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 outreach to raise awareness on the importance of building Black generational wealth through homeownership.

Our affordable homeownership efforts have assisted families in receiving a total of $1.5M in local grants and subsidies

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

Hill District Federal Credit Union

https://www.hilldistrictfcu.org/

The Journey

Mary Hester, a Pittsburgh native and founder of LifeVenture Real Estate Solutions, brings over 20 years of real estate and mortgage expertise to her role as a distinguished leader in the industry.

Currently serving as the Director of Real Estate for LifeVenture Buy Choice Homes, Mary is a licensed real estate professional in both Pennsylvania and Georgia.

Locally, she collaborates with nonprofits and community development corporations, where she actively contributes to bridging the racial wealth gap for black families by advocating education for successful and sustainable homeownership, assuring access to affordable housing inventory and by challenging predatory lending and housing practices.

Recognized as a changemaker, Mary's dedication to Black wealth building through homeownership has earned her the prestigious Keller Williams 2021 ‘Icon of the Year’ Award and East Liberty Development, Inc. 2023 ‘Impact Award’.

At the heart of her initiatives is the "Black Excellence in Real Estate" movement, demonstrating her commitment to fostering equitable opportunities and showcasing the importance of impact and recognition amongst the real estate industry.

Mary's impact extends beyond individual transactions, as she serves on the board of directors for City of Bridges Community Land Trust and the Pittsburgh Realtist Professionals, a local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. Mary also serves as chair of the Hill District Federal Credit Union’s Mortgage Advisory Committee.

Drawing on robust relationships with local banks, non-profits, and city agencies, Mary advocates for first-time homebuyers and aids in the leveraging of funding sources to create affordability for families. Federal Home Loan Bank and New Market Tax Credits are amongst the tools used to support and scale inventory for low-moderate income buyers.

Mary's journey in real estate advocacy stems from her passion for community and her extensive background in mortgage lending, consumer finance, and financial education.

A graduate of Penn Hills Senior High School, Mary furthered her education at Point Park University, LaDolce Real Estate Academy and the Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Mary is a proud mother of four and grandmother of five. Her passion for travel, painting, and outdoor recreation complements her outgoing nature and dedication to providing positive life experiences personally and professionally.