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Heroes: Healthcare Professionals are on the Front Line

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Heroes: Healthcare Professionals are on the Front Line

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Healthcare Professionals have to deal with hard, at times even risky situations. It is a rewarding life; however one has to stay ready for challenges. Thus, they can be considered as true heroes for everything they do to keep us hale & hearty.

In short we can say, all heroes do not wear capes, some wear scrubs & lab coats too. We at Home for Heroes are committed to serve our heroes in their quest to find a good home.

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Heroes do not wear capes. Some wear scrubs and lab coats. Healthcare professionals are true heroes for everything they do to keep us feeling our best. That often means dealing with difficult, sometimes even dangerous situations. Life as a healthcare professional can be extremely rewarding, but there will certainly be challenges along the way. Healthcare professionals are on the front line everyday.

Life as a Healthcare Professional

A day in the life of a healthcare professional is often filled with stressful situations and perplexing medical challenges, revolving around their patients, patient family members, and fellow coworkers. For nurses, life on the front lines can mean trying to juggle a large patient load while covering for a nurse on break and trying to help train a new CNA. For physicians, it can mean seeing patients all day before going on call for the emergency department.

In short, it's busy and can involve working extreme hours and lengthy shifts. If that wasn't enough, there's an extra challenge to consider. Healthcare professionals are routinely working with people who are experiencing one of the most difficult times of their lives. Patients and their families can be stressed, scared, unsure of what to do and in need of help and support. Healthcare professionals must navigate these emotional difficulties while still providing cutting-edge treatment and the best level of care possible.

Front Lines Turn Violent

There are many risk factors that come into play when handling patients and medical situations:

Working with people who have a history of violence, who may be delirious, or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Working alone

Presence of firearms or other weapons

Working in neighborhoods with high crime rates

Inadequate security staff

Long wait times and overcrowded waiting rooms

Unrestricted public access

These and many other factors may contribute to the occurrence of violent acts toward healthcare professionals. Many healthcare establishments strive to provide safe facilities and proper staffing to minimize the risk, but bad things can still happen.

Sometimes healthcare professionals face violence from patients, family members and people off the street. Assaults on nurses and other hospital staff are not uncommon, and facility support following these incidents can sometimes be lacking.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that healthcare has unique cultural factors that lead to underreporting or acceptance of workplace violence. Their " Workplace Violence in Healthcare " report states that, "Caregivers feel a professional and ethical duty to 'do no harm' to patients. Some will put their own safety and health at risk to help a patient, and many in healthcare professions consider violence to be 'part of the job.'"

This compassion or empathy toward individuals who commit violent acts is part of what makes professionals in the healthcare fields so important. Not only are they willing to help people, but many times, they do it without concern for their own safety or health risk. That's because they are heroes putting others, often times strangers, before themselves. They have direct impact on the wellbeing of the citizens within their community.

Rewarding Careers

Healthcare professionals wouldn't put up with such challenges if they didn't find it rewarding. Caring for ill patients is in a nurse's DNA, and doctors thrive when putting their expertise to work for people in need. Yes, healthcare professionals may be on the front lines, but they wouldn't have it any other way - and that's what makes them heroes.

Are you a hero looking for a new place? Sign up with Homes for Heroes and we can help you save money on your next home.

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Heroes: Healthcare Professionals are on the Front Line | Thank You for Your Service

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Heroes do not wear capes. Some wear scrubs and lab coats. Healthcare professionals are true heroes for everything they do to keep us feeling our best. That often means dealing with difficult, sometimes even dangerous situations. Life as a healthcare professional can be extremely rewarding, but there will certainly be challenges along the way.

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Hidden Issues – What to Look for When Buying a Home

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Hidden Issues – What to Look for When Buying a Home

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Location and Area of Construction are the two characteristics of a house which most people consider when they go look for their dream home. Though, there are many other factors you need to consider prior to buying a home.

Obviously, you’ll have to do a home inspection to help catch anything that doesn’t meet the standards. There are a few areas where you have to pay attention to when going for home purchase.

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Location, location, location. It's the first rule of real estate and it's usually the first thing people consider when looking to buy a home. Next might come the square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and so on. While these are all important factors, they don't tell the whole story of your potential new home. Even homes in the best neighborhoods can come with tons of hidden - and often costly - maintenance issues. Yes, you'll have a home inspection to help catch anything that doesn't meet standards, but that comes at the end of the home buying process. Here is what to look for when buying a home.

Raise the Roof

One of the biggest features of any home is the roof. You need a roof over your head. Yet people tend to overlook the roof when thinking about buying a home. Worn or missing shingles are a good sign the homeowner may have experienced trouble keeping rain out of the house. A sagging roof line can indicate issues with the framing, or it could mean the sheathing below the shingles is rotten or saturated. It can be hard to diagnose roof issues without getting into the rafters, but considering how expensive roof repairs can be, it's pays to learn as much as you can. When walking through a home be sure to look up. Water stained ceilings or tiles are a good sign the roof leaked in the past, and depending upon the severity and duration of the leak, it may have led to mold or rot.

Faulty Foundations

Cracks in the foundation are signs of potential issues. Some minor, hairline cracks are normal. However, There are two types of cracks that can be a bigger concern:

Stair-Step Cracks: These are a problem, especially if the wall is bulging. A clogged gutter or another water drainage issue is probably adding pressure to the wall.

Horizontal Cracks: These are the biggest problem. Water saturated soil may have froze and expanded, or you have soil that expands when wet and shrinks when dry. These types of cracks tend to lead a homeowner to replacing the foundation.

There are other signs to watch for when walking through the home that may indicate settling or shrinking. There will always be some unevenness over time because every house settles. But, here are some warning signs to look for:

Doors jam or do not latch

Cracks are located in walls; over doorways, windows or where walls meet the ceiling

Cracks between floor tiles

Windows stick or won't close easily

Protecting Against Pests

You're buying a home for your family, not hundreds of tenants that don't pay rent. Pests can be a serious headache, but thankfully they leave signs that are fairly easy to spot. Small holes in the drywall or exposed wood can indicate a termite infection, as can dry mud tubes along the foundation. Likewise, small piles of shredded paper are a good indicator mice or rats have moved in before you.

Age Before Beauty

Age is a topic best avoided when talking with your relatives, but it can also be one of the quickest ways to judge a home. The age of a home can indicate the likelihood of asbestos in the insulation or siding, outdated wiring in the walls or potential plumbing issues. Of course, as your youthful aunt likes to say, age is just a number. Just because a home is old doesn't mean repairs and updates haven't been kept up over the years. Still, it's a good place to start as you look for signs of potential issues.

Save Money for Repairs

The best way to avoid issues is simply to ask as many questions as possible when touring a home. As you begin the home buying process, Homes for Heroes can help you search for a home, and in the process, save you significant money to be used for any future upkeep that may be necessary.

Sign up with no obligation and we'll connect you with the Homes for Heroes specialists in your area. They can help you find exactly what you're looking for in a home. When you purchase a house using our real estate, mortgage, title, and inspection specialists you save an average of $2,400. That money can go a long way to improving any part of your new home.

Ready to go from "just looking" to "just purchased?" Sign up with Homes for Heroes and see how we can help you buy a home and save you money in the process.

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Hidden Issues - What to Look for When Buying a Home | Homes for Heroes

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Location, location, location. It's the first rule of real estate and it's usually the first thing people consider when looking to buy a home. Next might come the square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and so on. While these are all important factors, they don't tell the whole story of your potential new home.

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Tips for Buying or Selling a Home in the Winter

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Tips for Buying or Selling a Home in the Winter

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Majority of people prefer spring season as the most appropriate time to buy or sell a home.
There are certain things to consider when buying or selling a home in winter.

It can be challenging, so here are a few tips for you using which you can save money with Hero Rewards.

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When most people think of beginning the home buying or selling process, it tends to begin during the spring season. However, we know people relocate for many seen and unforeseen reasons, and they may need to buy or sell a home during the winter season. There are some things to consider when buying or selling a home in the winter. It can present challenges, so here are some tips on how to get it done and save money with Hero Rewards®.

Buying a Home in the Winter

One of the biggest advantages to buying a home in winter is simply the fact that there's less competition. That translates to fewer bidding wars and a better purchase price for you. If you're looking to buy this winter, consider these tips:

Stay Flexible: During the winter season, the holidays are busy for everyone. Be flexible with your schedule and your experience will go a lot smoother.

Use Your Imagination: No backyard presents itself well with out-of-season foliage or when covered by blanket of snow. Envision homes in all seasons and you may find a gem others miss.

Take Your Time: Don't rush to buy unless you have deadline. If there's no pressure, wait for the right home. Many more homes will be put up for sale in the spring if you don't find something you like.

Selling a Home in the Winter

Despite what you may have just read, winter can be a good time for selling a home too. You just need to know how to make your house stand out and attract the right buyers. Here are some tips for selling a home in the winter:

Make Things Inviting: Make sure there is clear a path to your door, the temperature of the home is comfortable, and serve hot chocolate or warm apple cider. Putting buyers in a good mood will help bring in more offers.

Embrace the Elements: If you live in a cold weather climate, make sure to highlight how your house holds up to the snow and cold. Reference energy-efficient features or additions, and highlight a working fireplace if you have one.

Consider Your Potential Buyers: Real estate experts say anyone attending open houses in the winter should be considered a motivated buyer - treat them accordingly. It's good to note that winter months are also a peak time for corporate relocations, so you could find motivated buyers with little time to shop for homes.

Save on a Home with Hero Rewards®

No matter what season it is, Homes for Heroes can save you money on your next home sale or purchase. Our heroes - full time and volunteer firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMT), police, corrections, dispatchers and other law enforcement professionals, active or veteran members of the U.S. armed forces, registered nurses, LPNs, CNAs, doctors and other healthcare professionals, and pre-K, K-12, and post-secondary teachers - receive an average of $2,400 in Hero Rewards® when they buy or sell a home using Homes for Heroes specialists.

Looking to make a move this winter? Sign up with Homes for Heroes and our specialists will work to save you money and find you a new home or sell your current home.

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Tips for Buying or Selling a Home in the Winter | Save Money - Homes for Heroes

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When most people think of beginning the home buying or selling process, it tends to begin during the spring season. However, we know people relocate for many seen and unforeseen reasons, and they may need to buy or sell a home during the winter season.

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2018 Year in Review – Thanking Heroes for Their Service

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2018 Year in Review – Thanking Heroes for Their Service

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With this ending year, Homes for Heroes wants to spot out some of the amazing things heroes did in the year 2018. It feels important for us to show our gratitude to our Heroes such as Fire fighters, EMS, law enforcement, military, healthcare professionals and teachers who made remarkable sacrifices, demonstrated unconceivable bravery and presented the real meaning of serving others.

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In saying goodbye to 2018, Homes for Heroes wants to recognize some of the amazing things heroes did in 2018. While we cannot possibly mention every act performed by our heroes this past year, we feel it's important to show our gratitude by thanking heroes for their service.

From showing others compassion to saving lives, all our heroes - firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, military, healthcare professionals and teachers - made tremendous sacrifices, demonstrated incredible bravery and showed the true meaning of serving others.

Teacher Sees a Sign

Teachers routinely go above and beyond for their students. Their drive to empower students to succeed is part of who they are. Just ask this former teacher who continues to help kids in need, even in retirement. But teachers' good deeds extend far beyond the classroom. One of the most incredible acts of selflessness this year came from a teacher helping a complete stranger. Jeff Lynd, a teacher in Wicomico County, Maryland, saw a photo on Twitter of a woman at a Pittsburgh Penguins game holding a sign indicating she needed a new kidney. Lynd said he had to help and immediately started the process to become a donor. In November, the kidney transplant was successful. Kelly Sowatsky, who received the new kidney, told local reporters she was extremely grateful for her new lease on life. "Sometimes I still don't believe this is what happened to my story," she said.

Firefighters Battle California Wildfire

California firefighters had a front row seat to one of the biggest stories of the year as they battled massive wildfires throughout the summer and into early winter. The "Camp Fire" in November destroyed over 150,000 acres, killed at least 86 people and caused an estimated $7.5-10 billion in insured losses. It was the most destructive California wildfire in history to date. As devastating as the fires were, the damage would have been significantly worse had it not been for the dedicated wildfire crews working to protect lives and property. Time and again we heard stories of firefighters battling the blaze, helping evacuate people to safety and doing whatever they could to save those in danger. EMS personnel served countless individuals who were injured or needed treatment for smoke inhalation.

Officer Stops Tragedy Before it Strikes

Law enforcement officers show their heroism in so many ways. In 2018, an NYPD officer saved a man's life after he was shot in an attempted robbery, and officers in Georgia saved a 3-year-old boy who was found unresponsive in a pool. Sometimes a police officer's job is just to make someone's day a little brighter, like officers in Minnesota who bought lemonade from a young boy's stand after his money was stolen.

Police officers deal with dangerous, unpredictable situations every day. In recognition of one officer, the 2018 IACP Police Officer of the Year award was given to School Resource Officer, Mark Dallas of Dixon, Illinois, for his bravery under pressure. Officer Dallas was honored for stopping a school shooting before students were injured. Officer Dallas heard shots during a graduation practice, ran toward the danger and engaged the shooter, saving many lives in the process.

Nurse Hailed as 'Guardian Angel'

Healthcare professionals do more than treat illness and injuries. They treat human beings with grace and care, doing whatever they can to improve the lives of those around them. Sometimes that means putting themselves at risk, like a nurse who drove through California wildfires to help patients in need. Sometimes it means showing compassion, like the nurse who collects clothes for patients so they can leave the hospital with dignity.

Other times, being a hero means being ready to help at a moment's notice. That's what registered nurse Krista Ryan did when she saw a man collapse on a treadmill at her gym. Ryan recognized the signs of a heart attack, performed CPR and used an AED to treat him before paramedics arrived. The man credits Ryan with saving his life, calling her his guardian angel.

Veterans Helping Veterans

Members of the U.S. military serve every day to protect our basic freedoms and way of life. But their heroism isn't constrained to the battlefield. In 2018 we saw veterans helping others out of poverty, and another veteran helping those battling addiction. We also saw the power of soldiers helping soldiers, like a former Army corporal building tiny homes for homeless veterans. U.S. Army Cpl. Chris Stout was wounded in Afghanistan and returned home to his own challenges. When he saw fellow veterans struggling with homelessness, he was motivated to help. Through the Veterans Community Project, Cpl. Stout builds tiny homes for veterans. The organization helps homeless veterans transition to permanent housing and shows the difference heroes can make in the lives of others - even other heroes.

Thank You for Your Service

These are only a handful of the countless good deeds performed by heroes in 2018. While we can't detail every heroic act performed in 2018, we feel it's important to acknowledge them by thanking heroes for their service . Heroes serve our communities in extraordinary ways every day, and for that, we are forever grateful.

We also pause to honor our fallen heroes lost in 2018. Thank you for your service to your department, your team, and all of those you watched over. May those left behind be cared for by friends, family members and the community you served. RIP.

You Serve Others - That's Why We Serve You

In 2018, we helped nearly 6,400 American heroes save a combined $11 million when they bought or sold a home with Homes for Heroes. And, the Homes for Heroes Foundation was able to provide over $108,000 in grants to local charities across the country to help heroes in need.

To find out how Homes for Heroes can help you save on a home, please sign up to speak with your local Homes for Heroes specialist. They are committed to helping heroes like you. There is no obligation. They will answer your questions and put you on the right path to saving on a home in 2019.

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2018 Year in Review - Thanking Heroes for Their Service | Homes for Heroes

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In saying goodbye to 2018, Homes for Heroes wants to recognize some of the amazing things heroes did in 2018. While we cannot possibly mention every act performed by our heroes this past year, we feel it's important to show our gratitude by thanking heroes for their service.

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Celebrating Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles

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Celebrating Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles

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Every year, Home for Heroes along with our local affiliate real estate and mortgage specialists present 12 deserving hero families with a special $500 Christmas gift under the Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles.

It’s all done to express our appreciation for them as well as to tell them what importance they have for the country and these communities.

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All year long, Homes for Heroes provides extraordinary savings to heroes who serve our nation and its communities. But during the holidays, we take it a step further. Every year, for 12 days leading up to Christmas, Homes for Heroes and our local affiliate real estate and mortgage specialists present 12 deserving hero families with a special $500 Christmas gift for the Homes for Heroes Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles.

Many of the heroes or their families who are presented with one of the twelve gifts have gone through recent setbacks or challenges, and all are deserving of a little extra thank-you gift. In some instances, to extend the spirit of giving, our local real estate and mortgage specialists will partner with the community and other local businesses to extend the amount of cash or gifts presented to the chosen heroes. It's all done to reiterate how important these heroes are to the country and these communities, and how grateful we are for their service.

The Celebration Begins

This year, our celebration began in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, with the family of Sgt. Jason McGoff, who served in the National Guard. In July of 2018, Sgt. McGoff lost his battle with mental illness. The community came together to support his fiancée, Jessica, who is a registered nurse, and her son, Michael. $500 from Homes for Heroes and additional gifts from local businesses were given to Jessica and Michael. Jessica said it was, "incredible to have this outreach of generosity. It really means a lot. Being a single parent, it's a blessing."

From there, our Christmas miracles made their way to Texas, where Jeff, a veteran of the Illinois Army National Guard, received the $500 gift to help pay for his son Dagan's medical expenses as he battles a rare form of cancer. The Brogger family, also of Texas, were the next in line for a $500 gift. This family of heroes (David is a police officer and Ann is a high school guidance counselor) has experienced its own battles with cancer. But thanks to the support of their community, they were able to help their daughters, Eve and Lila, have a beautiful Christmas.

More Deserving Families

We were proud to help Marine veteran Chris Gonos and his wife, Ashley, displaced by Hurricane Florence, rebuild their lives and provide a great Christmas for their children. In Modesto, California, healthcare professional Mike Pearson and his family received a much-welcomed Christmas miracle as Mike continues his battle with cancer.

Back in Wilmington, North Carolina, Homes for Heroes real estate specialist, Michelle Roberts, presented firefighter, Joe Lopez and his family with $500 worth of gifts. "When I found out this family had been chosen, I got goosebumps and cried. This family deals with so much and does it with amazing love and grace," Roberts said. "They really come together and support one another."

In New England, ER nurse Amy Gravel and her husband Craig had been going through some tough times. But their holidays were made a little brighter thanks to a $500 gift from Homes for Heroes. In South Carolina, our hero Susan paid her gift forward, treating 16 foster children to a Christmas miracle they'll never forget. A local restaurant agreed to close for the day so the all-boys foster home could bake cookies, receive gifts, play arcade games and enjoy a nice holiday meal.

