus on community building and intentional outreach of the importance of building Black generational wealth through homeownership

Our affordable homeownership efforts have assisted families in receiving a total of $1.4M in local grants and subsidies

We aim to bridge the racial wealth gap, increase homeownership statistics and build Black generational wealth for families

LifeVenture Buy Choice Homes

A full-service boutique real estate firm serving the Greater Pittsburgh area with the highest level of care for our clients.

We are committed to shaping a diverse industry of real estate professionals dedicated to providing opportunities for wealth creation for our communities, clients, and their families.

The Vision

LifeVenture Real Estate Solutions was founded in 2017 to improve real estate and wealth building opportunities to families in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Through collaboration with local agencies, developers and non-profits, we advocate for homebuyer education, public funding and housing security . The scope of work includes strategic planning of effective homeownership models and community engagement.

The Partners

Catapult Greater Pittsburgh

D.O.O.R Series (Developing Ownership Opportunities for Residents) https://catapultpittsburgh.org/programs/

East Liberty Development, Inc.

AHO Program (Affordable Homeownership Opportunities) www.eastliberty.org/where-to-live/affordable-housing/

Operation Better Block

https://operationbetterblock.com/

Urban Redevelopment Authority

https://www.ura.org/pages/housing

The Journey

Mary Hester, a Pittsburgh native and Founder of LifeVenture Real Estate Solutions, has over 20 years of real estate and mortgage experience and as a result has cultivated a distinctive real estate consulting firm.

Mary currently works diligently in community redevelopment efforts in the City of Pittsburgh, prioritizing affordable homeownership opportunities for low to moderate income buyers.

She is licensed in both Pennsylvania and Georgia and is working towards a full service, minority-owned brokerage in the community where she was born and raised. Mary previously worked with Keller Williams Exclusive Realty and served on the agency’s leadership committee (ALC) for Diversity and Inclusion. Mary is a consistent multi-million dollar producer and was awarded with the Keller Williams 2021 Icon of the Year Award. Partnering with Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, she co-founded Black Excellence in Real Estate with long time friend and colleague, Tammy Thompson. BERE is a Black wealth building initiative comprised of local real estate professionals, non-profits and community banks that network and celebrate successful milestones annually.

Through LifeVenture Real Estate Solutions, Mary has consulted with multiple community development corporations since 2017, as an Affordable Homeownership Specialist and Neighborhood Real Estate Specialist aiding in their Homeownership Programs. She works closely with first time homebuyers in the communities she serves to provide opportunities for successful homeownership. These efforts include being connected with various community lending initiatives such as Federal Home Loan Bank and New Market Tax Credits. These development projects provide funding to rehab, renovate and build homes specifically designated for low- moderate income buyers that have specific obstacles and barriers to homeownership, including special needs and homelessness challenges.

Mary relies on robust relationships with local banks, non-profits and city agencies to aid in leveraging funding sources to create affordability for each buyer. This model fosters substantial community impact and has been instrumental in bridging the racial wealth gap in the City of Pittsburgh.

Mary gained her experience in mortgage lending, consumer financing, and banking while working at Urban Mortgage, NeighborWorks Western PA and the Hill District Federal Credit Union, which helped her recognize her passion for community development and the importance of building generational wealth.
Mary serves on the City of Bridges Community Land Trust board of directors, Pittsburgh Realtist Professionals board of directors and the policy planning committee for the Hill District Federal Credit Union's mortgage program. Mary graduated from Penn Hills Senior High School, attended Point Park University and LaDolce Real Estate Academy. She has four children and four grandchildren. She enjoys traveling, painting and outdoor recreation.