SAN FRANCISCO – (Oct. 1, 2007) – When Lisa Marroquin first heard about the group EARN, she discovered the perfect fit. Her personal values and her belief in the power of education and asset-building are in alignment with EARN, a San Francisco-based nonprofit that helps low-wage workers break the cycle of poverty to purchase a home, continue their education or start a small business. Marroquin, a Zephyr Real Estate agent and Rookie of the Year in 2006, now serves on the leadership council of the EARN Real Estate Auxiliary.“EARN is about education and that’s why I gravitated toward the group,” said Marroquin, who works from Zephyr’s South Beach/SOMA office. “I grew up in a family that lived paycheck to paycheck, but you can learn how to break the cycle. EARN reflects who I am and what I’m about, so I got involved right away.”Service-oriented, very personable and a former concierge, Marroquin loves hand-holding people throughout the real-estate process. It’s no surprise she also likes to work with first-time homebuyers, educating and advocating on their behalf. She attributes her success in the business to her willingness to work outside the city limits, showing real-estate values across the East Bay or south to San Bruno and Daly City.“People need to believe homeownership is possible,” she said. “I enjoy making a difference and helping clients enhance their lives through homeownership. My best client-success stories are working with the people who deserve to own a home.”A REALTOR® for four years, Marroquin, 42, said she entered real estate through the backwards approach. Prior to earning her license, she was an agent-recruiter for another Bay Area brokerage. She understood the details of becoming a successful agent and decided it was time for her to actually go out and do it herself. Marroquin acted on her own advice and interviewed with five real-estate firms before selecting Zephyr. As with discovering EARN, Marroquin believes she found the ideal match at Zephyr.Several other agents, managing brokers and even the president of Zephyr are active with EARN. The Real Estate Auxiliary of EARN has helped 55 families so far this year. To celebrate this accomplishment, the group is hosting a complimentary Welcome Home Breakfast on Friday, Dec. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown San Francisco. The public is invited to come hear inspiring success stories from EARN Savers, learn more about the organization and its plans for 2008, and hear about exclusive member-networking opportunities. RSVP required by calling Rosita at 415.217.3668, or emailing welcomehome@sfearn.org. For more information, visit www.sfearn.org.In addition to EARN, Marroquin is involved with several real estate industry groups including the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and the San Francisco, California and National Associations of REALTORS®.Zephyr Real EstateFounded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco’s largest independent real-estate firm with nearly $1.5 billion in annual gross sales in 2006 and a current roster of more than 250 full-time agents. Zephyr has seven offices strategically located in San Francisco and serves a large customer base throughout the city. For information, visit www.zephyrsf.com.