Spreading Christmas Cheer

The Christmas miracles continued with the Schreiber family of heroes in New Carlisle, Indiana. Laura, a teacher, and her husband Ryan, who recently returned from his second deployment to Afghanistan, got a huge surprise when their community purchased a large number of presents for their family. In Wichita Falls, Texas, Nikki Quintanilla, a member of the U.S. Air Force, received a $500 surprise, which she said she'll use to treat her entire family who are coming in for the holidays. The McKay family in Clay County, Florida, also received a Christmas gift as Jeremy McKay, a 12-year firefighter, continues his fight with stage 4 cancer.

Finally, our Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles ends with the Taylor family in North Ogden, Utah. Brent Taylor, former Mayor of North Ogden and major for the Utah National Guard was killed November 3rd while deployed in Afghanistan and training an Afghan Army Commando Battalion. The $500 gift will be presented in honor of Brent's ultimate sacrifice to his wife, Jennie, and their seven children on December 23, the birthday of their 3-year-old child.

It is our great honor to be able to support heroes and their families.

Thank You to Our Specialists

Homes for Heroes could not provide these gifts to local heroes without the help of our affiliate real estate and mortgage specialists, who serve our heroes every day. Thank you for making these Christmas gifts possible, and making the Christmas holiday a little better for each of these incredible heroes.

Homes for Heroes Foundation

The Homes for Heroes Foundation helps give back to heroes year-round by providing grants to community organizations that also support heroes. Since it began in 2009, the Homes for Heroes Foundation has awarded over $500,000 in grants to heroes in need.

You can read all of this year's Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles stories by clicking on the links below:

DAY 1 Christmas Gifts 2018 - Snow Forge Christmas Miracle
DAY 2 Christmas Gifts 2018 - Veteran Receives $500 Helps Son
DAY 3 Christmas Gifts 2018 - Christmas Miracle for Brogger Family
DAY 4 Christmas Gifts 2018 - Displaced Vet Family Received $500 Gift
DAY 5 Christmas Gifts 2018 - Pearson Family Received a $500 Gift
DAY 6 Christmas Gifts 2018 - Lopez Family Received a $500 Gift
DAY 7 Christmas Gifts 2018 - Gravels Receive $500 Gift
DAY 8 Christmas Gifts 2018 - $500 Gift Helps Sixteen Foster Kids
DAY 9 Christmas Gifts 2018 - $500 Gift for New Carlisle Heroes
DAY 10 Christmas Gifts 2018 - $500 Gift for Quintanilla Family
DAY 11 Christmas Gifts 2018 - $500 Gift for McKay Family
DAY 12 Christmas Gifts 2018 - $500 Gift for Brent Taylor Family

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Celebrating Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles | $500 Gifts | Homes for Heroes

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All year long, Homes for Heroes provides extraordinary savings to heroes who serve our nation and its communities. But during the holidays, we take it a step further. Every year, for 12 days leading up to Christmas, Homes for Heroes and our local affiliate real estate and mortgage specialists present 12 deserving hero families with a special $500 Christmas gift for the Homes for Heroes Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles.

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DAY 12 Christmas Gifts 2018 – $500 Gift for Brent Taylor Family

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DAY 12 Christmas Gifts 2018 – $500 Gift for Brent Taylor Family

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On the day 12th of the Homes for Heroes Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles, their real estate specialists, Frank Coley and Barbara Dill nominated the Taylor family to receive a $500 Christmas gift.

Brent Taylor is awarded for his contribution to his country as a Mayor of North Ogden, Utah and a major in the Utah National Guard. He was posted in Afghanistan to train an Afghan Army Commando Battalion in Kabul.

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Day twelve of the Homes for Heroes Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles delivers a gift in the Salt Lake City, UT area to the Taylor family. Homes for Heroes real estate specialists, Frank Coley and Barbara Dill, nominated the Taylor family to receive a $500 Christmas gift from Homes for Heroes and collaborated with other community businesses to provide additional gifts and support for the Taylor family this Christmas.

Homes for Heroes dedicates twelve days each holiday season to their Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles. With the assistance of their affiliate real estate and mortgage specialists, Homes for Heroes presents twelve special Christmas gifts to twelve American hero families leading up to Christmas. This year real estate specialists, Frank Coley and Barbara Dill, were selected to present a $500 gift to the Taylor family.

Brent Taylor Served His Country and His Community

Brent Taylor, is a son, one of six brothers, husband to his wife, Jennie, and father to seven children. He was the Mayor of North Ogden, Utah and a major in the Utah National Guard. One year ago, he was called to serve in Afghanistan for his fourth deployment. He was away from his family, serving his country overseas as part of a NATO advisory team, training an Afghan Army Commando Battalion in Kabul.

Inside Afghan Attack

On Saturday November 3, 2018 North Ogden Mayor, Brent Taylor, was shot and killed while serving with his NATO advisory team. Reports confirmed that it was an "inside attack," committed by a member of the Afghan Forces, who was then shot and killed by other members of the Afghan team.

Taylor leaves behind his wife Jennie, and his seven children ranging in age from 11 months to 13 years.

$500 Gift for Brent Taylor Family and Gifts from Many Others

Homes for Heroes and their real estate specialist, Frank Coley and Barbara Dill, decided to start the family off with an Elf on the Shelf. The family named him Buddy and have enjoyed that activity every day since.

Frank and Barbara were honored to be able to make the holidays a little brighter for the Taylor family who has sacrificed so much, and they were determined to make this a very special Christmas. They used the $500 gift from Homes for Heroes to purchase gifts and make special arrangements, in collaboration with other local businesses who also contributed with donations. Santa and Mrs. Claus will deliver 7-12 gifts to each of the seven children on December 23 at 7:30 PM, which is the 3-year-old Taylor child's birthday.

These are some of the gifts for the family:

Airtrack Home Gymnastics Set and air pump
Mini Fridge w/Freezer
Nintendo Swich w/ games, SD Card, Charging station and 4 controllers
55″ Ultra HD Samsung TV
Books for all the kids donated by Barnes & Noble
Autographed books by Brandon Mull
3 Remote Control Cars
Paw Patrol Toys
Mini Mouse 4 Stage Bike
3 Bicycles
Arts and Crafts Toys
Stocking stuffed with candy and treats
Legos
Clothes
Pajamas
Apple Remote Control Drone
Robotic Dog
Doll house
Dolls
Double Shot Basket ball game
Baskeball
Football
5 Nerf Guns
6 Boogie Boards
A Chromebook laptop
An Instant Pot
A Locket
A gold Star Flag
Stuffed Animals
Games
Magformers
Britton Johnsen former Jazz Player donated Basketball Camp for 2 for the boys
Tickets to a Jazz basketball game
Vans shoes
Bath Toys
Little People Toys
Croc n Roll game
Dinosaur toys
Red box codes and movie treats
Sticker Books

"The Taylors' are an amazing family. Jennie is a dedicated mother who loves her children more than herself. She is so appreciative for what we are doing. Thank you to all involved who helped make this, as Jennie would say, ' A Magical Christmas ' for them," said Barbara Dill.

If you would like to contribute to the Taylor family, please visit their GoFundMe Page.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, who received a Hero Grant from the Homes for Heroes Foundation earlier this year, also announced on FOX News Channel's "Fox and Friends" that they paid off the Taylor family mortgage. What another wonderful Christmas gift for this Gold Star Family.

To Jennie and the children, we hope the gifts received from Homes for Heroes and from many others bring joy to your lives this holiday season. Merry Christmas from all of us at Homes for Heroes.

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DAY 12 Christmas Gifts 2018 - $500 Gift for Brent Taylor Family | Homes for Heroes

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Day twelve of the Homes for Heroes Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles delivers a gift in the Salt Lake City, UT area to the Taylor family. Homes for Heroes real estate specialists, Frank Coley and Barbara Dill, nominated the Taylor family to receive a $500 Christmas gift from Homes for Heroes and collaborated with other community businesses to provide additional gifts and support for the Taylor family this Christmas.

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Home for the Holidays: A Military Family’s Dream Come True

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Home for the Holidays: A Military Family’s Dream Come True

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The holidays can be a hard time of the year for military families who have loved ones deployed overseas or posted on a military base across the country. There are many military members dream of owning a home.

With Hero Rewards, they can receive valuable savings to make the dream of homeownership and holiday joy come true.

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The holidays can be a difficult time of year for military families who have loved ones deployed overseas or stationed on a base across the country. Military members who are fortunate enough to come home for the holidays often stay with family, while others may spend the holidays in rental housing near base. Many military members dream of owning a home and starting their own traditions, and Homes for Heroes is here to help you do just that. With our Hero Rewards®, military members can receive valuable savings to make the dream of homeownership and holiday joy come true.

Making the Home Buying Process Easier

Purchasing a home when on active duty can be challenging because of potential changes in your income level, PCS orders and other things that can affect your living situation. For families, buying a home when your spouse is deployed is especially difficult. That's why we work to streamline the process and make home buying as easy as possible.

When you register with Homes for Heroes, you'll be automatically matched with a specialist in your local area. Our partners are dedicated to helping military members achieve their real estate goals. Homes for Heroes real estate specialists work to find the right home for you and your family. Our mortgage specialists are experts in handling VA loans and helping military members get the most from their benefits.

Military Discounts on Homes

Throughout the home buying process, our specialists will help you save money with reduced commissions, lending fees, title fees and home inspection costs. Military members who buy (or sell) a house with us save an average of $2,400 in Hero Rewards®. There's no obligation when you sign up. Helping you find the home you want and saving you significant money along the way is how we thank you for your service.

Homes for Heroes offers Hero Rewards® savings to all active duty, veteran and reserve members from every branch of the military. If your spouse is a member of the military, you can also sign up and we'll work to get your family the perfect home.

Coming Home for the Holidays

For military members and their families, coming home for the holidays can be a dream come true. And coming back to your own home makes it that much better. By starting to work toward your homeownership goals now, this time next year you could be sitting by your own fireplace, spending time with family and enjoying the holidays in your very own home.
Is buying a home at the top of your holiday wish list? If so, sign up with Homes for Heroes and let us save you money as you find your home for the holidays.

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Home for the Holidays: A Military Family's Dream Come True | Homes for Heroes

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The holidays can be a difficult time of year for military families who have loved ones deployed overseas or stationed on a base across the country. Military members who are fortunate enough to come home for the holidays often stay with family, while others may spend the holidays in rental housing near base.

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DAY 11 Christmas Gifts 2018 – $500 Gift for McKay Family

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DAY 11 Christmas Gifts 2018 – $500 Gift for McKay Family

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Jeremy McKay has been fighting fires for past 12 years as a Clay County fire fighter. He and his wife Tanya have three children. On the 11th day of the Christmas Miracles, Home for Heroes and their affiliate real estate & mortgage specialist Rachel Mateo chose the McKay family for a $500 gift as to appreciate him for his service.

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Day eleven of the Homes for Heroes Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles delivers a gift in the Clay County, FL to the McKay family. Homes for Heroes real estate specialist, Rachel Mateo, nominated the McKay family to receive an unexpected $500 Christmas gift this year.

Homes for Heroes dedicates twelve days each holiday season to their Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles. With the assistance of their affiliate real estate and mortgage specialists, Homes for Heroes presents twelve special Christmas gifts to twelve American hero families leading up to Christmas. This year real estate specialist, Rachel Mateo, was selected to present a $500 gift to the McKay family.

Jeremy McKay has been fighting fires for 12 years as a Clay County firefighter. He and his wife Tanya have three children together.

Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis

Recently, the Mckay family began fighting cancer. This past September, Jeremy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Adenocarcinoma in his stomach. Jeremy had over 50 masses in his stomach, over 20 in his lungs, and his entire lymphatic system had been taken over. The family was told Jeremy's cancer is not beatable and he's been given 1-2 years to live.

Tanya has been taking off work to be with her husband, to care for him and bring him to all of his doctor appointments and treatments. It's difficult but important time together.

$500 Gift for McKay Family

Homes for Heroes and their real estate specialist, Rachel Mateo, presented the McKay family with a $500 gift. At the time of writing this story, it wasn't clear how the family would use the $500 gift.

"I would love for the family to maybe take another family vacation together," said Rachel Mateo. Quality time away with the family sounds like a great Christmas gift.

Jeremy, we thank you for your service. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you, Tonya and the kids from all of us at Homes for Heroes.

Jeremy's wife, Tonya was featured in a special News4JAX report, titled "Sounding the Alarm." It shares how specialized hoods can give firefighters added protection against cancer-causing carcinogens.

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DAY 11 Christmas Gifts 2018 - $500 Gift for McKay Family | Homes for Heroes

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Day eleven of the Homes for Heroes Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles delivers a gift in the Clay County, FL to the McKay family. Homes for Heroes real estate specialist, Rachel Mateo, nominated the McKay family to receive an unexpected $500 Christmas gift this year.

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DAY 10 Christmas Gifts 2018 – $500 Gift for Quintanilla Family

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DAY 10 Christmas Gifts 2018 – $500 Gift for Quintanilla Family

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On Day 10, Homes for Heroes has presented special Christmas gifts to the Quintanilla family which was given as an appreciation for Nikki Quintanilla’s service to her country. Homes for Heroes real estate specialist, Kim Roark chose the Quintanilla family to receive an unexpected $500 Christmas gift this year.

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Day ten of the Homes for Heroes Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles delivers a gift in the Wichita Falls, TX area to the Quintanilla family. Homes for Heroes real estate specialist, Kim Roark, nominated the Quintanilla family to receive an unexpected $500 Christmas gift this year as a thank you for Nikki Quintanilla's service to her country.

Nikki Quintanilla has served in the U.S. Air Force for six years. She was deployed several times overseas to the middle east with Special Forces.

Homes for Heroes takes time each holiday season, with the assistance of their affiliate real estate and mortgage specialists, to present special Christmas gifts to twelve American hero families during their Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles tradition. This year real estate specialist, Kim Roark, was selected to present a $500 gift to Nikki Quintanilla and her son, Nathan.

Kim called Nikki and invited her to hot chocolate at McDonalds very near Sheppard Air Force Base for her convenience. Nikki had no idea what was about to happen. As they were catching up and sharing how things were going, Kim told Nikki she had a surprise for her.

Nikki could not believe that Kim had $500 for her. She was so grateful for the Christmas gift from Homes for Heroes. She told Kim that the house she recently purchased has cost more than anticipated, and her "whole" family was planning to visit over the holidays. As we all know, in addition to the good times together, entertaining family over the holidays means more people, more food and more expenses. This is where the $500 would lend some financial relief this holiday season, and help assure Nikki's family would have a wonderful time together.

"What a joy to deliver $500 cash to Nikki so she could use it as she saw fit. No strings attached. No judgement. No specific reason. It was simply because Homes for Heroes loves people," said Kim Roark.

Nikki, we all thank you for your service to our beloved country. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you and Nathan from all of us at Homes for Heroes.

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DAY 10 Christmas Gifts 2018 - $500 Gift for Quintanilla Family | Homes for Heroes

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Day ten of the Homes for Heroes Twelve Days of Christmas Miracles delivers a gift in the Wichita Falls, TX area to the Quintanilla family. Homes for Heroes real estate specialist, Kim Roark, nominated the Quintanilla family to receive an unexpected $500 Christmas gift this year as a thank you for Nikki Quintanilla's service to her country.

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DAY 4 Christmas Gifts 2018 – Displaced Vet Family Received $500 Gift

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DAY 4 Christmas Gifts 2018 – Displaced Vet Family Received $500 Gift

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| https://www.homesforheroes.com/blog/day-4-christmas-gifts-2018-displaced-vet-family-received-500-gift/

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Military Discounts on Homes – Saving Money Made Easy

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Military Discounts on Homes – Saving Money Made Easy

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| https://www.homesforheroes.com/blog/military-discounts-homes-saving-money-made-easy/

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5 Ways We Help Healthcare Professionals Buy a Home

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5 Ways We Help Healthcare Professionals Buy a Home

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Long hours of work, deal a lot of patients in situations of life-and-death, comes in the resume of a health care professional. Home for Heroes understands the challenges they had to face per day at work.

We are thankful to you for your hard work and want to help you save a lot of money on your next home purchase. These are five ways we can help you, the healthcare professionals buy a home.

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Long hours, disgruntled patients, and the daily stress of managing life-and-death situations. At Homes for Heroes, we realize some of the challenges faced by doctors, nurses, technicians and other medical healthcare professionals. You have a difficult and often thankless job. But your contributions to your community do not go unnoticed. We want to thank you for your dedicated commitment and hard work by saving you money on your next home purchase. Whether a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner, here are five ways Homes for Heroes can help healthcare professionals buy a home.

1. Find the House of Your Dreams

When you register at HomesForHeroes.com, we'll match you with a real estate specialist in your area who can help you find your new dream home. All of our partners are dedicated to helping healthcare professionals achieve their goals, and they'll work with you throughout the home buying process. Whether you want to live close to work or prefer a quiet place away from the sounds of ambulance sirens, they'll help you find exactly what you want.

2. Secure a Home Mortgage Loan

Despite everything you do for our community, it can still be difficult for some healthcare professionals to get a home mortgage loan. This is especially true for traveling nurses who switch jobs frequently. But when you work with Homes for Heroes you'll be matched with a mortgage specialist to assist with your home financing, who can take you through the loan process, and get you the terms that work for your budget and lifestyle.

3. Take Care of the Details

When you have your financing in place and have found your dream home, there are still a number of steps before you can move in. Negotiations, title and home inspections are important to-dos and can quickly get complicated. Our real estate, title and home inspector specialists will help navigate these processes, iron out the details, and make sure all the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed so you can feel confident everything is handled correctly.

4. Close on Your New Home

All that's left to do is sign on the bottom line. After you close, Homes for Heroes will mail you a check for 0.7 percent of the purchase price. On average, our heroes save around $2,400 when they work with our local real estate, mortgage, title and home inspector specialists who are all committed to maximizing your savings and delivering a top-notch home buying experience. When you're ready to move into your new home, our local deals offer savings with select moving companies and other home service providers.

5. Save You Money!

If there's one thing we do well, it's helping healthcare professionals save money. Throughout every step of the process, Homes for Heroes looks for ways to save you money. Whether it's saving on commissions, fees, closing costs or home inspections, we want to keep your money where it belongs - in your pocket.

BONUS: Help Other Heroes in Need

Simply by working with us to fulfill your homeownership dreams, you also assist your fellow American heroes. Every time you buy (or sell) a home using the services provided by Homes for Heroes, Inc. we make a donation to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. The Homes for Heroes Foundation awards Hero Grants to local nonprofit charities who assist community heroes in need of housing or emergency financial assistance.

Are you a healthcare professional looking to make a move? Register with Homes for Heroes and let us save you significant money on your next home purchase.

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5 Ways We Help Healthcare Professionals Buy a Home | Homes for Heroes

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Long hours, disgruntled patients, and the daily stress of managing life-and-death situations. At Homes for Heroes, we realize some of the challenges faced by doctors, nurses, technicians and other medical healthcare professionals. You have a difficult and often thankless job. But your contributions to your community do not go unnoticed.

