Tucson is full of people who spend their days taking care of everyone else: police officers and deputies, firefighters, paramedics, nurses, teachers, and the service members at Davis-Monthan. When it's time for them to buy or sell a home, there's a program designed to say thank you in a very practical way. It's called Homes for Heroes, and I'm proud to be an affiliate here in Tucson.
Here's how it works, who it's for, and the one mistake to avoid.
What is Homes for Heroes?
Homes for Heroes is a national network of affiliated real estate agents, lenders and local businesses. It was started after September 11, 2001, as a way for the real estate industry to give back to the people who serve their communities. Affiliates give back part of their earnings to eligible heroes in the form of Hero Rewards®, so the hero keeps more money from their purchase or sale.
For you, it works like any other real estate transaction. You get the same full service, the same representation and the same attention to detail. The difference is the savings you receive after closing.
Who qualifies?
Homes for Heroes serves:
- Law enforcement
- Firefighters
- EMS
- Military, including active duty, reserve and veterans
- Healthcare professionals
- Teachers
Eligibility details can change, so always confirm on homesforheroes.com. If you're not sure whether your role counts, ask me and we'll check together.
How the savings work
Your Hero Rewards® are tied to the price of the home you buy or sell, so the amount varies from one transaction to the next. Homes for Heroes has a savings calculator on its website if you want a ballpark, and I'm happy to walk through an estimate based on the price range you're considering.
If you're selling one home and buying another, you can earn Hero Rewards® on both transactions. Homes for Heroes also works with affiliated lenders and local businesses that offer their own savings, which can add up during a move.
The one step you can't skip
This is the most important part: you need to sign up with Homes for Heroes before your transaction, and you need to be represented by a Homes for Heroes affiliate at closing. If you go under contract first and try to enroll later, you may miss out.
Signing up is free and only takes a few minutes. When we first talk, I'll help you get enrolled before we start touring homes or listing yours.
What the process looks like with me
- We talk. We'll go over your goals, timeline, budget and must-haves, and I'll make sure you're enrolled with Homes for Heroes.
- You get pre-approved. If you're buying, I can connect you with lenders, including Homes for Heroes affiliated lenders if you'd like to compare.
- We find the right home or sell yours. I'll schedule showings around your shifts, deployments or school calendar, and handle negotiation and deadlines.
- You close and receive your Hero Rewards®. After closing, your savings are delivered through the program.
Why this matters to me
Before I became a REALTOR®, I worked in healthcare. I know what long shifts and putting others first feel like. I also have a special appreciation for law enforcement families, who often juggle unpredictable schedules and extra concerns about privacy and safety.
Being a Homes for Heroes affiliate lets me give back to the people who give so much to Tucson. If you're a hero thinking about buying or selling, I'd love to help, and to make sure you get every dollar of savings you've earned.
Ready to get started?
Reach out and we'll start with a no-pressure conversation. I'll help you enroll, explain how your savings would work, and map out your next steps.