A national company gives back locally to those that serve their communities

By Adam Hocking

Editor

MARSHFIELD — RE/MAX American Dream has been offering a program to save money for the nation’s heroes in the home buying and selling process since shortly after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The program recently started in Marshfield, and multiple heroes have already saved significant money in the home buying or selling process.

Heroes include active or former military personnel, educators, first responders, firefighters, medical staff, and law enforcement.

“Anybody that gives back to their community everyday are the people that are able to utilize the program,” said Cheri Barnett, a real estate agent in the Marshfield RE/MAX office.

RE/MAX partners with Homes for Heroes to offer a 25 percent rebate from the commission of the real estate agent when any buying or selling transaction is completed.

“I give back 25 percent of my gross earnings for the sale or the purchase of a home, so 25 percent of my commission goes back to the hero,” Barnett said.

Barnett added that she has worked with a local home inspector and title company who also offer savings in the home buying process. A Marine mom, Barnett said that she did not hesitate about giving up some of her sales commission.

“It’s all about giving back,” she said. “We’re just trying to get the word out, you know, to let people know these savings are here.”

Barnett said thus far six individuals have accessed the money saving program. She added that her favorite part of the program is lending a hand to those that have served their communities and telling them how much they are appreciated.

“Just being able to help them and for me to tell them that they’re a hero, you wouldn’t believe the change that comes over them just because I tell them they’re a hero. I had a nurse that cried on me,” Barnett said.

Last year, Barnett said, Homes for Heroes gave over $4.8 million to heroes nationwide.

There will be a seminar providing more information on the Homes for Heroes program on Feb. 18 in Marshfield at the RE/MAX location, 901 N. Central Ave., at 6 p.m. For questions regarding the program, contact Cheri Barnett by email at heroes@cheribarnett.com or call her at 715-384-4423.

Who qualifies: Homes for Heroes

• Active, reserve, or retired veterans
• Active or retired educators
• Paramedics, EMTs, and ambulatory personnel
• Active or retired firefighters
• Doctors or nurses
• Active or retired law enforcement