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The Complete Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

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The Complete Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

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Owing a home and its maintenance takes efforts. Other than that we all aspire to make a protective, secure and sociable home for ourselves and our loved ones. In your daily hectic schedule, you often miss certain things like maintenance of your home.

As to reduce the troubles for our heroes, we have compiled a fall home maintenance checklist to tackle the maintenance problems.

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Homeowners understand owning and maintaining a home takes work. We all want to provide a protective, safe and friendly home for ourselves , our family, and all of our guests.When you're busy working your job(s), caring for your family, and maintaining a home, things can occasionally get missed. Because there's so much to do around the house this time of year, we compiled the most complete fall home maintenance checklist for our heroes to tackle their fall home maintenance to-dos, and also created a convenient single one-sheet checklist you can download to reference every year to assure nothing is missed. If you're a first-time homebuyer, this post provides essential information and the free fall home maintenance checklist download is a great tool to keep you ahead of the game.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Complete Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

YARD WORK FOR THE COOLER MONTHS
Fall Lawn Care Upkeep and Preparation
Early fall is a good time to tackle most of these items on your fall home maintenance checklist. It starts with seeding your lawn and refreshing those bald patches. Be sure to water your lawn during this time of year if you're not getting enough rainfall (in cooler areas with consistent snow over the winter, your lawn will go into dormancy in late September or October and will not need to be watered). Apply a specific fall season fertilizer to your lawn. If your property has fruit bearing trees, take some time to pick up the fallen fruit. Continue to mow your lawn until the first freeze if necessary. If you raised your mower during the summer months, now is the time to lower it back down during the cooler months to between 2.5-3 inch cut. Many recommend mulching leaves with your mower instead of bagging them. You need to be aware of thatch build up over time, but mulched leaves can improve the soil, add nutrients, and best of all save you work! Clearly, if the leaves are so thick/dense you are unable to mow them, you'll need to rake and bag. Thatch is a layer of dead and living grass shoots, stems and roots that shows up between the blades of grass of your lawn. This build-up happens when your lawn produces more organic debris than it can break down. Too much thatch can cause grass root problems, including root rot and fungus. A great way to prevent thatch build up, especially if you choose to mulch your leaves in the fall, is to aerate your lawn. Always use an aerator that pulls out plugs instead of one that punches holes in your lawn. When the plugs are pulled, you correct compaction and create space. This improves air movement into the soil allowing increased microbe activity. When the first freeze happens you are definitely done mowing, so empty the gas from your mower or add fuel stabilizer, and place it into storage for the winter.

When you put the lawn mower away, depending on where you live, that's the time to bring out the snow blower. Do a system check, refuel, replace spark plugs and oil if necessary and fire up the engine to make sure it's running effectively.
Garden and Floral Care
Do you have a green thumb and manage your own garden? If you have perennials (black-eyed susans, purple cone flower, peonies, iris, lily, etc.) this is the time to divide them up, reduce overcrowded areas and replant them elsewhere. It's also good to cut back your perennials to 6″ above the soil. Many choose to dig up and store the non-hardy bulbs for spring planting. If you're growing vegetables, this is harvest time of some deliciously hearty vegetables for your dinner table. Gather all of the editable produce and add the over-ripe, rotted vegetables to your compost pile. A preferred practice of many is to cover flower beds with a thin layer of mulched leaves. And, if you are a proud caretaker of roses, you'll want to cut them back and cover them in preparation of cooler temperatures.
Trees, Bushes and Shrubs
Your trees, bushes and shrubs need some attention as well. Helping your trees recover after a long, hot summer is important to their overall long-term health. Continue to water your trees through the fall season, unless you've received high amounts of rainfall. Topping off any mulch around your trees is recommended to help nourish soil and provide a "blanket" for tree roots in colder climates. Prune your trees and trim back bushes. By removing dead, damaged and distressed branches you help prevent unwanted insects and organisms from entering. Also, by thinning dense growth, you increase the amount of air and sunlight to be absorbed, resulting in fewer disease issues.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Complete Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

MAINTENANCE OUTSIDE THE HOME
Get a Good View from the Roof
Pull out the ladder because these items on your fall home maintenance checklist are on the roof. Take a walk around your roof and give it a good once over. Replace any loose or damaged shingles. Check the flashing around your vents, chimney or skylight to make sure there's a tight seal. Taking these steps can help avoid leaking problems down the road. And, everybody's favorite, clean the debris from your gutters and downspouts to help avoid water flowing onto the building and foundation. My first home was in an area with many old, large canopy trees. Loved the big 'ole trees, but between the sticks and leaves, it felt like I cleaned the gutters every week! If I would have had the money, I would have definitely purchased gutter covers. Might be something for you to consider this year.
Clean, Replace, Repair and Seal
Take a walk around your house. Note any cracks in sidewalks, the driveway or your foundation that need to be filled. Make sure the ground around your foundation slopes down away from your house. If water does not drain away from your house it can lead to foundation cracks, causing structural instability issues and leaking inside your home. Also, double check to make sure soil does not touch your home's siding. It will lead to rotting. If you have any retaining walls, make sure they are structurally stable and draining as intended.

Haul out the storm windows and doors and replace all of your screens. Take the time to inspect your window and door frames and add stripping or caulk to any cracks or gaps. If your home has central air conditioning, and your done using it for the season, put a cover over the A/C unit to minimize the exposure to weather elements. However, always check the manufacturers maintenance instructions. If your home uses a window A/C unit, cover it with a fitted cover or plastic sheeting. Make sure to dry the interior of the A/C unit by running the " fan-only " mode for several hours when the weather is dry and mild to get rid of excess water/moisture. Again, be sure to check what the manufacturer recommends for your specific unit.
Water Maintenance - Cool Weather Locations
These fall home maintenance checklist items are primarily for those of you who live in cold, snowy winter areas. I live in Minnesota and experienced how things can go terribly wrong if you do not turn off water pipes to outside faucets. Short story goes, I was a new homeowner. In the spring, I turned on the sprinkler to water my lawn and left the house to run some errands. When I returned, I found my basement (all of our bedrooms and family area) filled with 6 inches of water because the pipe to the outside faucet had burst. See, the water left in the pipe over the winter months froze and caused the pipe to pop. So, before things start to freeze, shut those pipes down inside your home and keep the faucet open outside allowing it to drip dry. You will also need to drain your pool and/or ponds if you have them. And, if you have one, don't forget to blow out your underground sprinkler system.
Clean, Store and Organize
Remember to pick up your stuff. If it is done for the year, place your watering hoses, outdoor furniture and potentially your grill in storage to avoid any cracking, weathering or corrosion. Personally, I like to clean and organize my garage this time of year. It amazes me how much crap my family can accumulate over the spring and summer, and how it seems to find a home in the garage. Take some time to put things where they belong and clean the garage floor. If you have a wood burning fireplace, now is the time to cut, split, and stack your fire wood off the ground and cover it up.

Last but not least, it's worth noting if you have others assisting you (aka: kids who lovingly volunteered to help, or not so much) with these outdoor duties, to make sure your tools are free and clear of dirt and other debris after use.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Complete Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

MAINTENANCE INSIDE THE HOME

Your fall home maintenance checklist also contains some important to-dos inside your home. Continue with your windows and doors. Check if you can feel a draft coming in around your windows and doors. If you can, identify the cause of the leaks, and use the appropriate caulk or sealant to fix those leaks.

Your furnace/heating system needs some attention. Replace your furnace filter and contact your local HVAC pro to clean your furnace air ducts and remove lint from the dryer vent(s). If your home relies on a water heating system, you'll need to drain the expansion tank, check the water pressure, and bleed your radiators. If your furnace will not fire up, here are some furnace troubleshooting tips. If your home has a fireplace (gas or wood burning) some items should be checked and cleaned. If you own a gas fireplace, check to make sure the gas and ignition switches work. Test the fireplace flue for a tight seal. If you're a new homeowner, or it's been awhile since you've had the chimney inspected, now is the time of year to do it.
"Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary." - The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211
This is the time of year when fire departments across the country and your local firefighters unite to spread the message about changing the batteries in your smoke alarms. In addition, change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector. Don't forget to double check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher too. If you do not own a small fire extinguisher, we highly recommend you get at least one and keep it in the bedroom or bedroom closet where it will be readily available. The areas in your home most prone to fires include the kitchen, furnace area, garage and workshop. Having a fire extinguisher in each of these areas is advised by fire fighting professionals who have battled their share of house fires and know where they tend to start.

If your home relies on a window AC unit to cool the house, you may want to remove it. If you choose to keep it in, be sure to seal the gaps where the unit and extension panels meet the house or window frame with weather stripping. You may also need to seal around the inside grill, or even cover it if a draft remains.

Check your emergency kits, in your home and in your car, and replace any outdated snacks, dead batteries, and outgrown clothes. Also, test the flashlight to assure it still works.

BONUS: GENERAL FALL CAR MAINTENANCE REMINDERS

Routine maintenance on a car that gets you home after a hard day's work is a must this time of year. If car maintenance is not your skill set, schedule an appointment and take it in for a general tune up. Make sure they check the battery voltage, amperage and reserve capacity to make sure there's enough life left in your battery, and tighten the connections. Good tire tread and pressure are crucial during the rainy fall months and the upcoming snowy winter in cooler areas. Be sure to check your tire wear and pressure. Tire pressure (air in your tires) tends to decrease in cooler temperatures. Make sure your tires are inflated to the tire pressure (pounds per square inch or PSI) noted in your car manual, not the PSI noted on the tires. Double check your front and rear window defrosters to make sure they are working well. Change your windshield wiper blades and consider installing heavy-duty blades if you live in snowy areas. Fill your windshield washer fluid, keep an extra bottle of deicer washer fluid in your car, and remember to put the ice scraper/brush in your car.

** Recommended Car Emergency Kit Items **
You may have other needs, but these are the basics: ice scraper, blankets, flares, basic first-aid kit, portable cell phone charger, flashlight and batteries, tow rope, collapsible shovel, rags/towels, basic tool kit, matches, washer fluid, water, bag of kitty litter/sand, snacks, emergency poncho, gloves, extra sweatshirts/socks for every family member, hand/foot warmers, roll of toilet paper, and disinfectant wipes.

CONSIDER USING HOMES FOR HEROES

If you're thinking about moving, check out Homes for Heroes. Sign up to speak with one of our local specialists, and if you decide to work with them, you can save significant money when you buy and/or sell your home.

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Complete Fall Home Maintenance Checklist | Free Download | HFH

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Homeowners understand owning and maintaining a home takes work. We all want to provide a protective, safe and friendly home for ourselves , our family, and all of our guests.When you're busy working your job(s), caring for your family, and maintaining a home, things can occasionally get missed.

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Buying a House When Your Spouse Is Deployed

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Buying a House When Your Spouse Is Deployed

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Deployment is the toughest thing someone in the armed forces experiences in his/her military career. The search for a home turns out to be more difficult when your spouse is out for a job on the overseas ground.

He/she isn’t present to help you in the search which makes your search difficult, though not impossible. You can go through the article to identify certain helpful tips on buying a house when your spouse is deployed.

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A deployment is one of the hardest things a member of the armed forces can experience in their military career. But it's almost equally difficult for families who miss their loved ones and want to see them return safe. Many spouses dream of having their husband or wife come back to a brand-new house so they can jumpstart their lives stateside again. But buying a home is extremely complex, especially if your spouse is overseas and unable to help in the search. That doesn't mean it's impossible. Here are some tips on buying a house when your spouse is deployed.

Power of Attorney

Before you make any big decisions or sign any contracts, you'll likely need to establish power of attorney between you and your deployed spouse. Essentially, giving someone power of attorney allows them to sign legal documents on your behalf. This is obviously critical for military members who are overseas and can't sign things in person. By taking on power of attorney for your spouse, you can be ready to sign on the dotted line as soon as necessary to make sure you don't miss out on the home you want.

Once you've established power of attorney, you can then begin your house search in full force. Sign up with Homes for Heroes and we'll match you with a local real estate specialist who can help you find your dream home. We'll also connect you with one of our mortgage specialists who can help guide you through the intricacies of the homebuying process. Our lending partners are intimately familiar with VA loans and take great pride in helping military families achieve their goals.

Utilize Technology

Technology has made buying a home easier than ever by improving nearly every part of the process. Use technology to your advantage, particularly when it comes to involving your deployed spouse in the house hunt. Sure, most listings include pictures online, but it can be difficult to get a true sense of space, not to mention the neighborhood, from a few still images alone. To help keep your spouse up-to-date when touring homes, send your own pictures and video using WhatsApp or Facebook. Real estate agents are also increasingly offering virtual tours of their properties, which can be a great way to explore a home from a distance.

Technology can also be useful for the more technical aspects of the homebuying process. Ask your lender or real estate agent if you can stream or record your meetings so your spouse can have all the information you do. Also, ask if your real estate professional offers electronic documents or signatures. Even if you've established power of attorney, digital signatures can make it easy to sign contracts or other documents from overseas.

Save Money

Perhaps the best thing you can do to improve your homebuying experience is to save money on the purchase. After all, wouldn't you love to tell your spouse how much you saved while they were deployed? By working with Homes for Heroes, military families can save on their real estate transaction, lending fees, title fees, home inspection fees and more. The average military family saves an average of $2,400. That can buy quite the welcome home present.

Deployments are challenging enough; the homebuying process shouldn't add to it. Homes for Heroes aims to be a supportive resource for all military families going through the homebuying process. It's our way of saying thank you for the sacrifice all active military, veterans and their families make in service to our country.

Want your deployed spouse to return to a new house? Sign up today and let us help you navigate the homebuying process and save you money along the way.

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Buying a House When Your Spouse Is Deployed | Save Money | Homes for Heroes

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A deployment is one of the hardest things a member of the armed forces can experience in their military career. But it's almost equally difficult for families who miss their loved ones and want to see them return safe.

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How much house can I afford?Making the decision to become a first time home buyer is complex, or if your looking to purchase your next house, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. A good first step is answering the question: How much house can I afford?

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How much house can I afford?Making the decision to become a first time home buyer is complex, or if your looking to purchase your next house, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. A good first step is answering the question: How much house can I afford?

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Making the decision to become a first time home buyer is complex, or if your looking to purchase your next house, sometimes it's hard to know where to start. A good first step is answering the question: How much house can I afford?

While it might be tempting to simply use one of the many mortgage calculators you can find online, which will determine how much your monthly mortgage payment will be depending on the size of the loan, that alone doesn't show the whole picture. You need to do more research, dig into your total financial situation and consider several types of loans that are available to you. The type of loan you get will determine your interest rate and required down payment.

Types of Home Mortgage Loans

Conventional Loans: This is the most common mortgage loan, and usually requires 10 percent down and good credit. Interest rates tend to be lower the better your credit. If you can put 20 percent down, you won't be private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Fact Check: Many people believe you need a 20% downpayment to qualify for a conventional loan. That's not the case. It's great if you can, but it's not a requirement.
Government-Backed Loans:
FHA Loan: Available to all types of home buyers, an FHA loan requires a smaller down payment, usually 3.5 percent, and doesn't require stellar credits. Interest rates will be higher, but qualifying for the loan is easier.

VA Loan: Home purchase VA loans are for our military service men and women of the U.S. armed forces. VA-guaranteed loans are available for your occupancy or a spouse and/or dependent (for active duty service members). The good thing about VA loan is they offer competitive interest rates and often times without requiring a downpayment or private mortgage insurance (PMI).

USDA Loan: This type of loan is for people buying in rural areas, and it is also a zero-down payment loan.

Interest Rate: Fixed vs Adjustable

After choosing the type of loan, you will need to decide if you want a fixed or an adjustable rate on the loan. This will determine the interest you pay.

Fixed Rate Mortgage: A fixed rate means your interest rate is "fixed", and will not change. You will always know the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. However, it's good to know if you roll other fees into your fixed mortgage, like property taxes or homeowners' association fees, your mortgage payments may fluctuate over time.

ARM (Adjustable-Rate-Mortgage): This loan's rate moves up and down over time. After the initial term ends, your interest rate and your monthly mortgage payment, increase or decreases annually.

Other factors to consider asking yourself, "How much house can I afford?"

Income: You'll need documentation of your salary and any other income you receive from employment, self-employment, bonuses, commissions, tips, alimony, child support, social security, pension, or disability income. When the time comes to speak with a lender, you'll need to provide several years of tax returns as well.

Debt: This includes student loans, credit card balances, car loans, medical bills, debt consolidation, personal loans, child support, alimony, and other outstanding debt you are paying off.

Other Expenses: Food (groceries, eating out), child-related expenses (daycare, activities, gifts), healthcare (monthly premiums, prescriptions, doctor visits), car maintenance and gas, personal care (gym membership, haircuts, clothing), pet care (vet, grooming, food, toys), entertainment (dates, movies, vacation), donations and gifts.

The 28-36 Rule is a Good Thing to Know

Most banks and mortgage lenders want to know two things:

Your willingness to pay a loan (typically determined by your credit score)

Your ability to pay the loan back

One thing they rely on for general guidance is the 28-36 rule to determine what a potential homebuyer like you can afford, and what they are willing to lend you. Even if your credit is impeccable, you will still need to prove you make enough money to pay your monthly payments.

The 28-36 rule states the following:

Your Maximum Household Expenses (PITI) should not exceed 28 percent of gross monthly income:

PRINCIPAL: The part of a mortgage payment that pays down the amount borrowed
INTEREST: Percent rate charged by creditors for lending you the principal
TAXES: This is your property tax
INSURANCE: This is your homeowners insurance

Your Total Debt or Debt-to-come Ratio (DTI) should not exceed 36 percent of your gross monthly income. Your debt determines, in part, how much of a mortgage loan you can afford. Lender calculate your debt-to-income by dividing your monthly debt by your gross monthly income. Most banks and mortgage lenders want this ratio to be 36 percent or lower. That's why it's a good idea to pay down your debt before applying for a loan. This is a general guideline lenders consider. It's not a requirement to receive a mortgage.

Loan Term Mortgage Options

The majority of home buyers opt for 30-year fixed home loans. Opting for a shorter term, like a 15-year fixed mortgage, will result in higher monthly mortgage payments but in the long run will cost you less to buy the home.

Best Answer to "How much house can I afford?"

Get Pre-Approved: Now that you know the basics, put yourself in a position to get the house you want. Get pre-approved for a loan with a qualified mortgage lender. It will give you a good idea how much you can borrow, and how much home you can afford.

Sign up and speak with our real estate and mortgage specialists in your area to learn more about how they can help you through the home buying and mortgage selection process to maximize your hero savings. Our heroes save, on average, more than $2,400 if they use our local specialists to purchase their home. There's no obligation, and we guarantee the most hero savings among all national programs.

Want to do a deeper dive into this issue? Here are some additional resources for you to explore:

Resources:
VA Loan Benefits

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How much house can I afford? - Homes for Heroes®

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Making the decision to become a first time home buyer is complex, or if your looking to purchase your next house, sometimes it's hard to know where to start. A good first step is answering the question: How much house can I afford?

