Writer / Tonja Talley
Photographer / Forrest Mellott
Greenwood Mayor Mark Myer signed a proclamation on July 8, 2015, in recognition of the city’s heroes. The proclamation came in response to the national program, Homes for Heroes (HFH), coming to the city, which offers savings for local heroes who want to buy, sell or refinance a home.
The program started after the nation experienced the harrowing effects of 9/11. Among the cement rubble where once stood the Twin Towers, heroes emerged — men and women who selflessly serve their city every day.
As the media captured these selfless acts, a family of realtors in Minneapolis desired to thank the heroes of their community in a special way. Their idea proposed to give back to heroes a 25 percent discount on realtor commission fees and a $500 reduction from lending companies. Furthermore, the plan called for title companies to discount closing fees by $100 and inspectors deduct their inspection fees by various percentages. The family’s idea spread, and now over 35 states have a multitude of licensed real estate lawyer firms and real estate businesses supporting HFH.
The national program recognizes heroes who are active or retired in the military (including members of the reserve), law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, healthcare workers, clergy, medical staff and any member of a school corporation.
Various companies go further by naming other heroes to their discount lists. For instance, Melissa Trahan of Keller Williams also adds veterinarians to her list of heroes. “When one of my clients qualifies as a hero in this program, I gratefully take 25 percent off my commission fee and guide them to others who can discount their prices as well.”
As a client of Trahan, Marc Fishburn recently sold his old home and bought a newer one. As a Retired Army Infantryman, Staff Sgt. Fishburn qualified for the HFH discounts. “It was the first time I got a check back at a closing,” said Fishburn, chuckling. “In all seriousness though, it was an easy process. … I was able to remodel my new kitchen with the money from the check.”
Buying, selling or refinancing a home can be a daunting task. The businesses behind the HFH understand. By signing up on the program’s website, HomesforHeroes.com, a hero can take advantage of finding the right team to help with their real estate process. The website also answers many of the typical questions asked about the program, such as:
• What if I am already working with an agent?
• What does my credit score need to be?
• How much will I save with this program?
• What do I have to do to receive my savings?
• Do I have to use all Homes for Heroes affiliates?
For further information about the program, sign up at HomesforHeroes.com or any of the following Greenwood businesses:
Melissa Trahan, Associate Broker with Keller Williams at 317-560-0063 or mtrahan@kw.com
Brian Brent, Senior Loan Officer with PrimeLending at 317-695-5353 or bbrent@primelending.com
Title Alliance of Indy Metro, LLC at 317-884-9327
