Helen's Blog

A few years back a Homes for Heroes founder was talking to an old friend. Old drinking buddies as they describe the relationship. They were discussing the Homes for Heroes program. Mark, being one of the founders, was plying his wares, showing his old friend how this program works and how it helps our Heroes with substantial savings. The old friend, Paul, listened, liked what he heard but wanted some time to think about it. Well he did and we are glad with the decision he came to. Paul got HFH.

Paul Krawczyk

Paul is a senior loan officer and owner of The Morris Long Group, a residential mortgage company. Paul takes a very personal and enthusiastic approach to mortgage banking educating and coaching clients about home financing. His experience in owning and managing investment property gives additional knowledge to property asset management.

Paul and his wife Janna are residents of Minneapolis and have a two year old daughter Lucy and a four year old son Oliver. Family hobbies include Mountain bike and cross country ski racing, yoga, commuting to many of Minneapolis’s outdoor festivals and gathering with family and friends ant their home.

Paul has found great satisfaction being an affiliate with Homes for Heroes because he feels it is his way to contribute back to those who work so hard for others. Janna’s background is teaching which has helped fuel Paul’s passion to want to give back through Homes for Heroes.

I called Paul today to run the bio past him to make sure it was accurate and found out I had some stuff wrong about buying and selling a car. He mentioned that he has been pleased with the police and teachers he has been working with. If you are looking to buy or refinance you can get a hold of Paul through our web site at Homes for Heroes.

Enjoy your weekend and keep all those in the Red River Valley in your prayers.

Awe, the good old days. This photo is a shot of our front desk secretary's rolo-dex She keeps as back up in this high tech world. Our MLS has just converted to all showing appts and confirmations be made through the MLS Website.....This is causing quite a headache for agents and the poor front desk personnel. Still a lot of bugs to be worked out. Change is hard. And is it always better?

Not only does Homes for Heroes save you money in your real estate transactions, they also will pass on from time to time some great frugal ideas on how to save money in your day to day life. Last month we we spoke of some frugal tips that put a great dinner on your plate for under 5 bucks. We then followed up with some home gardening tips that will put nutritious vegetables on your plate saving you grocery and gas money.

Well today I found another couple of ways to save some serious cash. Just by reading this blog you will have the opportunity to save over 40 American dollars and put some decent chow in your belly.

The other day the batteries went out in my wireless mouse. I scrounged around looking for some batteries. They weren’t in the usual places so I started raiding the kids rooms. Cd players, remote game controllers etc. Couldn’t find any, so I gave up on watching TV. I can’t watch TV without a remote. So I went up to the computer and started some research for frugal blogging. I found these next two videos that will be very helpful to any one who has a remote or digital calculator.

This video saved me an evening of work. I pulled down the smoke detector and tore the nine volt apart. Sure enough, there was some spare batteries for the remote. There are savings right there. 4 AAA batteries cost about 4 to 5 dollars. A single nine volt is under 2. My curiosity peaked I went back to YouTube and looked for some more interesting battery saving tricks. Here is another that will have even bigger savings if you are the type that likes little battery operated gadgets.

I am now off to the store to purchase my 12 volt battery. I will need the savings because the hubby was not too happy about my foray into frugal battery saving. He said something about safety and having the house burn down while we sleep. So off I go to the hardware store down the street. On the way there I could stop at the Red Robin and get a free burger. You didn’t think that I would just give you some frugal tips without including food. ,  This web site has some more ideas on not only where to get a few free meals but also some other great stuff for free. Check it out and see if there is anything there that you might be thinking of spending money on. It is more frugal if you could get it at no cost.

If you have any frugal tricks let’s hear about them. Post a comment and I will see if we can get it into another blog.

Homes for Heroes would like to introduce to you another Homes for Heroes affiliate here in Minneapolis.

David Cohen

David A. Cohen has been a Residential Realtor since 1995. He has built his career based on determination to protect and advocate for his clients best interests. His goal is to educate his clients so that they can make the best possible buying or selling decision for their families’ lifestyles as well as their financial future.

