Bill Salvatore, Realty Executives East Valley with Ed at the closing of his Mesa home.

I first spoke with Ed when he called on an ad he’d found on a veterans web page. Ed is an Air Force veteran of 21 years (Thank You, Ed!), and he called to ask the advice of a fellow veteran. Later that day he called a second time. I explained how our Real Estate marketing services worked, and that he qualified for the Heroes Home Advantage program. I talked a little about the process and the timeline of a typical transaction.

When a potential client calls with questions or concerns, I’m always certain that before I hang up, I’ve given them all the information they will need. But I’m never sure whether factors outside of my control might have an effect on the outcome. To my utter dismay, I’ve discovered that I do not have control over everything. I needn’t have worried. Ed and I seemed to have made a connection right away, his home was in meticulous condition and in a beautiful location, and our market is on the busy side right now. Ed’s home was under contract in 3 days. We did an open house the following weekend “just to be sure”, but everything went smoothly from beginning to end.

Ed was thrilled with our Heroes Home Advantage program (as you can tell from the smile on his face). Through HHA we were able to return to Ed, over $2,000 dollars. Pioneer Title offered a sizable discount on escrow fees and I was honored to contribute 25% of my commission, covering all of Ed’s closing costs.

We will always feel indebted to our Heroes but it makes me sleep a little better at night knowing I’ve shared something in the way of thanks.

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Bill Salvatore is a member of Heroes Home Advantage, a cash back program for Real Estate buyers and sellers. The program honors Veterans and Active Military Members, Fire Fighters and First Responders, EMTs and Emergency Medical Personnel, Nurses, and Teachers. Through the Heroes Home Advantage program, Realtors give a portion of their commission back to the hero in the form of assistance with closing costs.

Bill is also President of the Phoenix Chapter of VAREP, Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals. VAREP is focused on education and employment, making real estate transactions smoother and easier for Veterans and Military Personnel, and instructing other real estate related professionals in the best procedures for dealing with these transactions. VAREP is a nationwide non-profit organization with an impressive presence in the Phoenix area.

In founding AZVHV, Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans, Bill has spread his dedication to Veterans and Military throughout the real estate industry. An increasing number of local professionals have joined Bill in offering discounts to these heroes, not only when buying or selling a home but in all aspects of homeownership. AZVHV has developed a wide range of services and is gaining momentum every year. Membership is free. Bill’s only requirements are that businesses be legitimate and willing to offer a discount on their services to Veterans and Military Members.

You can contact Bill at Realty Executives East Valley, 1166 E Warner Rd. Suite 117, Gilbert AZ, 85296. Direct Phone: 602-999-0952. E-Mail: golfarizona@cox.net. Web: www.yourValleyProperty.com.

Helpful web sites and blogs: www.AZVHV.wordpress.com   /   www.cashbackforheroes.wordpress.com   /   www.VAREP.wordpress.com