The following is paid content sponsored by Homes for Heroes
By FireRescue1 BrandFocus Staff
Most firefighters view the firehouse as their second home. But even the most dedicated volunteer or career firefighter who can’t say “no” to overtime has to go home sometime. And when that home is something they own, it becomes a sanctuary more than a place to flop between calls or shifts.
Purchasing a home is a daunting process, but it is one that you don’t have to do alone.
Homes for Heroes, a program that has helped over 7,000 first responders and other community heroes find homes, has over 1,800 affiliate real estate agents and mortgage lenders that provide rebates and discounts to responders looking to buy, sell or refinance a home. The real estate agents and mortgage lenders understand firefighters’ unique situation and lifestyle.
Whether you are buying or selling, it’s important to work closely with your real estate agent and lender to develop a timeline and options that suit your needs and personal situation. Timing and knowing the current market is crucial. The more you can tell your real estate agent, the easier it will be to meet your specific needs.
We sat down with real estate agents Jeff Bullert and Liz Foltynski, members of the Homes for Heroes network, to find out what tips they would give to firefighters looking for a new home. Here are five expert home-buying tips to help firefighters navigate the process.
1. Consider the distance from the firehouse.
While there are many factors to consider when looking for a new home, how far away it is from your department is crucial to keep in mind.
Different residency restrictions will apply based on your municipality’s rules. Also, if you’re a volunteer firefighter, you may want to factor in your home’s location with your jurisdiction city limits if you respond from home. If you are unsure what your residency rules are at your department, talk with your chief or an officer to make sure they’re OK with where you’re looking.
2. Do your research and know the terminology.
You will be the first to correct someone who says ‘fire truck’ instead of ‘fire engine,’ but you may not know the difference between a fixed versus adjustable mortgage rate. In meetings with your real estate agent and loan provider, a lot of housing terminology will be used. You can learn the terms by reading material given to you by your real estate agent or mortgage lender. You can also ask colleagues who have gone through the process to put the terminology in layman’s terms.
The more you know, the more prepared you will be to ask the right questions and not get bowled over by the process.
3. Visit a home during different times of the day and talk to neighbors.
Make sure the home fits the needs of you and your family both now and in the years to come. Seeing it at different times of the day allows you to spot things you missed on your first visit and get a feel for daily life in the neighborhood. By talking to the neighbors, you can find out about any potential issues that could steer you away from putting down an offer.
Looking at the house at different times also allows you to slip on your fire inspector hat to look for potential hazards. Also, having nearby fire hydrants can reduce your homeowner’s insurance.
4. Talk to your colleagues — especially those who have gone through the process.
Being a first-time homebuyer is a stressful experience. Ask a third party, such as a fellow firefighter at your department, what you should be paying attention to and what they would do differently based on their experience.
5. Ask questions.
There are no stupid questions. Even if you bought a house five or 10 years ago, the market is always changing and you often forget the information since buying a home is not something you do every day. Once you decide that you want to become a homebuyer, sit down and write out any questions you have or information you’ve forgotten or aren’t clear on. Getting your initial questions answered early will make you feel more secure with the big investment you’re about to make.
Homes for Heroes real estate agents and lenders will help educate, assist with questions and needs and will find out what works and what doesn’t to get a firefighter where they want to be — in a place away from the station that you can truly call home.
To find out more about the program, visit www.HomesForHeroes.com.