The formation of this association was the outgrowth of regular get-togethers by several Chinese-speaking real estate licensees at the Sir George Restaurant in Alhambra. Their small talks shared commonality and the difficulties facing Chinese Americans in the real estate fields. A formal association known as Chinese American Real Estate Professionals Association of Southern California (CAREPASC) was born on February 5, 1983. The objectives for the Association were to unite the Chinese real estate professionals to exert beneficial influence upon the profession, to promote and maintain higher standards of conduct, to provide educational opportunities for members’ professional and self improvement, and to further the interest of home ownership by providing real estate related seminars. CAREPASC was now introduced to the real estate community.

The Association formally incorporated in 1994 began to share many joint activities in Chinese with other Asian organizations. It also opened relationships with other REALTORS® associations. A monthly Chinese language newsletter was published from translations of articles on real estate practices, trends and news so that real estate practitioners who may have a language barrier in reading industry magazines may better understand the information. In 1999, it was changed to an English only format along with all Association activities. Social mixers into the mainstream were ever popular. 

In 2001, the Association became a founding Partner along with CAREB, CREAA, NAHREP, NAR and NAREB in the creation of the National HOPE Awards to honor those individuals and corporations across our greater nation who toil to make the dream of minority homeownership a reality.

In 2002, now known as Chinese American Real Estate Professionals Association (CAREPA) also addresses real estate issues. CAREPA actively participates in Leadership Summits, Diversity panels, Expos and state and national Business Conferences. CAREPA currently hosts monthly dinner mixers with speakers and many other networking events. Today CAREPA plays a significant and important role in leadership and representation of Asian American in the real estate and related industries.

The landscape facing Asian real estate professionals is now significantly more sophisticated and complicated than before. After more than 20 years, the Association continues to honor the legacy of our Founders while poised to face new challenges. With continued support from local, state and national associations and our generous supporters and sponsors, CAREPA will continue to grow in membership and maintain its high standards of professionalism and spirit.