Amy Green, The Associated Press

Ferman Gonzales grew up on San Antonio’s south side, part of a large Hispanic community where developers used to be reluctant to invest. Not so anymore.

Five years ago Gonzales, 34, and his wife bought a 2,429-square-foot, three-bedroom home there in a neighborhood called Lago Vista. The couple fell in love with their home for its open floor plan and large front porch — design features developers put in place with the goal of attracting Hispanic Americans.

Hispanics like Gonzales are helping to transform the U.S. housing market. Their surging numbers and high regard for homeownership are nudging builders and lenders to appeal directly to them with new designs, marketing and financing options.

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