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| https://www.homesforheroes.com/blog/should-i-buy-house-2018/

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How to Repair Your Credit One Step at a Time

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How to Repair Your Credit One Step at a Time

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| https://www.homesforheroes.com/blog/repair-credit-one-step-time/

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Firefighters are some of the bravest heroes in our community. They literally run towards danger to save the people and things that are most important in our lives.

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8 Things We Want Firefighters to Know | Visual.ly

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Firefighters are some of the bravest heroes in our community. They literally run towards danger to save the people and things that are most important

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Firefighters are some of the bravest heroes in our community. They literally run towards danger to save the people and things that are most important in our lives.

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Firefighters are some of the bravest heroes in our community. They literally run towards danger to save the people and things that are most important in our lives.- authorSTREAM Presentation

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Firefighters are some of the bravest heroes in our community. They literally run towards danger to save the people and things that are most important in our lives.

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Firefighters are some of the bravest heroes in our community. They literally run towards danger to save the people and things that are most important in our li...

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Firefighters are some of the bravest heroes in our community. They literally run towards danger to save the people and things that are most important in our lives.

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Firefighters are some of the bravest heroes in our community. They literally run towards danger to save the people and things that are most important in our lives.

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Firefighters are some of the bravest heroes in our community. They literally run towards danger to save the people and things that are most important in our lives.

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Firefighters are some of the bravest heroes in our community. They literally run towards danger to save the people and things that are most important in our lives. https://www.homesforheroes.com/blog/8-things-we-want-firefighters-to-know/

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Are you looking to buy a new home and live in the Fort Bragg area?  Have you heard of the Homes for Heroes® program?  If you are a Firefighter, law enforcement officer, a member of the military (you can be on active duty, reserve, or a veteran), a healthcare professional, EMS worker, or a teacher, contact us now!
Homes for Sale near Fort Bragg

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Are you looking to buy a new home and live in the Fort Bragg area? Have you heard of the Homes for Heroes® program? If you are a Firefighter, law enforcement officer, a member of the military (you can be on active duty, reserve, or a veteran), a healthcare professional, EMS worker, or a teacher, check out this program!
Realtors Just for Heros
Homes for Heroes has many realtors in the program, right here in Fort Bragg. These realtors are dedicated to helping the heroes of this country (that's you!) find the homes of their dreams and save money in the process. The average Homes for Heroes® customer saves around $1500 on their home purchase. At Homes for Heroes®, they say, "Our mission is to provide extraordinary savings to local heroes who provide extraordinary services to our community every day."

Sound too good to be true? Are you wondering what the catch is? There is no catch, and there is no red tape, you just enroll in the program, and one of the Homes for Heroes® real estate agents assists you in the buying process. The program was created in the aftermath of 9/11 as a way to thank those who serve.
Fort Bragg and Fayetteville
The Fort Bragg military base is located just outside Fayetteville, North Carolina, and the community there has much to offer. It is the largest military installation with over 50,000 service members on duty. The beautiful town of Fayetteville is home to numerous historic brick buildings, cobblestone walks, historical museums, and excellent cuisine. They pride themselves on patriotism and a close community who loves their rich history and culture. The downtown area boasts clean streets, plenty of shopping, fun entertainment spaces, and lots of delicious places to eat.

Take advantage of the Fort Bragg real estate market in Fayetteville, too, where you can find homes for sale near Fort Bragg for a great price. Some beautiful three bedroom and two bathroom homes go for under 200 thousand. Several neighborhoods near Fort Bragg are home to excellent schools for kids and also great parks for the little ones' recreational needs.
North Carolina Living
Living in North Carolina is a wonderful thing. For Fort Bragg Residents, you can be on the Carolina beaches in just a couple of hours soaking up the warm sun and swimming in the gentle waves. The water is warm her for most of the year, as the current comes up from the South rather than on the Pacific where it comes down from the north. Dolphins can be spotted just about daily, and the weather is most often fair and pleasant. You can be in Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, in about three hours going from Fort Bragg area. Charlotte has a booming economy, a beautiful skyline, and was ranked as the country's fastest-growing metro area between 2004 and 2012. Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is just over two hours away, where you can be in the midst of a sixty-mile long string of beautiful sandy beaches. Myrtle Beach is known for its fun atmosphere with lots to enjoy for the whole family. Booming nightlife, arcades on the boardwalk, celebrity-designed golf courses, Family Kingdom amusement park, and one of the America's biggest Ferris wheels-the SkyWheel.
No Better Time to Buy a Home Near Fort Bragg
Right now the Fort Bragg real estate market is a buyer's market. A buyer's market means you have more leverage for getting a great deal on a home because there is a high inventory for buyers to choose from, and sellers are eager to get their homes sold. Prices are low right now, and North Carolina's housing market is on the rise, which means you'll be getting instant equity in your new home. And with the Homes For Heroes program, you'll save more money than the average home buyer. There is a surplus of homes for sale near Fort Bragg right now. Beautiful homes are going for well under the national averages.

The climate in Fayetteville is known for humid summers and mild winters. You can enjoy "summer weather" for just about nine months out of the year, with an average of over 200 sunny days a year despite the average rainfall being about 46 inches yearly. July highs are around 90 degrees, and January lows are just above 30.

If you are looking into buying in the Fort Bragg area, check out the Homes for Heroes website.

Of the "Heroes" who bought, sold or refinanced their homes through the Homes for Heroes program, 92 percent of them gave 5-star reviews.

One customer named "Luis" from Florida stated, "The team of professionals that made my dream come true, honor the name of the program. They kept me informed every step of the way. They never treated me like a number and took the time to understand what I needed for my family. The best way to explain my experience is as follows; I provided the canvas, and they painted the masterpiece."

Check out Homes for Heroes, enroll, and save some money today.

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Buy a Home With Homes for Heroes in Fort Bragg, North Carolina - Homes for Heroes®

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Are you looking to buy a new home and live in the Fort Bragg area? Have you heard of the Homes for Heroes® program?

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You are a hero, and you spend your life serving others. Now, you want to buy a home. Let Home for Heroes help you save money right here in Fort Bliss. Contact us today!
Homes for Heroes Fort Bliss

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You are a hero, and you spend your life serving others. Now, you want to buy a home. Let Home for Heroes help you save money right here in Fort Bliss. Homes for Heroes uses a nationwide network of affiliated real estate professionals who save you money on your real estate transactions and also help you through the entire process.

Homes for Heroes, Inc. started in Minnesota in 2002. From the beginning, we've committed to giving back to the heroes in our society. Our company now partners with thousands of real estate professionals throughout the nation. Along with helping individual heroes, the Homes for Heroes Foundation gives grant money to nonprofits in communities all over the United States.
How Homes for Heroes works in Fort Bliss
Homes for Heroes can make the dream of homeownership a reality. When you use a local realtor associated with Homes for Heroes, your realtor rebates a portion of their commission to you at closing. You'll also get money back from your HFH affiliated lender. That's right; you'll get a "Hero" Reward Check at the end.

The program more works explicitly like this. When you use a Homes for Heroes affiliate real estate agent to purchase a home, you save $700 on every $100,000 of the home price. For example, if the house you are buying costs $250,000 you would save $1,750. And, Homes for Heroes will send you a Hero Rewards® check for the amount you saved on your home.

When you sell a home, your Homes for Heroes agent specialist will provide you with a 25% credit on their gross commission at closing.

Not only will you receive exceptional service and save money on your home, but when you use Homes for Heroes, you also help other heroes in need. A portion of Homes for Heroes' earnings is donated to the Homes for Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides assistance to heroes in need.

The average Hero Rewards Check in the United States is around $1,500.
Do You Qualify?
We assist people who dedicate their lives to service:

SIGN UP now to chat with Homes for Heroes affiliate specialist in the Fort Bliss area. We'll answer all of your questions with no obligation to you.
Welcome Home to Fort Bliss Texas
Congratulations on deciding to buy a home in the vibrant multicultural El Paso metropolitan area! Whether it's outdoor play in the 300+ days of sunshine, serious shopping in El Paso and Juarez, indulging in delicious Southwestern food, or cheering on the El Paso Chihuahuas minor league baseball team, the El Paso metropolitan area offers many delights.

The region affords a high quality of life. With a little over one million residents in the area, El Paso ranks as one of America's Safest Cities. Residents access rich education and healthcare options. There is a wide variety of exciting communities, so it's easy to find a community to fit your needs.
Education in El Paso
Education is a priority in the area. According to the City of El Paso, approximately 77% of adults hold a high school diploma. Adults who desire higher education can take advantage of the community college, University of Texas at El Paso, and Texas Tech University Health Science Center. El Pasoans are also able to enroll at nearby New Mexico State University as in-state students.
Healthcare Professionals; William Beaumont Army Medical Center & VA Medical Center
El Paso has numerous medical facilities. William Beaumont Army Medical Center and the VA Medical Center both take care of our military heroes. The University Medical Center partners with Texas Tech University's medical school to provide outstanding medical care in the region.
Jobs in El Paso and near Fort Bliss
This border area has a myriad of job opportunities. Many people find positions in the education, law enforcement, and healthcare fields. El Paso is home to Fort Bliss Army Base. The U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S Department of Homeland Security hire significant numbers of people in the area. Retail, commerce, and agriculture also contribute to the workforce.
Restaurants, Catering, and Quality Food
One of the best parts of life in this part of the country is the fantastic food. You can feast on a sumptuous steak at "the manliest steakhouse in America" according to Men's Health Magazine. Chico's Tacos has served up magnificent Mexican offerings for years.
Outdoor Fun and Activities
With 300+ sunny days each year, El Paso is an outdoor paradise. The Chihuahuan Desert beckons rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and wildlife observation adventurers. The El Paso area has a myriad of golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools for even more outdoor fun. Bike enthusiasts enjoy road and off-road rides year round. Walkers and runners have numerous desert trails to explore in the desert and mountains.
Spectator Sports
If you prefer to get your exercise cheering on your favorite team, you'll get quite a workout. The UTEP Miners field a team in most sports and the men's basketball team usually gets invited to the NCAA basketball tournament. The El Paso Chihuahuas are an AAA minor league baseball team affiliated with the San Diego Padres. Each December, college football fans cheer at the second oldest bowl game, the Sun Bowl.
Festivals
Who doesn't like a good community party? El Pasoans enjoy a calendar of festivals throughout the year. Some of the favorite events are Winterfest, Texas Country Music Fest, Sun City Craft Beer Festival, and the Neon Desert Music Festival. The KLAQ International Balloonfest highlights each summer.
Shopping
This area has countless shopping options. Savvy shoppers find bargains at the Bassett Place, Cielo Vista Mall, The Fountains of Farah, Sunland Park Mall, and the Outlet Shoppes of El Paso. Military personnel shop at Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss. A short trip across the Mexican border opens up, even more, shopping opportunities.
Homes for Local Heroes
El Paso is proud to have numerous real estate agents signed up under the Homes for Heroes program. If you have ever been a police officer, firefighter, teacher, or military personnel, then you could qualify.
How it Works
The program is setup to help save on the high cost of buying, selling, and refinancing a home. On average, heroes that have used the program save around $1,500. How that works is when you use a Homes for Heroes affiliate real estate agent for your transaction, a portion of their profit is set aside. It's just something they want to do, as a way to say, "thanks."

Not only does part of the money goes to you, but a portion is donated to the Homes for Heroes Foundation, to help other heroes. So not only are you benefiting from the program, but you are assisting others to give back.

SIGN UP for more information about Homes for Heroes.

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Buy a Home with Homes for Heroes of Fort Bliss, Texas - Homes for Heroes®

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You are a hero, and you spend your life serving others. Now, you want to buy a home. Let Home for Heroes help you save money right here in Fort Bliss.

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Buy a Home with Homes for Heroes in Fort Belvoir, Virginia and save money. We want to see you rewarded for all of your hard work as a public servant. We are thankful to you for your service and your sacrifice. Call us now!
Homes for Sale Near Fort Belvoir

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As a public servant, you have spent years of your life serving the men and women of this country. Homes for Heroes is an organization dreamt up by people who wanted to give back to people like you.

Let us help you in your buying, selling, and refinancing, by using one of the Homes for Heroes business affiliates, and you will receive a check back from us at the end of the process.
About Homes for Heroes
After 9/11, a handful of people came together with a common goal... to dream up a way to give back to public servants for everything you do. Homes for Heroes was an idea that quickly took root and soon became a nationally acquired foundation.

There are real estate agents and business associates in nearly every U.S. state that can make this process as smooth and carefree as possible and will donate a portion of their proceeds back to you.
The Program Serves: Getting Started
Getting started is simple. Just sign up on the Home for Heroes website, and a local affiliate will contact you within 24 hours.If you haven't heard from somebody within 24 hours, feel free to call the toll free number (866) 4 Heroes.The median savings for those who use the program receive over $1,500 back.
Welcome Home to Fort Belvoir
Whether you have decided on Fort Belvoir or are still considering options, remember that Homes for Heroes is a nationwide program, and can serve you wherever you decide to go.

Fort Belvoir is a family-centric town with more than 75% of houses containing married parents with children. The total population is currently under 8,000.

This friendly town has a lot to offer including, shopping, dining, parks, and family activities.
Top-Rated Place to Eat
Su Pollo is one of the top-rated restaurants in the area. With a 4.5 out of 5 stars on Yelp, the menu is as diverse as it is delicious. Each dish is plated beautifully, and the prices can't be beaten. Make sure to stop in when you come to visit!
Things to Do With the Family
Hike or bike! Fort Belvoir has a great selection of parks and trails to take with the whole family, including The Mount Vernon Trail.This trail is part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail which is 17 miles of paved paths in Northern Virginia.

You can go bird watching in Huntley Meadows Park. Home to over 200 species of birds, the park contains forest, wetlands, and even a historic home. This park is the largest park operated by the Fairfax County Authority with over two square miles of wildlife.

Visit Pohick Bay Regional Park and go boating, swimming, camping, or enjoy a riverfront picnicon the Potomac River. Don't forget this park is the home of Pirate's Cove Waterpark which is a day full of fun for the whole family.
Date Nights
After purchasing your home with Homes for Heroes, you will receive a check from us to you. There are many things you will want to spend it on, but please, save a slice for a special night out with your loved one.

Just minutes north of Fort Belvoir is the beautiful town of Alexandria. Take a free trip on the infamous King Street Trolley. Stroll through the city as the sun sets, then visit the boutiques and galleries downtown while stopping in to sample the local foods.

Mosey down the cobblestone streets and view the historical landmarks of Old Town Alexandria like the Gadsby's Tavern, where the founding fathers used to dine. It's now a historical museum with photographs and antique items. And end the night with a romantic water taxi on the Potomac River.

Or, if you like, you can stay a little closer to home with easy access to the babysitter, and visit the local Community Center. There's often entertainment nights including music, dancing, and comedy shows.
Education
We know that your children's educational future is essential when you're looking at buying a home in a new area. Fairfax County public schools are committed to excellence. Being the 10th largest school district in the United States, there are many options and schools to choose from. Let your Homes for Heroes real estate agent help guide you through your home buying process to ensure your children get settled in the best school to fit their individual needs.
Find Your Perfect Family Home
We want to see you rewarded for all of your hard work as a public servant. We are thankful to you for your service and your sacrifice. Let Homes for Heroes give back to you during your home buying process, and help you find the perfect home here in Fort Belvoir!

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Buy a Home With Homes for Heroes in Fort Belvoir, Virginia - Homes for Heroes®

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As a public servant, you have spent years of your life serving the men and women of this country. Homes for Heroes is an organization dreamt up by people who wanted to give back to people like you.

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On average, firefighters, law enforcement, military, healthcare workers, EMS and teachers get a $1,500 check or more shortly after they buy a new home. Know how to buy a home and save with Homes For Heroes.
How to Buy a Home

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How Much Can You Save?

Slide to match the sales price of a home.

*Dollar amounts are estimates and are limited and/or restricted in Alaska, Kansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
You must be enrolled with Homes for Heroes and be represented at closing by a Homes for Heroes affiliate real estate specialist to be eligible.

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Buy a Home and Save - Receive a Hero Rewards Check in the Mail

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Slide to match the sales price of a home. *Dollar amounts are estimates and are limited and/or restricted in Alaska, Kansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. You must be enrolled with Homes for Heroes and be represented at closing by a Homes for Heroes affiliate real estate specialist to be eligible.

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VA (veteran) home loans can make the difference on whether your family can afford to buy a home or refinance. They are several cost savings that the average non-veteran homeowner does not get.
VA Home Loan Requirements

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VA (veteran) home loans can make the difference on whether your family can afford to buy a home or refinance. They are several cost savings that the average non-veteran homeowner does not get.

Here are some of the VA home loan benefits:

No homeowners insurance required for a loan but instead a VA guarantee

VA home loan takes a little bit longer to process because the minimum property requirement for inhibition must meet the VA standard. Do not let a few extra days discourage you because the cost savings is more than worth the extra time. At Homes for Heroes, we are committed to saving you every penny. Another reason for additional time is because you must provide certification to be eligible for benefits. Homes for Heroes has VA loan specialists to assist you to navigate the loan process at no cost to you. We are here to help because you have served us and it's our time to serve you. At some point in the loan process, you will need to provide your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The certificate is the essential part of the loan. Verification is required to receive the benefits of the VA Guarantee on your home. What if you have used the benefit before? You should check to be sure you have not exhausted all of your entitlements. You still might have available benefits for a future purchase. To get your home purchase moving, be proactive so you will have more than enough time to get the house of your hearts desires. Here are the steps to get you going.

Get informed on the VA Loan eligibility below

Contact a Homes for Heroes lender to start your loan application

Collect your Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs

Complete your loan application by providing needed paperwork to the lender, bank statements, W-2, and tax returns.

Veteran Affairs determines eligibility for home loan programs, but here are some basic eligibility guidelines from their website:

VA Eligibility

Active-duty service members

National Guard members and Reservists must meet the requirements of basic service

Spouses of military members that died while on active duty

Result of service-connected disability could be eligible

You must meet one or more of the following requirements:

Be a spouse of a service member who has a service-related disability or who died in the line of duty

More than six years of service in the National Guard or Reserves

Have served 181 days of active service during peacetime

Have served 90 consecutive days of active service during wartime

They will check your credit score and calculate your debt-to-income ratio. Private lenders might have additional requirements. You cannot be dishonorably discharged and receive benefits.

Good To Know

According to the US Department of Veteran Affairs:

You can reuse the benefit

VA loans are assumable, as long as the person assuming the loan qualifies

You do not have to be a first-time home buyer

If you meet the requirements, you can go to the e-benefits portal and request your COE.