David has well balanced skill set to insure a well thought-out and well informed transaction. He prides himself on his analytical skills for assisting buyers and sellers interpret the vast market data. He is a master marketer who knows how to expose his seller’s properties by using old school gorilla marketing and using cutting edge online marketing technology.

Most importantly David understands the human and emotional element of Real Estate. He truly cares and takes a personal stake in each of his clients’ transactions. He treats his clients like they are family. That is what has driven David to join Homes for Heroes. He has a passion for giving back to our nation’s heroes! He said,” It is least I can do to back those individuals who have chosen to put their lives at risk to protect our society’s well being and defend our freedom.” He also believes in giving back to The Silent Heroes like the Nurses who are on the front line of health care and our educators who we are trusting with our number one resource, our children. David thinks that participating in Homes for Heroes is the right thing to do! It is the least he can do to say THANKS!

Now I had mentioned that David Cohen has an eye for marketing and now I can get to Elwood. You all remember the great car chase scene from the Blues Brothers. Homes for Heroes and David Cohen had an opportunity to meet the real Elwood at a local wine shop. The idea hit David hard and the rest is Home for Heroes history.

This last Saturday, Dan Aykroyd (aka Elwood Blues) was in Minneapolis promoting his new Wine and Vodka Products. He generously offered Police, Firefighters and Military (our heroes) a free autographed bottle of wine! And of course David was there clad in his Home for Heroes sweatshirt. Never missing an opportunity to spread the word of Homes for Heroes to a captive audience; David seized this highly publicized event to stand in line for FOUR HOURS to hand out lovely Home for Heroes T-shirts he digitally prints himself. When finally his turn in front this celeb for a signed bottle of wine, David offered Mr. Aykroyd his very own Homes for Heroes t-shirt. Seeming to welcome a chance to take a break from the repetition of signing bottles endlessly for hours, he happily replied ” Thanks, that’s a great program!”

Elwood driving got David to the event on time.

David and his gift for Dan Aykroyd

The driving and the wait pays off.

The day was a success for David Cohen and Homes for Heroes. If you are looking for a truly dedicated Realtor that will ensure you receive top notch service with enthusiastic marketing knowledge visit our web site to get in contact with David.

-->ironic: Ben Bernanke's childhood home sold - after foreclosure. http://is.gd/jxGS

Unfortunately California is one of the states that is feeling the housing crunch the hardest. We at Homes for Heroes are aware of this and have a new member who will ensure that our heroes will get the savings and professional service they deserve.

Homes for Heroes would like to introduce to you our most recent affiliate in California who will be able to guide you through your real estate transaction with a high level of professionalism and experience. Tom Hicks became aware of us through a client of his that had been using one of our affiliate mortgage brokers. Tom contacted us and after learning about our program, immediately became a member.

Tom Hicks

Tom Hicks has been a Realtor in Southern California for over 10 years. He is currently working on his Broker’s license and will receive it within the next couple of months. Serving the northern San Diego County and southern Riverside County regions where he has lived in both areas combined for over 20 years. Beginning his business career with IBM working as a Field Engineer, bringing him to a management position with a competing firm, he started his own office equipment servicing company and operated it for 8 years. After selling his firm, he entered the technical sales field as a Regional Sale Representative for an engineering firm selling solid waste landfill gas system products. His highly conservative personality and technical background have served him well when interacting with clients, solving problems, taking care of details and maintaining a high level of integrity throughout the real estate process. For Tom Hicks the client always comes first.

We think Tom says it best himself. “I joined the Homes for Heroes because I have worked with heroes before, especially teachers, police and military and I enjoy giving back to those who have sacrificed so much. I understand their needs and they always appreciate the dedication and hard work I give to preserving and protecting their financial interests.”

So we come back to the beginning. Are you sure you are you are looking for savings in all the right places? Homes for Heroes program is a good place to start saving money. We are happy to welcome him aboard. Contact us at our website if you would like to use our program or work with Tom.

Really a great video for  buyers on the fence ...It is the right time to buy!!!!

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4842351n