Homes for Heroes Blog - Hero Stories, Savings, Tips and Partnerships

What is a Good Credit Score to Buy a House in 2019

February 18, 2019June 6, 2019 / in Buying a Home / by Luke Feldbrugge

Buying a house is a big financial investment and responsibility. Your credit score is one thing lenders will look at to determine your financial responsibility; how you use credit and how you manage debt. Unless you can pay cash for your new home, you will need to borrow money in the form of a mortgage loan. The type of loan and interest rate you receive for your mortgage loan depends largely on your credit score and credit history report. Here is some information around credit score and some credit repair tips to help explain how your credit score plays a role in the home buying process, and what is a good credit score to buy a house in 2019.

Printable Valentine Cards for Heroes

February 13, 2019February 13, 2019 / in Holiday / Hero Observance / by Luke Feldbrugge

To: All of our heroes

We want our printable Valentine cards to provide light-hearted humor, and admirable appreciation for heroes like you who serve this country and our communities everyday. We also wanted to give you something to share with the important people in your life, so we made some free printable Valentine cards. These printable Valentines give you an easy download to print and write a little something special for that person. Read More “Printable Valentine Cards for Heroes”

How Much House can I Afford? – Home Affordability Calculator

February 13, 2019May 9, 2019 / in Buying a Home / by Luke Feldbrugge

Making the decision to become a first time home buyer is complex. Or, if you’re 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?

Should I Buy a House in 2019?

February 8, 2019June 6, 2019 / in Buying a Home / by Luke Feldbrugge

Buying a house is an important decision and major investment. It’s also a step toward the American dream. Like many Americans, our heroes can be hesitant to make the leap. Many heroes often ask, “Should I buy a house in 2019?” or “When is the best time to buy a house”? It’s a great question. It’s an important question. There are many advantages to becoming a homeowner. But, if your circumstances are questionable, then it might be best to wait. Here are some historical trends and key housing market indicators for 2019 to consider before you decide to buy a home.

Ways to Save with Teacher Home Buying Program

January 29, 2019February 5, 2019 / in Buying a Home / by Luke Feldbrugge

Teachers work incredibly hard to make the future bright for our children. They deserve a great home to call their own. Homes for Heroes is a teacher home buying program with the largest nationwide network of qualified real estate, mortgage, title and home inspection specialists; committed to saving teachers time and money when buying a house.

This program is meant for all teachers, past or present, currently teaching or retired. Whether this is your fifth home purchase, or you’re a teacher first time home buyer, you will save time and money. Here’s why a teacher home buying program like Homes for Heroes may make sense for you.

$25,000 Grant Awarded to IAFF Disaster Relief Fund for Camp Fire Firefighters

January 28, 2019April 10, 2019 / in Hero Stories / by Luke Feldbrugge

In response to the devastating Northern California Camp Fire, the Homes for Heroes Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to the International Association of Fire Fighters, or IAFF Disaster Relief Fund. All funds will be used to assist CalFire firefighters who were eligible through the IAFF Disaster Relief Fund.

Homes for Heroes affiliate real estate specialists, Kendra DiGrazia and Tiffany Isabell of Chico, California, presented the grant check to the CalFire station in Paradise, CA. Along with Janet Sauneir, Homes for Heroes affiliate real estate specialist all the way from Jacksonville, Florida, mailed hand-written thank you letters from students in her community to the CalFire firefighters.

Four Other Costs of Buying a House

January 26, 2019January 28, 2019 / in Buying a Home / by Luke Feldbrugge

When it comes to buying a house, it helps to understand exactly what you can afford — and that starts by understanding the costs of buying a house. Your mortgage payment will be the biggest recurring payment on your home. But, there are four other primary costs of buying a house that you need to know about. Here’s a breakdown of the four other costs and how working with Homes for Heroes to buy a home can decrease or eliminate some of these costs.

26 Potential Home Closing Costs – How to Save Closing Fees

January 23, 2019May 3, 2019 / in Buying a Home / by Luke Feldbrugge

The costs to purchase a home can add up quickly. It is good to know what home closing costs you may need to pay, as you prepare for your home purchase and the closing process, so we assembled this list of potential home closing costs. It’s not likely your loan will include all of these costs and some may not apply to your particular circumstance due to your location, your service providers, and the type of loan you choose.

If you are not currently working with a mortgage lender, and would like cost estimates for your situation, we recommend you speak with a mortgage professional. Sign up with Homes for Heroes and we will connect you with our local specialists who can provide you with more accurate information because they serve within your community, and they will save you money.

If you’re not ready to speak with someone, we get it. Here’s the list of potential home closing costs to reference:

Heroes: Healthcare Professionals are on the Front Line

January 20, 2019January 28, 2019 / in Healthcare Professionals / by Luke Feldbrugge

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.

Hidden Issues – What to Look for When Buying a Home

January 16, 2019January 15, 2019 / in Buying a Home / by Luke Feldbrugge

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.