Three held in Palmview home invasion

Homes for Heroes would like to honor this young hero who protected his mother from an armed invasion in their home. We hope the boy is recovering and will be well soon, and that he knows that what he did was very honorable and brave.

HFH on TV!

A Homes for Heroes affiliate, Becky Flores of San Antonio, TX is featured on a talk show! Becky and a Hero explain how Homes for Heroes works in this video:

Nancy Galvan

Homes for Heroes is proud to introduce Nancy Galvan!

Nancy has been a Realtor for 12 years and has earned her ABR, GRI and TAHS designations. Prior to her career in real estate, Nancy was in the banking and finance industry for over 35 years, with 25 of those years being in the Corpus Christi. Her banking experience made for an easy transition into real estate. She has Chaired as well as served as a member of the Public Relations Committee. Nancy is with Keller Williams Realty Coastal Bend and is also an owner of the company.

Homes for Heroes Stimulates Economy

Homes for Heroes affiliate Caleb Shaw brings us this video from Victoria, Texas.

Caleb I. Shaw, REALTOR
Redding & Associates
1909 John Stockbauer
Victoria, Texas 77901
Bus: 361-573-5225
Fax: 361-573-7125
Cell: 361-237-8727
www.victoriaTXhomesonline.com

Becky Flores

Homes For Heroes would like to introduce Becky Flores!

I became a Realtor because of my sincere desire to make a difference and my enjoyment of helping others. When I learned of the Homes for Heroes program, I knew that this was something that fit with my wish to give back to the community and say “thank you” to our local and national heroes. It gives me a genuine joy to be able to help Heroes find the home of their dreams and give back part of my commission to make the purchase possible. In addition to Heroes, first time home buyers are my favorite clients as I feel that it is important to take the time to educate them on the process in order for them to make sound home buying decisions. I have worked with Keller Williams Heritage since 2007 and thrilled that the culture of our office fits well with my personal goals to make a difference in the lives of others. In addition, I am an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) and greatly enjoy staging my client’s homes at no charge, as part of my services. I am the luckiest gal in the world to be married to my best friend, Rick since 1981, have two grown children and one grandson.

Becky Flores, Realtor
Accredited Staging Professional (ASP)
Keller Williams Heritage
San Antonio, Texas
Direct: 210-710-6478
Email: BeckySellsSA@hotmail.com
www.BeckyFlores.com
www.FirstHouse101.com
www.NewHouseHunt.com

Lance Bertolino

Homes For Heroes would like to introduce our new affiliate, Lance Bertolino!

“Giving back to those who give so much to us may sound cliche’, but Homes for Heroes actually performs what it promises and is in line with my personal philosophy on community responsibility. As a police officer of 16 years, I know what kind of sacrifices service personnel make. As a real estate professional, I want to show my appreciation and spread the word that there is an organization that cares. Homes for Heroes supports us and I chose to stand beside them because they show the same honor and integrity that form the core of an officer’s credo. Thankfully, these benefits support not only police officers, but all those who strive to serve our country and communities. I am proud to be an affiliate member of Homes for Heroes.”

Stay safe,

Lance J. Bertolino

Realtor & Property Tax Consultant

Realty Associates

(713) 805-7145

(800) 431-9440 (Fax)

lance@bertolinorealty.com

www.bertolinorealty.com

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/