America’s Most Overvalued Cities

Homes for Heroes wants to share this article on the overvalued and undervalued cities of America.

The bottom line, at least for a few years, is that the average buyer should forget about home purchases as investments. The good news is that, long-term, their home values should appreciate.

How undervalued is your city? Check the list. Read the article here.

Funny video.

Real Estate Downfall? Homes for Heroes thinks this is the best real estate video of the year:

Home Buying Advice and Real Estate Guide

Homes for Heroes found a home buying guide to help you with the buying and selling process, and tips for making it all go smoothly. Check it out here: HGTV’s Front Door

Non Profit VS. Private Sector – Giving Or Profit it With a Purpose?

There is a lot of publicity given to non profits and charitable organizations that do great things for our heroes but what seems to be missing is what a private sector company has been doing for more than 7 years to give back!

The following is a brief version of the Homes for Heroes story:

I am the President and CEO of Homes for Heroes®, a family owned, Minnesota grown company. We started this company shortly following the tragic events of 09/11/2001. There was a call to action, by the administration at that time, for the private sector to step up to the plate and support our communities. Since most of my family members were in the business of real estate we decided to create Homes for Heroes. We affiliate with realtors, lenders and other real estate related service providers to provide substantial rebates and discounts to our heroes. We define heroes as military personnel, police officers, firefighters, first responders and others who serve our country and their communities.

We created a complete marketing package and unique process so that our affiliated realtors and lenders can give back to heroes through significant discounts on real estate services.

In 2004 we applied for and received a registered trademark for the name Homes for Heroes and our logo. All of our family savings and years of hard work have gone into this company. We have asked for no venture capital or other investors. We simply have worked hard for years to grow this company to where it is today. We consider our model to be “profit with a purpose.” Not only do we help our affiliates grow their businesses, but we also provide heroes with increased home purchasing power.

Our company has grown and found success. We’ve been contacted by heroes and affiliates in 46 states. Thousands of heroes register on our website each year looking for the savings that our affiliates provide to them, and our program has gained a national reputation.

In recent years, we began to receive many contacts from returning veterans in need of financial assistance. We decided that we had to help these heroes as well. Our family formed the Homes for Heroes foundation through our own personal funds. We are still waiting for our 501(c)(3) determination from the Internal Revenue Service. Once that is in place we will begin fundraising for the foundation whose mission is to provide financial assistance and housing resources for our heroes who demonstrate financial need. I personally donate the office space and equipment for the foundation so currently 100% of what we receive will go back to the heroes in need. As we continue to grow Homes for Heroes we also will earmark a percentage of profit for the foundation. Recently, we received a donation from the residents of a senior housing facility in North Carolina and 100% of that donation went to an injured soldier who was in the hospital. His military pay had been delayed because of some error and he needed money immediately to pay his rent. We paid it!

As you can see, we have dedicated years and all of our financial resources to Homes for Heroes. We feel honored to help stimulate the economy, by providing jobs, helping others grow their business and give back to our heroes, increasing their home buying power!

In closing, I want to say… Please do not ignore the entreprenuers who create jobs and give back to their communities!

Best Regards,

Ruth Johnson

Never Forget – 9/11/2001

Homes for Heroes was founded shortly after the tragic events of 9/11.

Daily, for eight years throughout the country, we have strived to give back to those who give so much,and to honor and ensure a legacy of rememberence, for those who lost their lives that day.

Below is not just a video, but a documentary… Please watch so that WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

HFH on the News in Victoria

Here is a video about Homes For Heroes on the news in Victoria, Texas.

Congratulations!

Congratualtions to our Homes for Heroes Affiliate in Victoria Texas for reaching the $20,000 mark on their way to the goal of $100,000 in money given back to our heroes. We are proud to announce that in just four short months, through Homes for Heroes, they have saved/given back over $20,000 to local Heroes. We are truly humbled by the generosity of all of the “Friends of Heroes” that have selflessly reduced or cut fees for our Heroes. Victoria has over twenty-five businesses that have joined our team to help increase savings for our Heroes. Thanks again to everyone and we look forward to continuing to help our Heroes.