VA Home Loan Requirements

You are only required to have sufficient income to cover your monthly expenses, including the mortgage payment. Your income needs to prove to be reliable and consistent. Otherwise, the buyer is not required to meet any income scale to qualify. However, the VA does require you to have enough income over your expenses that you can have adequate money to live on for food, gas, clothing, and transportation. By the VA necessitating additional funds be available in your budget, it ensures you are not too tight every month. You now have a means to have savings for emergency expenses.

Making your family and home more financially secure is a wise way to proceed. Homes for Heroes is in your corner and knows you do not have endless cash flow. We hope to decrease any confusion and give you the confidence to start the home loan process. Even though the VA determines the general guidelines for VA loans, private lenders can have additional conditions borrowers need to meet to receive private investments. These conditions may include your debt, income, and credit conditions.

Why would you want a VA Loan?

No or low down payment is a big money saver. VA Guarantee means no private mortgage insurance, and also means less money out of your pocket. There are additional VA rules that limit how much your closing can cost. Make sure your loan officer and real estate agent know you're a veteran so they will choose the most considerable cost savings for your location.

In addition to cost savings when you buy the home, you can also save when you pay the house off. Unlike the average Joe, there are no fees for paying your mortgage off early. Yeah, buddy. All these VA mortgage loan advantages aren't entitlements, but just acknowledgment of your selfless commitment to our country. If for some reason you cannot make your mortgage payments, the VA could be of some assistance. Veterans deserve a secure home so that they can invest in their future. To get access to your eligibilities, you must apply through a VA approved lender. And yes, Homes for Heroes has affiliates throughout the United States that work individually with veterans. We connect you with approved lenders and real estate agents here to help you. We also have a gift-back program for veterans and other heroes when your lender uses the Homes for Heroes Program. You can also sign up for Hero Rewards. Contact us so we can tell you how we can save you money on your home purchase or refinance.

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VA Home Loan Requirements - Homes for Heroes®

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VA (veteran) home loans can make the difference on whether your family can afford to buy a home or refinance. They are several cost savings that the average non-veteran homeowner does not get. Here are some of the VA home loan benefits: VA home loan takes a little bit longer to process because the minimum property requirement for inhibition must meet the VA standard.

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Moving out of state because of a new assignment, a new job, or to live closer to your family can be challenging. This article includes an ultimate moving out of state checklist of things to get you started, as well as some helpful moving tips.
Moving Out of State Checklist

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Moving out of state because of a new assignment, a new job, or to live closer to your family can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be super stressful! Making a detailed plan and timeline for your family can help the process feel easier. This article includes a checklist of things to get you started, as well as some helpful moving tips. Make sure you head over to our deals page and check out the deals we have for you in your local area!
Consider Your Budget
Preparing for your move will dramatically lower the cost. Take into account the rental truck or shipping service, transportation, moving supplies, hotel stays, and any other expected costs. Set a little extra aside for unforeseen expenses, such as eating out more frequently during the move itself. Having a budget will help you make smart financial decisions throughout the whole process.
Make a Plan
Creating a detailed plan will help you feel like things are under control and help you not forget anything. This plan should include a timeline with tasks to do at different intervals (for example, a month before, two weeks before, etc.), who is in charge of what, and more.
Consider Having a Garage Sale
If you have been living in your home for a while, you most likely have at least a few things you don't need to take with you to your new home. Consider having a garage sale for old clothes, books, and household items that you no longer want or need. As a bonus, this will give you a little bit of extra cash to cover incidental moving expenses!
Donate
If you decide not to have a garage sale, or you have some items left over, donate your unwanted clothes and household pieces to charity. An easy way to do this is to set aside a pile of things to donate while packing, then set up a pickup time a week or two before your move through the Salvation Army , ClothingDonations.org , or another local charity. Not only will your belongings go towards a great cause, but you will also have less stuff to move, which can save you money.
Check for Discounts
Many moving companies have military and first responder discounts, AAA and AARP rates, as well as limited-time promotions for which you may be eligible. Keep in mind that moving companies tend to charge less in the middle of the month or the middle of the week, so if your plans are flexible, consider moving then. Local and national moving companies provide savings to firefighters, law enforcement, military, EMS, healthcare, and teachers through Homes for Heroes. the local deals page for discounts on moving companies near you!
Pack Strategically
Pack a little bit every day to keep it from feeling like an overwhelming task. When you are still a few weeks away from your move, pack the nonessentials. You can pack the more essential items as you get close to the moving date. See the "Packing Tips" section below for helpful information!
Obtain and Organize Important Documents
Before you move, make sure to pick up your medical, vision, and dental records, as well as any other important documents you may need. Keep these and other papers, such as legal documents, financial records, birth certificates, social security cards, passports, and more with you at all times throughout the move in a special box that looks different from the others. Doing this keeps them safe and gives you access to them in case you need them.
Change Your Address
Forward your mail and change your address on any subscription boxes or other services.
Pick a School
Before you leave, investigate the schools in the area and obtain your children's transcripts from their current school.
Service Your Car
It's always a good idea to service your car before you leave on your trip to make sure nothing goes wrong while you're on the road.
Plan Your Route
If you are driving to your new city, plan your route and compare hotel prices if you plan on stopping.
Keep the Receipts
Keep your moving-related documents and receipts. You may be able to use them for tax deductions. Find out if your moving expenses are deductible at .
Donate Your Unopened Food
A few days before your moving date, consider donating your unopened food to Move for Hunger .
Fun Tip: Make a Moving Day Playlist!
Don't forget to have fun! Everything is made more fun with some good music. Plus, you can take a couple of dance breaks with the kids to relieve stress.
Packing Tips

Ask for moving boxes from friends or local businesses, liquor stores, grocery stores, office supply stores, and bookstores. They'll likely give them to you for free!

Label the most important boxes with "open first" so you can access the essentials as soon as you move in.

Inventory your valuables and keep a list of where each one is placed.

Take photos of your electronics before you unplug them so you can easily put the wires back in the right way.

Use old t-shirts, clean socks, towels, and linens as free packing supplies to save room and money!

While your clothes are still hanging up, put a trash bag around them and tie them at the hangers to make them much easier to hang back up in your new home.

Put items in laundry baskets, suitcases, pots and pans, and trash bins to utilize every bit of space.

Label your boxes on the side so you can read them while they're stacked.

Pack a unique, small box for each child that they can keep with them, filled with fun activities and snacks.

Hopefully, these tips will help you make your moving experience as smooth and straightforward as possible. Simply take it one small step at a time, create a plan, and stay organized, and you will be at your new home in no time. Just remember, have fun! If you have time, make a couple of stops on the way to explore fun attractions and make memories with your family. Doing stuff like this will help the kids (and you!) enjoy the move more. You can even play car games, listen to good music, and tell stories to pass the time. Before you know it, you'll be exploring and having fun in your new city together. Happy moving!

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The Ultimate Moving Out of State Checklist - Homes for Heroes®

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Moving out of state because of a new assignment, a new job, or to live closer to your family can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be super stressful! Making a detailed plan and timeline for your family can help the process feel easier.

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Learning how to texture walls, especially your own, is a gratifying experience. Not only do you get to choose the style that suits you, but you also get to turn a flat, dull space into something with personality.
How to Texture Walls

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Learning how to texture walls, especially your own, is a gratifying experience. Not only do you get to choose the style that suits you, but you also get to turn a flat, dull space into something with personality. Everyone will notice it when they visit, and you'll feel a sense of pride each time you walk into the room. If you didn't know that you can texture your walls, you're in luck. Your house will be unique, and you'll save money by texturing the walls yourself.

As you read through the options, note down your favorites and feel free to do more research. If you see something you like but have an idea to change it, go for it. In the end, it's your space, and you can make it look however you like. Just make sure that you enjoy the experience by taking it one step at a time.

Drywall Mud - Stucco

If you like the look of stucco siding, you can emulate it with drywall mud. Also called joint taping compound, you can find it at every home improvement store. What makes this material so appealing is that it's practically fail-proof. If you apply too much in one place or need to change it for whatever reason, just wipe it away and start again.

What You'll Need

What To Do

1. Before you start throwing compound on walls, make sure your walls are clean and completely dry.

2. When you are ready to begin, add a small amount of water to the compound to make it like thick pancake batter.

3. Apply the joint compound to the wall with either a trowel or a wide putty knife

4. Dab a sponge into the drywall mud and then onto the wall continuously until you have the desired effect.

5. Step back and look at the overall look of the texture. If you love it, let it dry completely before painting it. If you want to change it up, go back to the drawing board and add compound where it is needed.

Drywall Mud - Crosshatched Pattern

What You'll Need

A notched trowel or a squeegee with indentations cut out

Joint taping compound

1. Clean and dry your walls.

2. Add a small amount of water to the compound to make it like thick pancake batter.

3. Apply the joint compound to the wall with either a trowel or a wide putty knife.

4. Use the trowel or squeegee to create a line that reaches wall to wall.

5. Work in one direction, then move in the perpendicular direction and spread the compound to produce the desired crosshatch pattern. Notches will create horizontal indents, then vertical, then back to horizontal, almost like a checkerboard. It will look like a woven fabric up close when you have finished.

Drywall Mud - Skip Trowel Pattern

What You'll Need

What To Do

Roll the drywall mud onto your wall with the sea-sponge roller, which is easier than using a trowel.

Drywall Mud - Stomp-Knockdown Pattern

What You'll Need

What To Do

1. Use the trowel to spread the mixture onto the wall.

2. Smack the foot stomp brush into the wall continuously, making a pattern across the desired space.

3. Use a knife or paint scraper to eliminate any unwanted points, creating a smoother surface. Keep the putty knife at a 15-degree angle and avoid exerting too much pressure. That will help make sure you do not smooth out the finish too much.

4. Apply the compound lightly in the corners and around edges. In this case, less is better.

Drywall Mud - Other Tools You Can Use

Drywall Mud - Tips and Tricks

Try using a paint roller to apply the compound to the wall, then remove some of the drywall mud to create a pattern. Experiment as you like. Drywall mud is exceptionally forgiving, giving you the chance to reapply or take away as needed. Give all texture 24 hours to dry before applying paint. If you want to move faster than that, place a fan facing the desired space.

Drywall Texture Sprayer

If you are looking to add texture to walls in several spaces, or to a large surface, look into renting a drywall texture sprayer. Similar to a paint sprayer, this machine covers surfaces quickly in joint compound. You can choose the type of compound mixture, the nozzle and the amount of airspeed you need to achieve the effect you want. If you don't know what look you're going for, feel free to experiment. Any texture you don't like can be wiped off and reapplied. Make sure you cover your furniture and flooring sufficiently to avoid splatter.

Paint Texture

If drywall mud is not what you're looking for, consider using textured paint, which is offered by most major paint manufacturers. Textured paint is applied similarly to drywall mud, but it is more difficult to remove so you have to be more careful when you apply it.

Textured paint dries faster than drywall mud so you should cover the entire surface before the coat dries or you'll get lines in between roller strokes.

Textured paint is an excellent choice because you can use a standard roller and paint brush for corners and edges. You also usually only need two coats, making the application that much more desirable.

There are not very many color options at this time for textured paint, so you can go another route by purchasing a paint texture additive and mixing it with any color of paint you choose.

No matter which process you choose, remember to apply the texture in a random pattern. If you focus too much on making everything look uniform, it won't look as professional. Luckily, random is easier to do, so have fun and enjoy the process.

DON'T FORGET! We have many discounts for you to take advantage of locally, head on over to our local deals page to see what you can get.

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How to Texture a Wall Yourself and Save Money Doing it-HFH

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Learning how to texture walls, especially your own, is a gratifying experience. Not only do you get to choose the style that suits you, but you also get to turn a flat, dull space into something with personality. Everyone will notice it when they visit, and you'll feel a sense of pride each time you walk into the room.

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our homes. As spring approaches, you may think that cleaning is the only thing you need to do to recover from the winter months. Here is your spring home maintenance checklist.
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

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This year has been a rough winter for most places, and it's not over yet. Harsh winters can cause a significant amount of wear and tear in our homes. As spring approaches, you may think that cleaning is the only thing you need to do to recover from the winter months. However, you may need to address some maintenance issues as well. Consider inspecting the following parts of your home to ensure that it stays in prime shape year around.
Exterior Inspection
It's always a good idea to look around the outside of your home, especially after severe weather. Extreme weather like rainstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, snow storms and even extreme temperatures can cause damage to the outside of your property.
Roof
Relax, a roof inspection doesn't always mean that you must climb up there with a ladder. With knowledge of the damage you're looking for and a good pair of binoculars, you can usually see if there's trouble. One thing to look for is shingles that have shifted. This problem might suggest that a fastener has failed and needs replacing. Look to see if any shingles are missing or cracked. Also, try to see if any nails are popping up. If they are popping up, that could cause the shingles to become loose, which could cause water to leak underneath.
Exterior Walls
Whatever siding you may use for your home, look for spots near gutter downspouts and under eaves that may indicate trouble. Water stains may mean that the gutters aren't containing your water runoff coming from your roof adequately. If you have wood siding, look for areas that are open. Knots that may have popped out and damaged areas can make way for ants and other critters into your home. If possible, you may want to give your siding a good clean with a good, strong pressure washer to prevent the mold from growing on the side of your house.
Windows and Doors
Leakage around windows and doors can cause many problems for your home, including making your electric bill increase. Make sure that the caulking and weather stripping has stayed together and is tight. If It hasn't, replace weather stripping, scrape old caulking off and replace with new caulk. During the winter months, if you noticed condensation between double or triple paned windows, the weather seal is compromised. If the seal is compromised, the window or glass needs replacing. Remember when cleaning your windows never to use an abrasive cleaner or pressure washer. You don't want to damage the caulking or scratch the windows. You can clean window and door screens with soft detergent and lay them out to dry, but never power wash screens.
Foundation
Check your foundation walls, concrete, floors, and masonry for chips and cracks. You can caulk, for the time being, if necessary. Experts suggest that if you can fit a nickel between a crack, call a professional foundation expert immediately. The foundation is an essential part of your home. If the foundation shifts, it can cause a lot of other things to go wrong.
Deck and Porch
Be sure to check your patios, porches, and decks, including your railings and stairs for deterioration and lose parts such as pieces of wood and nails sticking up. Your outdoor wood furnishings should be treated once every four to six years depending on the amount of exposure they receive from the rain, snow, and sun. Hammer down any loose nails, replace pieces of wood if needed, and stain your wood every four to six years to keep the weather from getting the best of your porch, deck, or patio.
Gutters and Downspouts
Clean debris and leaves out of gutters and downspouts. Reattach gutters in places that may have come loose from the house. Run a hose across your roof to check for leaks. If you find any, you can use epoxy or caulking to seal them.
Interior Inspection
Springtime is often a good time to clean areas that go neglected throughout the year. General cleaning isn't the only thing on the inside that needs to be done to ensure your home stays in optimal condition.
In-depth Cleaning
Dust and vacuum things like railings, window casings, ceiling fans, and tops of cabinets. Wash or dry-clean draperies and use a damp cloth to clean blinds. Vacuum furniture and mattresses. You may consider renting a carpet cleaner if you don't own one for a deeper clean on your carpets. If you notice a significant amount of grease buildup in your kitchen, you can wash the cabinets and backdrop with water and soft detergent. You can use the same combination in the bathroom where mold and mildew might have accumulated. When cleaning tile, keep an eye out for missing or worn grout which can worsen water damage if not fixed.
Leaks
This spring, check for clogged drains, leaking faucets, and damp pipes. Check under the sinks to be sure that connections on your hoses and pipes are properly sealed. Make sure there's no wetness around your dishwasher, as this could indicate a problem. Check your washing machine hoses for dampness, bulges, or cracks.
Air Conditioner
As springtime approaches, you'll want to make sure that your air conditioner is in good working order. You'll want to make Ensure the drain pans are draining freely. Check the hoses for any leaks and change the filter. Vacuum any dust that has built up on the connectors and the unit.
Attics and Basements
Look for any critters or insects that could have invaded your home and check for mold. Basements and attics are prone to dampness unseen in other areas of the house and are often not as well insulated from the outside temperatures. These factors can cause mold to start growing. Mold usually looks like green or black blotches that appear similar to stains. In the basement, look for cracks that start from the base of the walls as this could suggest leaks. Also look at the exposed frame for cracks that are a quarter of an inch thick. If you see any, you may want to do a pest treatment.

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Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist - Homes for Heroes®

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This year has been a rough winter for most places, and it's not over yet. Harsh winters can cause a significant amount of wear and tear in our homes. As spring approaches, you may think that cleaning is the only thing you need to do to recover from the winter months.

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Buying a home is one of the most significant and influential decisions you’ll ever have to make. If you’re considering home ownership and you’re not sure if you’re ready yet, here are five signs that point to yes.
Am I Ready to Buy a House

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Buying a home is one of the most significant and influential decisions you'll ever have to make. Being a homeowner is an achievement of which to be proud. However, just because you can buy a home, doesn't mean you're necessarily ready to. There are several things you should look at in your lifestyle and personal feelings before making such a decision. If you're considering home ownership and you're not sure if you're ready yet, here are five signs that point to yes.

Finances

Looking at your finances is the first step in determining if you're ready to purchase your first home. If you have debt, you need to see how much and why. Do you have a significant amount of credit card debt or loan debt? If you do, that doesn't mean that you're not ready to buy a house. You just need to have it under control. If you continually have to use a credit card for monthly purchases because your money runs out before the month does, then it might not be a good time to buy a house. If you have debt, but you are currently paying for it each month and are still able to pay your current monthly bills, then home ownership is for you.

Your credit score will be one of the things that the bank will look at to determine your eligibility for a home loan. Your debt will also affect how good your score is. Most places want you to have a score of 700 or above. Speak with a Homes for Heroes specialist to discuss your options considering your credit score.

Our free home buying guide will help you determine your budget and the right amount for you to spend on your monthly mortgage payment. to take the first step towards your new home!

Down Payment and Closing Costs

Have you started saving up for a down payment? If so, how much do you have saved? It is a known fact that today you can purchase a home for as little as a 3.5 percent down payment. You may think that you have that much saved up. However, that's not the only expense that comes along with buying a house. Consider the taxes, fees, closing costs, insurance, and moving expenses. That's going to tack on a few thousand more dollars to your savings. Try to save up at least 10-15 percent of the cost of the house. That will cover all the things mentioned above, and extra to change that ugly green tile in the bathroom or whatever you may want to change to make it your dream home.

Make sure you can afford the payment every month. A mortgage payment can be equal or even cheaper to paying rent. However, you will pay that amount for a more extended period. Your monthly payment should not exceed 25 percent of your monthly take-home pay. You should have a steady and reliable job and be ready to commit to your home.

Long-Term Living

As mentioned before, you must commit to the house when buying your home. This commitment goes for the payment and the amount of time it takes to pay it off. You can move before your home loan is paid off, but to get the most out of your investment, plan on staying there for at least 5 to 10 years. If you have a steady job that won't require you to move anytime soon, and you don't see yourself leaving the area for at least five years, then buying a home is the right step for you.

