Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest milestones in life — and for our everyday community heroes, it can also come with an incredible reward. Through the Homes for Heroes program, you can actually get money back after closing. This nationwide program was created after 9/11 to honor and support those who serve, and it continues to provide thousands of dollars in savings for the people who give so much every day.

As a Tuscaloosa and Northport Realtor, I’m proud to partner with Homes for Heroes to give back to the very people who make our community strong.

Who Qualifies for Homes for Heroes?

The program is designed to support a wide range of local and national heroes, including:

• Firefighters

• Law enforcement (police, deputies, corrections, security)

• Military (active duty, reserves, veterans)

• Healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors, EMS, hospital staff)

• Teachers, professors, and school staff

• Foster parents

It doesn’t matter if you’re the teacher in the classroom, the janitor keeping the school clean, or the nurse behind the scenes — you are part of what makes our community thrive, and this program was built to honor that.

How Does Homes for Heroes Work?

When you buy, sell a home with me, I give back a portion of my commission directly to you through the Homes for Heroes program.

I also partner with Carrie Breger, a local lender with First Federal Bank in West Alabama. She offers additional discounts and rebates on financing. That means you can save money on refinancing too!

How Much Can You Save?

According to Homes for Heroes, the average hero saves at least $3,000 when buying or selling a home — and even more if you use multiple specialists in the program. Here’s a breakdown:

• Real estate specialist savings: About 0.7% of the home price (≈$2,300 on a $250,000 home)

• Mortgage specialist savings: ~$500 on lender fees

• Title services savings: ~$150

• Home inspection savings: ~$50

💡 Example: On a $250,000 home, your Homes for Heroes reward check could be around $2,443 back at closing — money you can use however you want.

What Can You Use the Money For?

The check you receive after closing is yours to spend however you choose. Many of my clients use their reward to:

• Rebuild their savings after inspections and down payments

• Buy new furniture or appliances

• Paint and update their new home

• Cover moving expenses

• Or even treat themselves (yes, new shoes count!)

  

Nationwide Program

The Homes for Heroes program is available nationwide, not just in West Alabama. If you’re moving outside of Tuscaloosa or Northport, I can connect you with a trusted Homes for Heroes Realtor and lender in your new area so you can still receive the rewards you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homes for Heroes

Do I have to pay this money back?
No. These rewards are not a loan or grant — they are true savings and do not need to be repaid.

Can I combine this with other programs?
Yes! Homes for Heroes savings can be combined with other local, state, or federal homebuyer programs if you qualify.

Do I have to use all of the specialists?
No, you can choose which services you use. However, the more you use (real estate, lending, title, inspection), the more you save.

Can I use it if I’m refinancing my home?
Yes. Even if you’re not buying or selling, you can still take advantage of savings when refinancing through a Homes for Heroes lender.

Final Thoughts

Our heroes give so much of themselves every day — in classrooms, hospitals, fire stations, police departments, and beyond. It’s an honor to give something back.

If you’re a teacher, nurse, firefighter, foster parent, police officer, military member, or healthcare professional, the Homes for Heroes program is designed to reward you for your service.

👉 Ready to learn more? Contact me today to see how much you could save with the Homes for Heroes program. Together, we’ll make your dream of homeownership more affordable — and give you the money back you deserve.

🎥 Want to see more? Watch my full YouTube video about the Homes for Heroes program here. In it, I walk you through real examples of clients who received money back after closing and explain how you can qualify.