The Hometown Heroes program could save a bundle when buying or selling your next home
By Patricia Nugent
With Memorial Day this weekend, we will take pause to remember and honor the fallen, those who have paid the ultimate price while serving our country. We’ll raise the flag, throw our all-American picnics and take the day off work.
But this year that sense of patriotism is heightened. There are so many heroes on the front line, protecting us during the pandemic.
One local company—The Neighborhood Experts at Platinum Real Estate—believes in giving back to those amongst us who bravely go above and beyond the call of duty every day. With its Hometown Heroes program, special rebates are given to police officers, fire fighters, EMTs, military personnel, educators, doctors and nurses, as well as employees of the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Lake Health Hospital System and Kaiser Permanente who deserve our appreciation.
Paying Back the Gratitude
“This is our way of saying a big thank you to these courageous men and women,” says Denise Zervos, who, along with her husband, Mark, owns the local real estate company. “Our community owes these heroes a debt of gratitude. These are the people we want to keep as neighbors and friends.”
Last year they gave rebates to 18 people who applied for them when buying or selling their homes through Platinum Real Estate. And over the past several years, the program has given more than $30,000 to these local heroes, amongst them is the family, pictured above.
“Even family members of these heroes can receive the rebates,” says Denise. “I hope people take advantage of this program, checking with us to see if they qualify.”
From One Civil Servant to Another
For Neighborhood Expert Ryan Weber, who is also a local firefighter, the Hometown Heroes Program hits close to home.
“I understand the schedules these people keep up with and am especially thrilled to offer support to them,” says Ryan. “One of the reasons I wanted to become a Realtor is to help people through the process of buying or selling their home. And at the same time to be able to honor fellow civil servants is important to me.”
In addition to the Hometown Heroes program, Denise says they also go the extra mile to make sure their clients who are veterans and qualify for VA home loans can get them.
“We work with VA lenders to see that these loans close within 30 days,” she says.
Summer Market Forecast: Heating Up
Although there is volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets, Denise reports that in the housing market, the effect may be short-term.
“Heading into the pandemic, our existing home sales were performing strongly,” she says. “And the bottom line is that we continue to see offers come in and new buyers looking for a new home.”
Luckily, interest rates are historically low and housing values have not significantly dropped.
“We’re seeing a steady flow of home showings, just with all that comes from following the CDC guidelines for masks and gloves and social distancing,” she says. “We’re making it work for our clients.”
This month, as people become more comfortable leaving their homes and venturing out, Denise anticipates a flood of buyers entering the market with the same enthusiasm as prior to the pandemic.
“In Lake County, there’s still a shortage of homes on the market, which means we haven’t been slowing down, but now is the time,” she says.
Platinum Real Estate has 14 offices in Northeast Ohio and Columbus and eight in Florida. For a confidential appointment or to get more information, call 216-990-2100 or 440-974-SALE and visit YourNeighborhoodExpert.com. Anyone interested in applying for the Hometown Heroes program can easily calculate their savingsby calling The Neighborhood Experts or Denise Zervos personally.