Our Story
A broker saw a problem and started a company to fix it.
Reclaim Real Estate is a socially responsible solution to real estate speculation.
Reclaim Real Estate competes against predatory cash buyers to purchase and improve homes in communities that are disproportionately experiencing foreclosures, displacement and other forms of real estate stress.
We believe that homes are a local asset and Real Estate sales and investing should be part of a healthy and sustainable local economy.
Reclaim Real Estate, LLC is a Limited Liability Corporation registered in the State of New York. We are a Socially Impact Corporation with a legal obligation to consider people and planet as well as profit. Our corporate charter reads "The purpose of the Company shall include creating a material positive impact on society and the environment, taken as a whole, from the business and operations of the Company."
Our long term goals include building this model as a non-competitive open source human scaleable resource that can be adapted for communities across America.
Our Team
Rafael Jose
Founder and C.E.O.
Rafael Jose has worked in Real Estate for the past 15 years. He has extensive experience in loan originations and representing buyers and sellers. He is routinely invited to conduct presentations throughout Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island. His passion revolves around educating and assisting first-time homebuyers working in the best interests of individuals, families and communities. Rafael has a BA in Finance from the University of Albany and in 2011 was awarded by the Nassau County Executive for exemplary service to the community. Rafael serves on the Board of Directors of the New York City Real Estate Investment Cooperative.
Scott Grimm-Lyon, AICP
C.O.O.
co-Founder
Scott Grimm-Lyon, AICP is an urban planning professional who specializes in economic development. Scott has worked with stakeholder groups in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Newark and on Long Island on issues including affordable housing, foreclosure prevention, and business displacement. Scott has an MS in City and Regional Planning from the Pratt Institute, a BS in Anthropology from the University of Albany and is an alumni of the Coro Neighborhood Leadership program. Scott serves on the Executive Committee of the American Planning Association New York Metro Chapter.
Todd Arena, Esq
Partner
Todd Arena is sustainable economies lawyer with experience in renewable energy finance, community development, coop banking, and financial regulatory matters. In 2015, Todd received a Lawyers Alliance Cornerstone Award for his pro bono work with CDFI’s and credit unions. Todd served in Operation Enduring Freedom and is an active member of About Face: Veterans Against the War. Todd has a JD from Columbia Law School, a BA in Philosophy and Economics from the University of Arizona and serves on the Board of Directors of the New York City Real Estate Investment Cooperative.