(TWIN FALLS) The Idaho Housing and Finance Association will honor 18 South Central Idaho REALTOR®s who have represented homebuyers who used the IdaMortgage loan program during a REALTOR® Appreciation Luncheon this week in Twin Falls. In total, these REALTOR®s have represented 197 buyers who purchased their homes with IdaMortgage loans totaling more than $18 million collectively.

“REALTOR®s play an important role in providing information about the IdaMortgage loan program,” said Susan Semba, IHFA’s director of Homeownership Lending. “I commend these recipients for their hard work and dedication to their field.”

The following REALTOR®s will receive “Your Key to Housing Opportunities” Awards during a luncheon to be held at noon Thursday, Nov. 8 at The Ballroom. The awards presentation is slated to begin at 12:40 p.m.

Gold Award
Sid Lezamiz, Lezamiz Real Estate Company
Sid began his career in a traditional real estate agency working under a licensed broker. In 1999, Sid opened Lezamiz Real Estate Company, where his priority is to assist first-time homebuyers step-by-step through the pre-qualification process. Lezamiz Real Estate Company's nontraditional, innovative "team" approach is one way he has achieved this goal of excellent customer service. Sid is a member of the Magic Valley Builders Association and also works on the Safe House.

Silver Award
Alex Castaneda, Prudential Idaho Homes and Properties
During his seven years as a REALTOR®, Alex Castaneda has earned the Eagle Award for Achievement in Real Estate as well as qualification into the Million Dollar Club from 2002 to 2006. He is a member of the Twin Falls Association of REALTORS® and holds a Real Estate Broker License. Alex is an associate broker for Prudential Idaho Homes and Properties in Twin Falls, where he recently opened a Hispanic division. Alex works closely with local lenders to help facilitate the home-buying process for first-time homebuyers, and is an instructor of first-time homebuyer classes at the College of Southern Idaho.

Bronze Award
Marvis Brice, Advantage 1 Realty
Marvis has enjoyed a successful career in real estate for 32 years. She is the co-owner of Advantage 1 Realty in Burley, which opened in 1996. She was recently voted ‘Best Real Estate Agent’ by the Mini-Cassia community for 2006, and was Idaho’s REALTOR® of the year in 1991. Her past credits include presidency of the Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce and eight years of service on the Idaho Real Estate Commission. Marvis’ real estate focus has been the Mini-Cassia area, comprised of small rural communities, with an emphasis on first-time homebuyers. She also specializes in relocation and has extensive experience in this area.

Other Awards
These REALTOR®s will be recognized for representing at least five buyers who purchased their homes with IdaMortgage loans: Sheila Adams, Century 21 Riverside Realty, Burley; Norberto Arteaga, Canyonside Realty, Jerome; Stan Buckley, Century 21 Riverside Realty, Burley; Clint Crane, Century 21 Riverside Realty, Burley; Maria Cruz, Canyonside Realty, Burley; Jerry Hines, Century 21 Riverside Realty, Burley; Sharon Hobbs, Brown Realty, Paul; Sandy Koch, Keystone Realty Group, Burley; Nathan Lyda, Gateway Real Estate of Magic Valley, Twin Falls; Scott Martin, TKO Construction, Twin Falls; Lynn Rasmussen, Rasmussen Real Estate Co., Twin Falls; Oralee Stark, Century 21 Riverside Realty, Burley; Joe Taylor, Carey & Adams Realtors, Burley; Randy Terrell, Assist 2 Sell Buyers and Sellers, Twin Falls; Aaron Walker, Gem State Realty, Inc., Twin Falls.

Since IHFA first began issuing home loans in 1978, the Association has invested more than $3.94 billion in loans for more than 57,000 Idaho families. In the Twin Falls area alone, more than 4,300 families have received IdaMortgage loans through IHFA, an investment of $247 million.

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a financial services and housing organization, provides funding for affordable housing in Idaho communities where they are most needed and when it is economically feasible. IHFA uses no state funds or state employees to support its operations. For more information, visit our Web site at www.ihfa.org.