Read the full article here: http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/weblogs/homes-for-heroes/2009/aug/24/homes-for-heroes-update/

Shana Davis

Homes For Heroes would like to introduce Shana Davis of Prudential California Realty!

Born and raised in Southern California, Orange County has been Shana’s home for over 38 years. She attended both public and private schools and is a Graduate from Chapman University. Her career in Real Estate began in 1998. She worked for a Commercial Real Estate Firm prior to becoming a Residential Realtor. The combined experience brings a professional level of service that her clients can depend upon and trust.

Her goal is to give her client’s “Peace of Mind” about the Sale or Purchase of their home. To ensure a trouble free transaction, she remains in constant communication giving her clients the latest information on their transaction. The trust and confidence that is established when you work with her gives you peace of mind about one of the largest investments you and your family can make…your home.

“I pledge to provide my clients with unsurpassed service. My clients will receive prompt, courteous, knowledgeable communication every step of the way.” Shana treats her clients with respect and that is why so many of her clients have become her friends.

The reputation of Prudential California Realty is unsurpassed in name recognition and customer service. Prudential California Realty provides the Best in Professional Real Estate Services. Combine this with Shana’s unique concern for her clients needs and you have a Realtor that will undoubtedly be successful for you, as she has been for countless others.

For Shana, it is a tremendous honor to be a part of Homes For Heroes. This organization has given her the opportunity to give back to those that have given without reservation. Both her Grandfather (Navy) and her Father (Army) served in the Military. Shana says that if her Grandfather were alive today, he would be absolutely thrilled to know that she will be representing Homes For Heroes in Orange County, California. “Now it is my turn to give back and share my skill as a Realtor.”

Shana looks forward to meeting you and discussing how she can help you achieve your real estate goals.

Contact information:

Shana Davis
Residential – Investment – Relocation

Prudential California Realty

www.ocHomeChoice.com

ShanaDavis@ca.rr.com

DRE License # 01244456

949-466-0280 Direct

Ralph Vargas

Homes For Heroes is proud to introduce Ralph Vargas of Classic Realty Group!

I, Like the owners of Home for Heroes and millions of others, was horrified at 911 and the unnnecessary loss of life, especially the firefighters and police officers just trying to do there jobs under one of the worst disasters in our nation’s history. Myself, like so many others, asked “What can I do to help?”. Well, over the years, I feel I made small contributions to the heroes by buying tickets to donations, raffles and of course giving to firemen when they have their booth out at a intersection.

Now, with Homes for Heroes, I can make big contributions. $1,000, $1500, $2,000 or more may not seem like much when buying a home, but after quite a few years in the real estate business, I can tell you it is very important. For example, on a $200,000 home you may put down $5,000 as a down payment, then add in a $300 inspection, a $400 appraisal, plus attorney fees, closing costs and money to spruce up the home. Now you’re looking at $6,000-$8,000 of out-of-pocket expenses. Wouldn’t it be nice to get $1,500-$2,000 back in your pocket? If for no other reason than doing your job and doing it well, Ralph, what do you mean by just doing my job?

Heroes don’t like to be called heroes. So, the program was designed by people that do appreciate the hard work of a fireman, the courage of a police officer, the intensity of the soldier and the patience of a teacher. It’s a program to reward the life you’ve chosen and to continue to defend our freedom of choice. I’m happy to have a chosen a career in the Real Estate industry to guide clients in the biggest financial purchase of there lives and to make sure they do without mistakes and without compromise. So when you’re ready to go out looking at homes for your family, go out armed with a Homes For Heroes Realtor and make the right choice.

Patriot Guard Riders

Homes For Heroes would like to acknowledge every Fallen Hero and Patriot Guard, but here are a few photos from a recent Patriot Guard Mission in Minnesota.

On July 16th, 2009, three soldiers from Minnesota were killed in a missle attack in Iraq. The Minnesota Patriot Guard participated in the funeral service for SPC James David Wertish, per request of his family.

During these Missions, we are not to approach the family or guests. We do not speak to them unless they approach us. It is also our policy to not take any photographs of the family, the coffin, or guests.

One of the hundreds of Patriot Guard riders who attended the mission took some inspiring photos to share, although he says the pictures are not even able to show all of the riders and motorcycles.