Prepared for the Maintenance

Owning your own home means you're responsible for all the repairs. If during the winter time, your pipes freeze and bust, you must fix them. Whether you hire someone to do it for you or tackle the job yourself, it's up to you to fix any problems may arise. Calling an office or landlord to fix a clogged sink or broken dishwasher isn't an option. If you can repair problems yourself or can pay someone to fix those issues, you are ready to own a home.

Know What You Want

House hunting is exciting, but do you have any idea of what type of house you want? How does that house fit into your finances? Begin looking around the town you want to live in for homes that are for sale. It will give you an idea of what you want. You might want a two-story house or a house with a front porch. Get an idea before you start your search. If you already know, then you're probably already committed to buying a home.

Are you a Hero?

When you see the word hero, you probably think of Superman or Wonder Woman. Consider yourself. Are you a hero? Do you serve your community as a teacher, firefighter, or first responder? Are you in the military, police force, or a part of the medical field? If so, you ARE a hero. As a hero, you deserve the support and respect from those you serve. Here at Homes for Heroes, we want to make your home buying process as simple as possible. We also want to maximize how much you save. If you fit the description of a hero, please sign up with Homes for Heroes and let us show our appreciation for what you do by assisting you on your journey to homeownership.

Owning a home should make you proud. However, you need to be ready for the responsibility. Home ownership gives you the freedom to paint the walls whatever color you want, put in a new bathroom mirror or change the backsplash in the kitchen. Being a homeowner also includes fixing the leak in the roof or the busted pipe under the house. This decision comes with great responsibility that can be life-changing and amazing, but only if you're ready and prepared. If you are, Homes for Heroes would love to help you by connecting you with one of our affiliated real estate agents in your area. Sign up, and you will receive a call within 24 hours. Our priority is understanding your needs and saving you the most money. You have given so much of yourself to your community, it is time that you receive in return!

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Am I ready to Buy a House? 5 Signs That Point to Yes-HFH

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Buying a home is one of the most significant and influential decisions you'll ever have to make. Being a homeowner is an achievement of which to be proud. However, just because you can buy a home, doesn't mean you're necessarily ready to.

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PODS and their competitors deliver a storage box to your location on a flat, level spot. You pick the delivery day, and when it arrives, you start loading. Know more about POD moving trend and how it works.
Pod Moving

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When you are in the process of buying a new home, there's this little recurring thought that you keep pushing away for another day: How am I going to move all my stuff? As you scout new neighborhoods and attend viewings for possible new homes, you might see those big white boxes labeled PODS in driveways. It's an intriguing idea, packing a giant box and having it moved to your new location, and it seems to be more and more popular. When your bottom line is saving money, is PODS the answer for you?
How PODS works
PODS and their competitors deliver a storage box to your location on a flat, level spot. You pick the delivery day, and when it arrives, you start loading. You can pack at your speed, locking the container to keep your things secure. You can then decide to store in place or store at one of their facilities. They have a patented lift system that keeps the box level throughout the move, which prevents excessive shifting of items. Keep in mind that each move has costs associated, and there is an optional monthly insurance fee. If you store the container at your home, check your homeowner's insurance policy to verify coverage.
Sizes Available

The boxes are 8 feet tall and 8 feet wide with three lengths. The 7-foot container holds one room of furniture, or what would fit in a 5'x10' storage unit or 10' long truck. The 12-foot container holds 2 to 3 rooms of furniture and is comparable to a 10'x10' storage unit or a 15' truck. The 16-foot container is the largest, holding 3-4 rooms of furniture and is similar to the size of a 10'x15' storage unit or a 20' truck. You can order in multiples according to your needs, with associated delivery and rental costs.
Location, Location, Location
When considering your home moving options, it turns out you really can put off that inevitable question until you know the when and where of your move. Are you moving across town, across the state, or across the country?
Across Town
Local moves offer you the best chance to avoid escalating moving costs. You can network with your fellow Heroes to borrow vehicles and muscle to help you load and unload with multiple trips in a day. Truck rental can be costly, but a one-day rental with low mileage can be very cost effective. PODS really can't compete with these more sensible and cost-saving measures. If you need to downsize for staging, you can save storage money by filling your garage to the ceiling while hiding furniture and other items behind a wall of neatly marked boxes without impacting the look and feel of the house.
Across State
If your move takes you across the state or to a neighboring state, there will be additional costs. If you can drive the distance in one day, returning the next, you may be able to rely on some very, very good friends for a weekend move. Treat it like a road trip and party combined. Caravan with as many trucks and vans as you can muster and plan pizza delivery at your new location. Find a breakfast spot for a celebratory brunch before you head back to finish up your move. It may still be necessary to rent a truck if you have a great deal to move. If you can get up in the morning, load, and drive to your new home in one day, the truck rental costs should be much cheaper than PODS.
Across the Country
In general, the farther your move, the higher the costs. And every step takes time, effort and money. You will want to make the trip only once, and you need to consider what else you are moving - your cars, pets, and family. A large family will tend to save money driving rather than flying to the new location, but if you are driving your vehicles, pets and kids, do you save money driving your stuff too? Is your car roadworthy for the trip, or do you need to tow one to the new location? If you are driving, is it cheaper to rent a moving truck or have PODS deliver your furnishings? When factoring in the truck rental, fuel, and mileage costs, moving across the country could be done more cheaply using PODS or one of their competitors. Specifically, look at mileage and fuel costs with rental trucks and a one-way dropoff versus PODS mileage.
Moving Day or Moving in Stages?
Another factor: are you moving in one marathon day or several stages? Moving in town from a rental to a new home can be done in one big push with a couple of buddies and their trucks. Selling a home can require downsizing for proper staging, emptying the house, and then moving everything to your new home. That means a combination of storage space and a moving day is required. In this situation, you need to compare storage space rental versus PODS storage. They vary greatly depending on your location. Rural storage spaces are much, much cheaper, especially for long-term storage. Use this to your advantage by storing in the least expensive facility between your old home and your new home. The amount you can save depends on having access to a truck or van. If you have to rent a truck and drive a long distance, short-term storage with PODS may be a better option.
Military Families
PODS offers discounts for Active Duty, Retired, and Veteran Heroes. They also prepare proper documentation for military reimbursement.
Special Features
If you have unique requirements, keep in mind that PODS offers many convenience factors that can justify additional expenses. The single greatest advantage of PODS and their competitors is the single loading and single unloading aspect. Maybe your home moving involves loading and unloading at a storage facility, and then loading and unloading at your final destination. That can be too complicated if you are single, have young children or find it too physically demanding. If you have to pay movers both times, it may save money to use PODS.
Moving is Challenging
Saving money while moving requires planning, comparing multiple company quotes and being open to all options. Begging family and friends will probably be involved. Consider PODS as part of your solution when it meets your needs at a competitive price.

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Pod Moving Trend- Is it a Money Saver? - Homes for Heroes®

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When you are in the process of buying a new home, there's this little recurring thought that you keep pushing away for another day: How am I going to move all my stuff? As you scout new neighborhoods and attend viewings for possible new homes, you might see those big white boxes labeled PODS in driveways.

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Finding friends in a new city can be challenging and nerve-racking. On top of unpacking, transferring your mail, and getting to know the area, you have a responsibility to your social life as well. Try some of the following tips to jump-start your social life after your big move.
How to Make Friends in a New City

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Moving to a new city can cause a lot of overwhelming emotions. Relocating somewhere you've never lived before can be exciting, stressful, and a little bit frightening. With all the worries associated with moving such as changing your address, unpacking, and finding local stores to grocery shop at, a new social life is probably the farthest thing from your mind.

Moving to a place where you don't know anyone can make you feel like an outsider because everyone else already knows each other and is a part of something. It's important not to let this paralyze you from creating a social life for yourself. Not only is a social life fun, but it's essential for our health to have communication with people face to face. It's crucial not to get discouraged when you don't meet friends immediately. New, healthy relationships take time to form, so be patient. Try some of the following tips to jump-start your social life after your big move.

Don't Knock Social Media and Networking Apps

In the present day, social networking is often used as a tool to communicate with others. While social media shouldn't replace face to face communication and socialization, it can be a powerful means of recreating your social life in a new city. Use the Facebook friends you already have to link you to people they know in the same town. For example, make a post about just moving to a new city and wanting to meet new people. Use the friends you already have to meet people they know from the same area. This strategy can create friendships you can trust instead of meeting an unfamiliar random person of whom you know nothing.

Remember never to invite someone you don't know to your home the first time you meet. Rendezvous in a public place like a coffee shop, restaurant, or even a park.

People use mobile applications and websites all the time to search for dating partners. You can do the same to find friends.

One common site for finding new friends is Meetup.

Meetup is a website geared towards helping people establish a social life based on common interest. This website features several different categories. One of the categories is "New in Town." Putting yourself in this group can help you find others who are new to the same town as you. Use this powerful resource to help you find activities to join such as a sports team or a book club.

Some additional websites and mobile apps to help you find friends are Instagram, Twitter, GirlFriendCircles, and

Attend and Become a Part of Things that Interest You

Start joining things that spark your interest. Whether it be an exercise class, getting your nails done, book clubs, or a sports team. They are all possibilities to help you connect with others that share similar interest. Before, after, or during the event, strike up a small conversation with someone nearby. It could be a simple "Today's class was challenging" or "I love that color on your nails." Anything that gets the conversation going and steered toward future communication.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Aside from work, school, shared interests, social media and networking websites and apps, your neighbors are excellent people to work towards making a connection. Say a friendly "hello" while doing laundry, checking the mailbox, or heading to and from your cars. After you've spoken a few times, begin with some small talk. Let that break the ice up a bit, then ask them questions about themselves and show an interest in who they are. Living in the same building, or neighborhood is an easy way to make conversation because you're both experiencing some of the same things in your surroundings.

Volunteer

Giving back to the community you just moved to is an excellent way to meet people and get involved in new things around town. Find a cause you're passionate about, like volunteering at a local animal shelter, food bank, or even a school, especially if you have children. Making yourself available to things your community needs can help you socialize and feel like you're a part of something, which can boost your overall mood. Volunteering will show people that you're thinking of others. That is a good friendship quality that everyone looks for. Meeting people this way will also connect you with people who have good hearts, intentions, and willingness to help others.

Connect with People from Work or School

Working together is another thing that you and people from your workplace have in common. Chat while you're at work and maybe suggest that you make plans after you both get off one day. Grab lunch together or coffee on your way home. Carpooling is also an excellent option for you get to know each other to build your friendship.

If you're a student that attends classes throughout the week, get to know the people in your class. Many instructors in college classes give opportunities to work in groups, so use this time to connect with your classmates. Talk about the course and why you're taking it. Maybe you share the same major. Discuss what your plans are after graduation.

With today's technology, more people are telecommuting or working from home. That can leave you feeling isolated after moving to a new city. However, there are still options for meeting and connecting with the people working with you. Whatever your company uses for means of communication, such as email or Facebook, put up a post or send a mass email stating where you'll be working and when to invite others to join you for the workday. That gives you an opportunity to socialize.

Finding friends in a new city can be challenging and nerve-racking. On top of unpacking, transferring your mail, and getting to know the area, you have a responsibility to your social life as well. It's important not to put it on the back burner. Socializing is beneficial for your health especially if you work from home and don't get out much. Try some of these tips above, step out of your comfort zone, and make some new friends.

Interested in the Homes for Heroes Program?
Homes for Heroes has affiliates all over the country to help you, the hero, save money while buying a home. If you're a Hero and you're interested in learning more go here to fill out the form, and an affiliate local to you will give you a call. If you're an affiliate and would like to sign up to help Heroes save money, you can do so here.

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How to Make Friends in a New City - Homes for Heroes®

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Moving to a new city can cause a lot of overwhelming emotions. Relocating somewhere you've never lived before can be exciting, stressful, and a little bit frightening. With all the worries associated with moving such as changing your address, unpacking, and finding local stores to grocery shop at, a new social life is probably the farthest thing from your mind.

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Few things in life are as stressful as selling a house. If you’re frantic because your home hasn’t sold yet, here are seven reasons why it may not be selling. SIGN UP to contact a Homes for Heroes real estate specialist near you for help in selling your house.
Why isn't My House Selling

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Few things in life are as stressful as selling a house. To make it worse, sometimes a property just sits on the market without any prospective buyers. If you're frantic because your home hasn't sold yet, here are seven reasons why it may not be selling.

Price is Too High

There is an old adage in real estate that every property will sell at the right price. If your house isn't getting any offers, it is likely that the price is out of whack with the market. Homes for Heroes real estate specialists are experts in their local area and will help you to pick an appropriate asking price. They also have the expertise to market your home to qualified buyers.

Uninviting Curb Appeal

Your house only has one first chance to welcome buyers. It's easy to become so used to your house that you don't notice that it looks a little down in the dumps. Sadly, buyers miss out on many wonderful homes because the lack of curb appeal causes them to ignore the potential of the home. Indeed, some buyers won't even get out of the car to look at a house with crummy curb appeal.

Fortunately, it is relatively easy to create curb appeal that welcomes buyers and encourages them to explore the many beautiful features of your house. One easy way to help you see things potential buyers may see is to invite a friend or family member over that can look at your house objectively. Have them make you a list of things they notice. Here are a few other ways to make sure that your house makes a fantastic first impression:

Wash the windows

Power wash the driveway and entry walk

Mow and weed the lawn

Trim hedges and trees

Plant colorful flowers

Put out a brand new welcome mat

Ensure there is no trash in the yard

Obstinate Doors

Do you use a particular trick to open your front door? If you have to use any skills to force your door open, it is critical that you either fix it or replace the hardware on the knob. Every real estate professional has stories of the front door that wouldn't open. If a buyer can't get into your house, there is very little chance that the buyer will make an offer on it.

Mess

A messy, unclean house gives buyers the impression that the owner doesn't care about the house. Unless you are selling your house as a potential tear-down, it's essential that you pull out your cleaning supplies and get ready for some hard work. A deep cleaning results in a shiny, sparkling house that inspires buyers to fall in love with the house.

Special Tip: Clean and organize your refrigerator until it looks like those refrigerators that you see in home decorating magazines. Savvy buyers will open the fridge to check up on the cleanliness of the house.

Too Much Character

You turned your house into your home through photographs, artwork, and collectibles. Do your friends admire your collection of Star Wars figures? Framed autographed sports jersey? A potential buyer might admire your collections and quirky style, too. The problem is that it makes the house feel like your house. Instead, you want a potential buyer to start thinking of the house as their house. They won't think of it as their house if they feel like a visitor in your home.

The secret to toning down the character in your house is to declutter and neutralize. Examine each room for your personal touches, such as photographs, and remove them. Think of decluttering as packing for your move. An easy way to neutralize the style in a home is by painting the walls a neutral color such as grey and beige.

Stinky Smells

Ask any real estate specialist about the primary reasons that buyers reject property, and the subject of unpleasant odors is at the top of the list. Invisible stinky smells will drive buyers out of your house before they even notice the terrific floor plan and neutral wall colors. Common causes of nasty odors are pets, cooking, and cigarette smoke.

Some tried, and true odor eliminating methods include:

Shampoo carpets and upholstery

Wash pet bedding and toys

Open windows

Place a bowl of white vinegar in a room overnight

Repaint walls

Put an opened box of baking soda in musty smelling closets

Children and Pets

Remember how tears rolled down your cheeks when you watched the kids and pets in Marley and Me? Sadly, buyers hate pet odors and kid clutter.

Don't worry, you won't need to send your kids and pets to live with relatives while your house is on the market. Instead, ask your child to select a few special toys and box up the rest. Keep the remaining toys organized in one part of the house. It's also helpful to repaint the walls in your child's room with a neutral paint color.

You can minimize the presence of your pets through intense cleaning and odor elimination. Make sure that pet food bowls are cleaned and put away from sight before any house showings. Try to keep all of your pet paraphernalia in one organized location. Cat owners must clean litter boxes each day as litter box odors tend to waft throughout a house.

Special Tip: Don't forget your small pets who live in tanks and cages. Everyone benefits when you make an effort to maintain your pets living spaces. Your beautiful fish tank, for example, is a delightful touch to your living room but will distract a potential purchaser if the tank water is murky and smelly.

In closing, a speedy home sale is the result of a competitive asking price and optimizing the appeal of the property. SIGN UP to contact a Homes for Heroes real estate specialist near you for help in selling your house. With a few extra minutes taken in the beginning to prepare your home to sell, it can help stress levels in the long run.

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Why Isn't My House Selling? 7 Fact Why Your House May Not Be Selling

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Few things in life are as stressful as selling a house. To make it worse, sometimes a property just sits on the market without any prospective buyers. If you're frantic because your home hasn't sold yet, here are seven reasons why it may not be selling.

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The best strategy is to have a plan and create a budget. There are several ways to come up with a budget so you are able to afford the expenses when you need to make the repairs.
Average Home Repair Costs

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There are several schools of thought on how to budget on home repairs, but there is one consensus: all homeowners need an emergency fund.

How do you budget for the unknown expenses? What is the average cost of home repairs? Whether you have a new or old home, repairs will be required.

Benjamin Franklin said it well, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

The best strategy is to have a plan and create a budget. There are several ways to come up with a budget so you are able to afford the expenses when you need to make the repairs. There are five standard approaches to building a reserve fund for unexpected home maintenance: an emergency fund, square foot rule, itemized project cost, assessed-value method, and to prioritize projects.

Create an Emergency Fund

An Emergency Fund is as basic as it gets for budgeting for unplanned home repairs. Unfortunately, unseasoned homeowners grossly under budget for home repairs. The rule of thumb is to set aside one percent of your homes market value every year. If your home is worth $350,000, then your savings would be $3500. That would be helpful if you need to replace something small such as a kicked-in door. $3500 would not cover the cost to repair something larger such as the foundation.

There are always unforeseen expenses of homeownership. Thankfully, a lot of accidents are covered by homeowners insurance, but there are always heartbreaking stories how the insurer would not cover. If you choose this method, make sure to budget for the most expensive home maintenance you could possibly need for your home. To shoot for catastrophe, at least save 3% to 4% of the home's current market value.

Square Foot Rule

The square foot rule is helpful in reflecting the ratio of the size of the home to the size of the fund. For every square foot, you would set aside one dollar. For a 1500 sq foot house, you would have a nest egg of $1500. The square foot rule does not take into account the age or condition of the house. You can contain a lot of variables in the assessed-value calculations.

Use the Assessed-Value Method

The assessed-value method can account for your home's market value, so it should reflect the size and is scalable. Set aside 1% to 4% of the dwelling per year. Let's say you have a new home and your repair expenses should stay on the lower side.

Each year you set aside money in the repair fund. When it is time to replace the roof or do a kitchen remodel in 10 to 15 years, there should be enough to fund the roof. Having a range of how much you save enables you as the owner to forecast for environmental factors as well.

