With the support of the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation (PHDC), Sinereth achieved the dream of becoming the owner of her own home.
Her story reflects effort, perseverance, and the importance of good guidance on the road to stability in the United States.

By Carlos Roa

Pittsburgh, PA — With a smile full of pride and gratitude, Sinereth Torres shares how she achieved one of the greatest dreams of any immigrant family: buying her first home in the United States. Her story is marked by hard work, discipline, and the accompaniment of the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation, which guided her step by step through the home-buying process.

“Buying a home is everyone’s dream”

How did the idea of buying your own home begin?
— Honestly, I think it’s everyone’s dream. If you think about it, paying rent or paying a mortgage doesn’t make that much of a difference. So, what’s better? Paying for something that will eventually be yours.

 

Doubts, obstacles, and persistence

What were the biggest challenges or doubts you faced when starting this project?
— The first thing I asked myself was, “Am I really going to take on such a big debt?” Because, of course, it’s a significant amount of money.
There were many difficulties, as with anything you set out to do. You have to stay focused and try to push away negative thoughts to reach your goal.
One of the biggest challenges was gathering all the documents required to apply for the mortgage loan, saving money — which isn’t easy, because money goes fast — and maintaining a stable job. Job security is key throughout the process.

“The Hispanic Corporation helped me from day one”

How did you find out about the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation?
— I already knew them because I’m an entrepreneur. In my country, I had a restaurant, and when I arrived here, I started researching what I needed to do to open a business in the United States. That’s how I found the Corporation, and they provided me with exceptional guidance.
First, I registered my business and began generating stable income. Then, with that foundation, I set my sights on buying a home. Let’s say that while I was working on the business, I was also gathering the requirements and preparing everything needed to apply for the loan.

Then suddenly, while the business wasn’t even ready yet… the opportunity to buy the house appeared! So, in the end, everything happened in reverse—but it turned out great. Now we have the house and we’re still working on opening the business.

And in which part of the process did the Corporation help you the most?
— From day one. Florencia Melnick guided me through the entire process, from the very first steps to the final closing. She was an angel sent from heaven. She supported me with patience and dedication, as if the house were her own. I’m deeply grateful to her and to the entire team at the Corporation.

“Waking up in my own home is incomparable”

How do you feel now that you’re living in your home?
— Super happy. There’s nothing like it. Coming home and being able to decide how you want it — moving a wall, choosing the color of the paint — that has no price. Every day I wake up and say, “I did it. This is mine.” I feel fulfilled and blessed.

A family building their dream

Who do you share your new home with?
— I’m married, and we have a daughter who’s already a grown woman. And of course, there’s Simón Bolívar, our dog, who joined the family later. There are four of us if you count Simón.
My husband is a chef and loves to create new things, especially outdoors with his barbecue in the backyard. The house is perfect for us: everyone has their own space, we all help each other, and we’re living the American dream — or rather, the Venezuelan dream in America.

“Yes, it’s possible”

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
— Just gratitude. To Florencia, to the Hispanic Corporation, and to everyone who supported us. Many times, people don’t realize all that can be achieved in this country, but they help you understand that it is possible. Thanks to them, today I can say we have our own home and a more stable future.

The Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation continues to support Latino families on their journey toward financial stability, homeownership, and business growth—strengthening the Hispanic community throughout the region.