Look at Itemized Project Cost

Itemized project cost specifically audits the state of the home and how much each repair or replacement would cost in the current market. By using this process, you consider the buildings age and upcoming maintenance for the life of the home.

By conceiving an itemized schedule of future improvements, you enable yourself to fix structural weaknesses before you are stuck with an urgent repair. You could also include any renovations or changes to your home with the assessment.

The Prioritize Projects Method

The prioritize projects and assess your needs method is really helpful for older homes. This method is more effective if used in conjunction with the itemize project cost method. Let's say you can look up the average life of flooring. You can get a price estimate and save for the forthcoming renovation.

If you want to remodel your kitchen, you do not have to do it all at once. You can break it down into smaller projects.

You look at every project in the home and prioritize them on when you expect to make the restoration. Make sure to read all your warranties, and if your roof needs repair within the allotted period, use the warranty to get you more time to focus on uncovered needs.

If you have a new home, you probably have a warranty for all construction and appliances. Address any issues for work that wasn't done properly in the first year, or whatever the timeframe of your warranty contract.

Last Thoughts

Do not plan on your credit card as the "Emergency Fund." That will just cost you additional interest when you have no savings for the next repair that crops up.

Murphy's Law occurs at the most inconvenient times: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong."

There are lots of ways to budget for home repairs. You can automatically contribute to an additional escrow for home repairs when you pay your mortgage. You could also have your paycheck direct deposit a portion into a savings account.

If you already have a home, take the time now to calculate what you should budget for an unexpected home repair. Assess your situation on the most effective approach to save for repairs for your specific situation. Most importantly, start saving Right NOW.

By planning now, you do not have to suffer later. If you are just starting to right the ship today by building your savings, try to lower all your overhead.

Find an inexpensive way to fix your home issues yourself. Network with friends and family to do as much of the labor or prep work you can manage efficiently. Negotiate with contractors, use salvage material or mid-grade materials, and use any tax credits you qualify for.

Hey, if you have skills to trade for services, barter for work you need in your home. Find out when a home repair store sale is coming and plan to make a purchase at those times. Take an extra few minutes when you are making a purchase and see if there are any rebates.

Check out our deals page to shop for discounts and savings on materials and services to save you a few bucks. Tell us how you save money on your unplanned home maintenance.
Are you interested in the Homes for Heroes Program? If you're a Hero and would like to learn more about saving money on a home purchase, sale, or even refinancing go here to fill out our form and a real estate specialist in your area will call you. If you're interested in becoming an affiliate so you can SERVE our Heroes, simply go here.

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Home Maintenance Costs - How to Budget for the Unexpected-HFH

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There are several schools of thought on how to budget on home repairs, but there is one consensus: all homeowners need an emergency fund. How do you budget for the unknown expenses? What is the average cost of home repairs? Whether you have a new or old home, repairs will be required.

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The buyers will most likely hire an inspector to assist them. During the inspection, they will check multiple things and dive into your personal space as well. Here are some home inspection tips that you can apply to get best results.
Home Inspection Tips

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The process of selling your home will involve a home inspection which won't be the most pleasant experience of your selling adventure, but it will be worth it in the end. Inspections involve potential buyers coming into your home and checking every crack and crevice to determine if your house is the one for them. You will already show it to them once before the inspection, but this will let them investigate the history of your home and everything that needs repair. Hopefully, for you, that's not a lot. With the right dedication and care of your home, it shouldn't be. Consider repairing any small or large details that might prevent your house from selling. Check out the Homes for Heroes to find discounts on home improvement supplies and more.

The buyers will most likely hire an inspector to assist them. During the inspection, they will check multiple things and dive into your personal space as well. So, be prepared and have your closets, attics, and basements easily accessible. Below are some tips to prepare you for inspection day.

Understanding How Inspections Work

To prepare your home and yourself for the inspection, you must understand what they're looking for and how they work. Having your home in good shape will not only ensure that the sale goes through, but also that you get the top dollar amount.

Almost all purchase contracts for houses sold contain a home inspection contingency clause. The clause means that the buyers have a right and an option to hire a home inspector to evaluate your home for any significant problems such as mold or termites. Once the contract is signed, the process begins quickly. You will make an appointment, and both the buyer and their inspector will arrive and go through the entire house. The inspection usually takes about three to four hours; however, if the buyer requested the inspector to look at specific things then it could take longer. For example, the buyer might have suggested that the insulation or framing be looked at to see if any pests have made it their place of residence too.

Most states have specific requirements involving home inspections. Some require inspectors to be licensed. Research to find out exactly what the conditions are for your state. The specifications will include what to look at and what is prohibited. Your state will also have certifications that are required for home inspectors as well, such as a code of ethics. There can be some steep penalties for inspectors who make big mistakes.

What Happens Next?

The next steps are outlined in your contingency clause. If problems were found, there would typically be an additional negotiation between you and the buyer. Expectations of the buyer and the what the inspection uncovered will be what they ask you to fix. For example, they might see that the furnace will need replacing within the next few years and request you install one before the completing the transaction. Often, the best way to resolve these kinds of disputes is to share of the cost of what needs replacing and fixed.

Preparing Your Home

When selling your home, you need to make sure you capture buyer's attention and set it apart from all the other houses on the market. You can do this by making sure the appearance of your home is in good shape. Landscaping and painting might come to mind first, but there are other things to fix as well.

Start on the outside of your home. Repair things like rotted trim, loose steps, or disconnected gutters. Look for any little details that could need repair. You can see the roof better with a pair of binoculars, and you won't even have to climb all the way up there. Look for things like missing shingles, exposed metal, or anything that could indicate a leak. Inside your home look for mechanical problems in your heating and cooling system, electrical outlets, and faucets. Fixing the small things that aren't a big deal to you can show your buyers and inspector that you have taken care of your home.

Hire Your Own Inspector

If you can afford it, hiring your inspector to go through your house before you put it on the market can provide several advantages for you. You will avoid surprises if the buyer's inspector mentions anything that needs attention. Upon the discovery of problems, you have time to get them fixed. Once the buyer's inspection is over, you also have your report to compare theirs to.

The Report

The inspector will only discuss their conclusions with their client. It seems unfair, but in some states, it's the law. The best thing for you to do in the process of the inspection is to find somewhere to go so your buyers can be more comfortable discussing things with their inspector without you hearing. Following the inspectors and buyers around isn't a good idea. Give them some room to work.

The process of selling your home can be long and involve lots of work, but the payout is worth it. In the end, once the papers are signed, and keys are handed over, you will be glad you went through all this trouble to ensure your home was in perfect shape.

INTERESTED IN THE HOMES FOR HEROES PROGRAM?
If you are a residential real estate agent or mortgage lender who's interested in joining Homes for Heroes and providing Hero Rewards® or discounts to your local heroes, here and we will contact you.

If you are a community-minded business who's interested in joining Homes for Heroes and providing Hero Rewards® or discounts to local heroes, Sign Up and we will contact you as soon as possible.

If you are a Hero interested in buying, selling or refinancing a home, simply complete the two-step Sign Up process and you will be contacted by our affiliate real estate specialist in your area.

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Home Inspection Tips for Sellers - Homes for Heroes®

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The process of selling your home will involve a home inspection which won't be the most pleasant experience of your selling adventure, but it will be worth it in the end. Inspections involve potential buyers coming into your home and checking every crack and crevice to determine if your house is the one for them.

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The rate of suicide among first responders is 50% higher than the general population. The Homes for Heroes Foundation is proud to support Humanizing the Badge’s Call For Backup campaign to help reduce the suicide rate among our first responders.
First Responder Home Grants

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More than 43% of law enforcement officers personally know an active or retired police officer that has taken their own life.

78% of law enforcement officers know a department or agency that has lost one of its officers to suicide.

The rate of suicide among first responders is 50% higher than the general population.

The strains, stresses and trauma of a police officer's job directly impacts their mental health. The stigma of weakness associated with an officer's inability to cope with these stresses are causing many officers to deal with them in a fateful way. This stigma also prevents many departments from recognizing this problem and allocating the necessary resources to help their officers deal with their stresses proactively and positively.

Call For Backup is a campaign launched by Humanizing the Badge to address this stigma, and bring awareness to a unique suicide prevention program for first responders. The Call For Backup suicide awareness and prevention program educates officers on how to help each other, as well as themselves deal with the stresses they face in their line of work. It also helps first responders understand how their job naturally creates stress, both mentally and physically. This unique training program teaches them how to be more resilient against stress when a major event occurs. Most importantly, the program helps first responders become vigilant at watching out for one another and provide backup when a colleague needs it, and call for backup whenever necessary.

The Homes for Heroes Foundation is proud to support Humanizing the Badge's Call For Backup campaign to help reduce the suicide rate among our first responders. Homes for Heroes Affiliate Specialist, Chris Fisher, presented the Call For Backup campaign with a $5,000 grant on behalf of the Homes for Heroes Foundation. As a board member of Humanizing the Badge, Chris Fisher knows first-hand how important the work that Humanizing the Badge is doing through this unique campaign.

"Our police officers commit suicide at an alarming rate, a rate that outpaces those killed in the line of duty. It is imperative that we provide these heroes with the coping mechanisms and confidential support to curb suicide among their ranks. Through the Call for Backup campaign, Humanizing the Badge is making a proactive effort and positive impact on the mental health and resiliency of these heroes. I'm proud to support the work they do."

Police departments can access the necessary resources to help their officers with suicide awareness and prevention through the Call for Backup campaign. Simply send a message to Humanizing the Badge to bring the Call for Backup program to your department.

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Foundation Grant to Help Reduce Suicide Rate Among 1st Responders

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More than 43% of law enforcement officers personally know an active or retired police officer that has taken their own life. 78% of law enforcement officers know a department or agency that has lost one of its officers to suicide. The rate of suicide among first responders is 50% higher than the general population.

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Are you ready to plunge into buying a home in Texas? Here is everything you need to know to ease those first time home buyer Texas-sized jitters. Join Homes For Heroes Blog to get more home buying tips.
Texas Homes for Heroes

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Are you ready to plunge into buying a home in Texas? Are you nervous? Don't worry. There is an old saying that everything is better in Texas, and this is especially true today. Here is everything you need to know to ease those first time home buyer Texas-sized jitters.

Lone Star Life

The State of Texas is enormous, with over 268,000 square miles of land. In addition to a diversified and robust economy that provides countless job opportunities, residents appreciate the relatively low cost of living, world-class educational opportunities, and access to top quality health care.

Some of the most distinct delights of life in Texas include:

Riding on the New Texas Giant roller coaster at Six Flags over Texas

Feasting on Texas barbecue, complete with slow-cooked meat, coleslaw, potato salad, and corn muffins

Dancing the Texas Two Step at a honky tonk

Singing along at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin

Strolling along the Riverwalk in San Antonio

Venturing into the mission control room at NASA Johnson Space Center

Cheering for the world champion Houston Astros baseball team

Building sand castles on the beach in Galveston

Standing firm as the 12th man for Texas A&M football

Chowing down on some old-fashioned Texas chili

Shopping for antiques in the Texas Hill Country

Buying Your Home

Buying your first house is a little overwhelming and scary. After all, you're making one of the most important decisions of your life. Homes for Heroes wants to help make this process more comfortable for you.

Our network of affiliated real estate agents and lenders work in local communities throughout Texas to help Heroes with their real estate transactions. Sign up to find out how Homes for Heroes can help with your first home purchase.

Step 1: Partner with an Expert Real Estate Agent

An experienced real estate agent is the key to making your home buying process less stressful. A knowledgeable real estate specialist is an expert in the local real estate market and can locate homes that meet your requirements and budget. Homes for Heroes real estate specialist affiliates work with first time home buyers all the time and are eager to save you money.

TIP: If you use a real estate agent affiliated with Homes for Heroes to buy your home, you will receive a Hero's Reward check a few weeks after closing. For instance, if you purchase a home for $200,000, you'll receive a check for $1400 as a thank you. That is the kind of 'thank you' we all like to receive.

Step 2: Finances

How much can you afford to spend on a house? It's critical that you know the answer to this question before you start looking at houses.

Examine your budget and think about how much of your budget you can devote to housing. Experts recommend that you commit no more than 30% of your available funds each month to housing expenses.

Down Payment

Most lenders require that you contribute money at the beginning of the purchase through a down payment. Typically, lenders reward borrowers who can put 20% or more into a down payment by giving them benefits such as lower interest rates.

There are many home loans available to buyers that require less money in a down payment. For example, FHA loans require a down payment of 3.5% for those who qualify. VA loans do not require any down payment for eligible borrowers. Check with a Homes for Heroes loan specialist for information on home loans that meet your needs.

Loan Pre-Approval

Obtaining a loan pre-approval letter from your lender early in the house hunting process helps to ensure a successful purchase. A pre-approval letter is a written guarantee of a home loan from the lender. Sellers prefer buyers with pre-approved financing, so the letter strengthens your purchase offer.

TIP: Don't make any significant purchases after you get pre-approved because any changes in your credit might cause the lender to deny the loan.

Step 3: Select a House

Once you know how much money you can spend on your new house, it's time to figure out where to search for a home. Experienced homeowners attest to the importance of choosing a neighborhood that suits your basic needs and personality when buying a house. Your sweat equity can improve a house, but cannot fix the entire block. So, research local areas before you start touring potential properties.

What are Your Needs?

At a minimum, a neighborhood needs to fit your requirements. The list below gives suggestions of fundamental needs for many homeowners. What features do you have to have in a location?

Buying a house in Texas is so rewarding because you don't have to settle for a community that just meets your basic needs. Instead, you can move to an area that makes you happy. Does your dream include raising chickens? How about vibrant urban condo living? A house in the suburbs with a pool in the backyard?

While you're searching for your new home, look at a variety of housing options. That bungalow with the yellow rose bushes in the backyard might whisper a nice, warm welcome.

TIP: Take photographs and notes of each tour.

At last, it's time to make an offer on the house. Rely on your real estate agent for advice on the market and the specifics of your proposal. The negotiating phase of the house buying process is where your decision to hire an expert real estate professional pays off.
Let Us Help You Save Money
Homes for Heroes partners with businesses throughout Texas and Nationwide to help Heroes save money. Ask your real estate specialist for information about local business deals that will keep money in your pocket as you settle into your new home.

Lastly, you're making a wise decision in choosing to purchase your first home in Texas. The Lone Star State delivers its residents an exceptional quality of life and incredible opportunities for the future. Sign up for a no-obligation referral to real estate professionals in your community.

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Everything You Need to Know About Being a First Time Home Buyer in Texas-HFH

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Are you ready to plunge into buying a home in Texas? Are you nervous? Don't worry. There is an old saying that everything is better in Texas, and this is especially true today. Here is everything you need to know to ease those first time home buyer Texas-sized jitters.

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Using too much pressure can cause small pieces to chip off, but dust also gets stuck in the texture that needs removing. This guide will help you clean your popcorn ceilings as efficiently and quickly as possible. Know how to clean popcorn ceiling easily and effectively.
How to Clean a Popcorn Ceiling

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Many older houses come with popcorn ceilings, which refers to the texture used on ceilings a couple of decades ago. Because of their texture, homeowners may find it difficult to clean and may not even know how to begin. Using too much pressure can cause small pieces to chip off, but dust also gets stuck in the texture that needs removing. This guide will help you clean your popcorn ceilings as efficiently and quickly as possible.
A Brief History of Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings were popular in new home constructions and renovations in the mid-1900s because they were easy to spray on, hid imperfections, and blocked out some noise. Also called a cottage cheese ceiling, stucco ceiling, or acoustic ceiling, this was a favorite material for bedrooms, hallways and, in some cases, the whole house. In the early days of popcorn ceilings, the material used contained asbestos. Once the US banned asbestos, popcorn ceilings lost some steam. Builders, however, continued to use textured ceilings in this way with Styrofoam instead.
Why You Should Clean Your Popcorn Ceilings At Least Once A Year
The bumpy texture of popcorn ceilings acts as a dust magnet. When dust accumulates in the ridges, it accentuates the shadows and can make it look gray and dingy. This collection of dust that may span the whole home can exacerbate allergies, so frequent cleaning can help relieve symptoms. Cleaning your popcorn ceiling at least once a year can brighten up your home, so if you've never cleaned your popcorn ceiling before, check out the tools and steps below.
Tools You'll Need
Cleaning a popcorn ceiling is no easy task, but it is a necessary one. You will need plastic tarps to cover and protect your furniture and floors from falling dust, styrofoam, and cleaning solution. A protective mask will stop you from inhaling particles that can damage your lungs. You should also wear goggles to shield your eyes from falling dust and Styrofoam. You can use a long vacuum attachment, if you have one, or use a stepladder to reach the ceiling.

To make a cleaning solution, you will need a spray bottle, water, liquid dish soap, and bleach or vinegar. Make sure to have a sponge on hand to get into the nooks and crannies, and a circulating fan to dissipate the fumes from the cleaning solution. Some other supplies you may need include a broom, Wooster brush, duct tape, and a lint brush. While you probably have most of these items in your home already, you can find any extra supplies at your local home improvement store at affordable prices.

Another option is to use duct tape or a lint roller to remove surface dust. Just roll over the ceiling, and the dust will stick to the tape. Although this is a useful method, it is probably the most time consuming as well because it takes longer to cover a larger area.
Cleaning Methods
When it comes to cleaning your popcorn ceiling, there are a few different methods from which you can choose. A mixture of all or some of them may make the process feel a bit easier and quicker. The method you decide upon will also depend on the supplies you already have in your home.

The first method includes using your vacuum attachments to clean as much dust and cobwebs as possible. Although this will likely only remove the surface dust, it will make the detailed cleaning easier. If you have one, use a wide-brush attachment. If your attachment is long enough, you may be able to do this from the floor. If, however, you need to use a ladder, use caution while cleaning and getting up and down to prevent injury.

You can also clean the ceiling with a broom in a similar fashion. Lightly "sweep" the ceiling to loosen dust and let it fall on the tarps. This is when you'll be glad for your mask!

If you have grease stains on the ceiling in your kitchen, combine warm water and liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray it on the stain, gently dab with a sponge or rag, and let dry. If you have mildew, smoke, or water stains, mix bleach and water in a spray bottle. Begin with one part bleach to five parts water. Lightly mist the whole area while not spraying too much in any one area to prevent further water stains. Wait for a few hours to see if it's working and if it's not, add a little bit more bleach and mist again.
How To Clean a Popcorn Ceiling

Step 1: Check for asbestos. This step is imperative because the cleaning process could potentially release substantial amounts of asbestos into the air which can severely damage your lungs. If you are not sure that your home is asbestos-free, do not attempt to clean your popcorn ceiling until you get it tested.

Step 2: Prepare. Put on all the protective gear you have to prevent inhalation of dust or styrofoam. Try not to let anyone in the area that is not wearing protective gear. Mix your cleaning solution and put it in a spray bottle. If you want, you can mist the surfaces in the room with water so that the dust will settle rather than remain airborne.

Step 3: Begin removing the surface dust with one or more methods discussed above: vacuuming, sweeping, or taping.

Step 4: Use your cleaner to treat any stains on your ceiling.

Step 5: Mist the rest of your ceiling with whichever solution you prefer. Lightly dab any unusually dusty or dirty areas with a sponge or rag.

Step 6: Let dry overnight, making sure to keep the area as ventilated as possible.

Now, your ceiling should look as good as new! Having a clean ceiling can look and feel great, especially if you suffer from allergies. Now that you know how to clean your ceiling efficiently, you can maintain it by doing a lighter cleaning once or twice a year. Happy cleaning heroes!

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How to Clean Those Popcorn Ceilings - Homes for Heroes®

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Many older houses come with popcorn ceilings, which refers to the texture used on ceilings a couple of decades ago. Because of their texture, homeowners may find it difficult to clean and may not even know how to begin. Using too much pressure can cause small pieces to chip off, but dust also gets stuck in the texture that needs removing.

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14 Exterior Paint Colors to Help Sell Your Home

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14 Exterior Paint Colors to Help Sell Your Home

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A lot of factors go into selling your house. The potential buyers will have a lot of questions about the neighborhood, maintenance over the years, and many other things. Read these 14 exterior painting colors to help sell your home fast.
Exterior Paint Colors

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A lot of factors go into selling your house. The potential buyers will have a lot of questions about the neighborhood, maintenance over the years, and many other things. However, nothing compares to the first impression the prospective home buyer will get before even entering the house.

Have you ever passed by a house and admired how astonishing it looked? How your home appears on the outside is called the curb appeal. It can determine the buyer's attitude during the entire house showing period. Most of the time, sellers will decorate and remodel the inside of their homes with hopes to wow the buyer as soon as they walk in the door, but fail to realize that the first impression comes from the outside. Add just the right colors to the exterior of your home to enhance the curb appeal. H ere are some exterior paint colors sure to make your buyers fall in love at first sight.

Off White or White with Grey and Blue

Putty, warm taupe, grey hues, and white

A putty or warm taupe color will blend into your home's natural surroundings. Grey hues and white trim create a color combination that will invite your guests to stay for awhile, and hopefully forever.

This color combination will stand out from the surrounding houses. A blue, such as turquoise or teal, is a different color you don't see painted on many homes. Create an undertone with a deep purple color to entrance the buyers. White trim on the doors, windows, and outdoor railings will create a perfect balance between these colors.

Enhance your homes curb appeal with primary colors. The primary colors include red, blue, and yellow. Even though these colors might not sound appealing, you may be surprised. Use one primary color as a base for the entire house, then use the others sparingly. For example, you could paint your house a shade of blue and add a red door with red shutters. The buyers of the home will look at several different houses before choosing one, so make yours is one that stands out from the rest the very first time they lay eyes on it.

This look is a natural one that blends in with trees and natural surroundings. If the location of your home is near a wooded area, this color scheme might be perfect for selling. The soft yellow color will capture the sunlight along with white trim. It will create a peaceful setting for relaxation.

This scheme is perfect for a house near the beach or a sunny area. The yellow will capture the sun and its warmth while creating a cheerful glow. The brown accent of the door creates a welcoming sense to guests and your buyers. The white trim contributes to a clean look that is sure to be appealing.

This color combination works well with traditional style homes. Painting your home a lighter shade with a darker colored accent for the door will preserve the traditional and graceful sense of your home.

This exterior color scheme is full of earthy tones and creates a feeling of warmth. The natural tones of beige and brown will make the homebuyers feel like they're home as soon as they pull into the driveway. Add a deep red door to bring a hint of color to the brown while still maintaining the warm appearance.

These warm tones are sure to capture your buyer's attention. The scheme is perfect for an older home or Victorian style home. Give your home peach siding with a reddish-brown door and a cream trim, and they're sure to fall in love.

No matter what color you may fall in love with, your Homes For Heroes Specialist can help get you sell your home faster.

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14 Exterior Paint Colors to Help Sell Your Home - Homes for Heroes®

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A lot of factors go into selling your house. The potential buyers will have a lot of questions about the neighborhood, maintenance over the years, and many other things. However, nothing compares to the first impression the prospective home buyer will get before even entering the house.

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When it comes to saving money on a tight budget, discipline is what you need. Here are best 11 tips to save money on a tight budget. For more home buying tips subscribe our blog now!

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When it comes to saving money on a tight budget, discipline is what you need. Having a budget doesn't mean cutting out everything fun you do in your spare time, but you should pay attention to how much money you spend on a monthly basis. That helps you to stay focused. At Homes for Heroes, our goal is to serve heroes and save them money. That is why we created these 11 tips to save you money.
1) Know What You Spend
If you want to change how you spend your money, you need to know how much you use. One of the quickest ways to figure that out is to use your online banking website, where you'll find some version of a "Financial Management" page that breaks your purchases into categories. It will show you how much money you spend in a month and what you purchase.
2) Create a Budget
Once you know what your spending habits are, you can work to change them. If you're spending your "extra money" on unnecessary things, you can put a limit on those purchases and start to see more money staying in your bank account. You don't need to change everything about your budget, but knowing will help you choose what to change.
3) Cook at Home
Even if you refrain from eating out for a month or two, you will see how much money you can save. Most of the time, if you try out certain new habits in regards to your budget, you'll see the difference and realize you don't miss those habits as much as you thought you would. If you want to celebrate with friends, go for it, just make sure you account for it in your budget.
4) Resist Impulse Buying
If you go to the store and see something you like, hold off for 24 hours. You get time to think about the item and whether you really want it. If you're going to buy a home or go on a trip, compare what you want to buy to your dream house or a plane ticket, and I guarantee, the need for that item will dwindle.
5) Pay Credit Card Bills Before End of Month
If you have to purchase something with a credit card, you must pay that amount off before the end of the month to avoid having to pay interest. If you need to use a credit card to improve your credit for the purchase of a home, then keep your balance under 30% of the total amount on the card.
6) Balance Your Checkbook
Knowing what you owe each month helps you know what money you have available to put into groceries, gas, entertainment, and savings. You can use Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or OpenOffice Calc to create a spreadsheet or do an online search for "free budget planner." There is a variety of templates to download and change as you need.

First, note each of your bills, when they are due, and what the monthly payment is. Add those up and compare the number to your paycheck. Consider that money gone. It's not money you get to spend. Instead, it's money that does its job and barely has time to sit in your bank account before it leaves again.

Divvy up the remaining amount into categories, like gas, groceries, entertainment, and savings. When you keep track of how much money you have in your account, you avoid overdraft fees, and you save more money. Break your monthly budget into two separate sections if you get paid every two weeks. This action will help you avoid going broke in the week before your next paycheck.
7) Automatic Payments
Setting up automatic payments for bills and payments is the best way to save you money. If you miss a payment, you get charged a late fee, and your next payment will be more than double the amount even though your paycheck will remain the same. In order to consider that money untouchable, you need to set it up to leave your bank account without you touching it. It's all too easy to see your bank statement and have the urge to use that money somewhere else. Ignore that urge and put the money where it needs to go as soon as possible. That saves you money later on.
8) Emergency Fund
I know what you're thinking: if I set up autopay and something else happens that costs money, I won't have any. That is true, which is why I suggest you set up an emergency fund. These funds will help if your car breaks down, or if you have a last minute root canal. You don't touch it otherwise. Some experts suggest you put in either two paychecks worth or $1000, whichever is higher, but you can also get help from this handy Emergency Fund Calculator.
9) Buy In Bulk
If there is something you will always use, such as toilet paper, cooking oil, or paper towels, buy it in bulk. Avoid perishable items as they will expire before you can use them. Check the price per ounce, though, because bulk is not always cheaper.
10) Buy Second Hand
When it comes to some items, you can save a lot of money by looking for them at thrift stores, goodwills, and garage sales. Sometimes you can find brand new things at a fraction of the original cost. Makes sure you set a limit before you head out in search of deals, or you'll end up buying more items you don't need just because they cost less.
11) Invest Your Credit Card Rewards Back Into Your Credit Card
Most credit cards offer rewards for making payments and for using the card. Some rewards include a percentage off of a gift card, or entries into sweepstakes, which are just ways for you to spend more money. You never get a free $10 gift, but usually, you can buy a $50 gift card for $40. Instead of spending more money, take the reward amount and put it back on the card. The amount is usually under $5 each month, but every little bit adds up.

At Homes For Heroes, we are in the business of saving our heroes as much money as possible. Make sure you stop by our local deals page and see what discounts we have for you in your local area!

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11 Ways to Save Money on a Tight Budget - Homes for Heroes®

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When it comes to saving money on a tight budget, discipline is what you need. Having a budget doesn't mean cutting out everything fun you do in your spare time, but you should pay attention to how much money you spend on a monthly basis. That helps you to stay focused.

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Moving to a new location? Here are some helpful moving hacks to make your next move a little less stressful. Even if you think you know how to pack for a move, you are bound to find something useful.

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No matter the cause of your move, the process of moving and packing can be a bit overwhelming. Even when you feel that you don't own that much "stuff," moving can take days of your time, whether or not you have it. Below are some helpful moving hacks to make your next move a little less stressful. Even if you think you know how to pack for a move, you are bound to find something useful.

1. Don't Break Everything Down

Most personal items can move as they are right now. For example, why empty out a silverware container when you could just take all your cutlery as-is? Just remove it and wrap it in plastic wrap! The same technique can work on many similar objects. By moving things in their container, it means less unpacking later on.

2. Keep Clothes on the Rack

Why remove clothing from hangers when you can just bundle them? Just like a dry cleaner wraps clothing items in plastic, so can you! Simply bundle multiple hangers of clothing together and place the items inside of a clean trash bag. There are a couple of steps to this process that will make moving clothing easier.

Unroll a ten-gallon trash bag, ideally with drawstrings to secure the bag.

At the bottom of the bag, cut a small hole, not too large, but just large enough to thread the head of the hangers into.

Take clothes from your closet and thread the hangers through the hole at the bottom of the bag (which has now become the top).

Straighten the trash bag over the clothes. To minimize shifting during transit, tie the drawstrings at the bottom. For longer clothes like pants and dresses, you can leave the drawstrings untied.

3. Use What You Have

A lot of your time and expense with moving is running back and forth to a packaging store for moving paper and bubble wrap. However, you can cut these costs with items you likely already own. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Paper plates: put these between your porcelain plates, glass plates, or even fine china and they will be well protected throughout the move

2. Towels and shirts: you can use towels to wrap up breakables as well, and even shirts for stuffing or padding in a box

3. Coffee Filters: Coffee filters work perfectly for stacking cups and protecting them. The best part, once the move is over you can still use the filters for the coffee you'll need to get unpacked.

4. Tame all The Cords

Boxing electronics is rarely something that warrants enthusiasm. However, there are simple ways of controlling those wild, tangled cords and ensuring that they stay with the piece of equipment they are intended for.

When unplugging and taking off walls etc, make sure you get a strong piece of tape and actually tape any screws associated with that piece of equipment right on the back. You won't be losing screws or nails anymore!

When it comes to the bulky cords- we've heard of a great way to not just keep them organized but to do so while reusing something every home has. Simply grab an empty toilet paper roll and begin putting the cords in there, and if needed outside and in the tube. Do this with all cords and label them accordingly and put into a packing box or tub and you're good to go.

5. Decide What to Keep

Most of us hold on to "stuff" that we don't need but refuse to ditch. However, moving is the perfect time to get rid of junk. Moving is the perfect time to declutter!

You're already pulling stuff out and organizing it, so why not have a separate pile of things you don't need? By deciding what you aren't going to move, you may not have as much as you initially thought. A moving sale can be a great way to reduce some of the moving costs. Whatever is left over after your moving sale, you can donate. Best of all, by donating items to thrift stores, you could write off some of it in the process. You may even save more in tax deductions than what you would spend moving it!

6. Double the Amount of Time to Unpack

Cramming things into boxes and relocating them is the simple part. The task we all underestimate is unloading it.

The amount of time it takes you to box, stack, and transport items are more than likely half as much time as it will take to unpack. By then you'll be tired and still be learning the new home's layout.

Schedule yourself accordingly, so you aren't trying to be in two places at once. Most people forget that the world is still turning while your life is upended.

8. Take Steps to Get Your Deposit Back

We know a lot of home-buyers are often moving out of a rental. To ensure you get as much of your deposit back as possible make sure to follow these steps:

1. Have your carpets professionally cleaned

2. Put your blinds in a bleach bath for a few hours, hang them to dry and then put them back up- looking as good a new

3. Clean the inside of every cabinet and drawer with soap and water

4. Wherever possible, touch up the walls with a matching paint color.

5. Enjoy this process and know that you just bought your first home!

9. Look for Moving Discounts

Paying for professional services doesn't always have to come at the full price. There are many discount s out there, from local coupons to holiday moving specials.

Of course, for the best savings, a rewards program like Homes for Heroes will save you more in the long run . These types of discounts have already been vetted, and they're precisely for firefighters, law enforcement, active military and veterans, healthcare workers, EMS and teachers. To learn more head on over to our Local Deals Page, where we provide every day savings to heroes.

10. Organize Boxes by Room

Whether you color your boxes accordingly or merely stack them together, having all the boxes sorted by rooms will make your move easier. By arranging them "in order" now, it takes the guesswork out of taking them from the moving truck. Make sure you write the room names on the box as well. Otherwise, the identifying mark may get hidden.

We sure hope you enjoy your upcoming move and that these hacks helped you in the process. If you or someone you know is a hero and looking to buy a home- don't forget to tell them about the Homes for Heroes program!

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10 Moving Hacks: How to Pack for a Move More Efficiently-HFH

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No matter the cause of your move, the process of moving and packing can be a bit overwhelming. Even when you feel that you don't own that much "stuff," moving can take days of your time, whether or not you have it. Below are some helpful moving hacks to make your next move a little less stressful.

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Did you know that there are some simple steps that you can take to help make your house shine in a competitive real estate market? Here are some practical homes staging tips to help you sell your house.

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Did you know that there are some simple steps that you can take to help make your house shine in a competitive real estate market? Savvy sellers know that staging a house for the market results in attracting excited buyers who are eager to make an offer. Here are some practical home staging tips to help you sell your house.
Curb Appeal
Did you know that many buyers won't even get out of the car to look at a house if the house lacks curb appeal? The terrific news is that it is easy to improve the curb appeal. Mow your lawn and trim the hedges and trees. Wash the windows until they shine. Pay particular attention to making the front door appear inviting by clearing out any cobwebs, shining the door hardware, and ensuring that the door lock and doorknob open smoothly. It's also a nice touch to purchase a new welcome mat and maybe a few potted flowers near the entranceway.
Clean
You want your home to say 'Welcome'. Probably the most important staging tip is to clean your house. And then clean your house again. Potential buyers expect to view a clean house. Unless you can afford to hire a professional cleaning service, this step is going to take a lot of effort, but the reward is a house that makes a great impression on potential buyers. So, take out your cleaning supplies and start shining, scrubbing, mopping, and vacuuming.
Floors
Transfix buyers with fantastic floors. Shampoo and clean all flooring. Stained and worn carpet probably warrants replacement. Wood floors are extremely popular and are a selling point when they are in good shape. Vintage wood floors often benefit from refinishing.
Declutter
You must declutter every room in your home. This is sometimes a painful process because it is hard to say goodbye, even temporarily, to favorite collections. Nonetheless, experts insist that you need to declutter so that your house feels spacious. Removing photographs and personal possessions also allow buyers to imagine themselves in the house instead of them feeling like they are visiting your home.

Along with taking out personal objects, this is a good time to remove extra furniture. Remember that one of the goals of home staging is making the room feel spacious. Stagers achieve this by minimizing the amount of furniture in a room.
Paint
New paint is one of the easiest ways to freshen up a room. Neutral colors, such as gray and beige, are especially enchanting choices. Your Homes for Heroes affiliated real estate agent is familiar with current paint trends in your community and can provide you with helpful paint color suggestions. Interestingly, using the same paint color in adjoining rooms helps make the rooms feel sizeable.
Arrange Furniture
Careful furniture arrangement gives you the opportunity to create a spacious environment while also showing a buyer how to use awkward spaces. In general, home stagers suggest pulling furniture away from the wall and placing the furniture in ways that facilitate conversation. The old adage that less is more applies to furniture placement. All unnecessary furniture should go into storage or a friend's house while your house is on the market.
Sensational Smell
Take a deep sniff of the air the next time you enter your house. What do you smell? Your house should smell clean and be inviting while it is on the market. A thorough deep cleaning goes a long way in improving the odor of your home. Be wary of using commercial fragrances because they can overwhelm a room with a smell that does not appeal to a specific buyer. Also, too much artificial fragrance makes a buyer worry that you are trying to cover up an odor problem.

Don't worry, you can banish unpleasant odors from your house by following some of these time-tested suggestions:

Open a window and allow fresh air to move throughout your house.

Grind up citrus peel and ice cubes in your garbage disposal.

Sprinkle baking soda on your carpets before you vacuum.

Clean with odor neutralizing materials like baking soda and vinegar.

Place a bowl of white vinegar in a room overnight.

Boil water with some citrus peel or cinnamon sticks.

Lighting
Entice buyers by making your house appear light and bright. Take down heavy drapes and replace them with lighter ones. Open all of the window coverings before a house showing. Think about using lamps to create a mood in a room. Also, it's a good idea to get rid of outdated light fixtures and replace them with an updated and neutral style. Strategic lighting is another area where your Homes for Heroes affiliated real estate agent can offer valuable advice.
Eliminate Pet Evidence
People love pets, but they do not enjoy smelling and seeing the evidence that a pet is residing in a house that they are considering purchasing. Short of sending Fido to a kennel, what can you do? Pay extra attention to eliminating pet hair and odor in your cleaning. Deep clean pet bedding and toys. Don't forget to clean up the backyard if your dog enjoys the outdoors. It goes without saying that your pet must be out of the house during any house showings. The last thing that you want is for your pet to chase a buyer right out the front door.
Backyard
The backyard is a significant selling feature, and there is a lot that you can do to make your backyard pop to buyers. Power wash the patio and clean patio furniture. Utilize patio furniture, complete with comfortable cushions, to create conversation areas. Clean up the lawn and flower beds. Consider placing pots of blooming flowers around the backyard. Ensure that the backyard is free of weeds and debris.

Staging your home might seem like a lot of work but the rewards, in the form of a faster sale and higher sales price, are well worth the effort. You can always include the help of your children, friends, and family to make staging your home fun!

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10 Home Staging Tips to Help You Sell Your House - Homes for Heroes®

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Did you know that there are some simple steps that you can take to help make your house shine in a competitive real estate market? Savvy sellers know that staging a house for the market results in attracting excited buyers who are eager to make an offer.