Giving back to those who give their all

For Jezria "Jez" Collins, there is something special she feels about helping someone achieve home ownership. The real estate industry runs deep for Collins, who first obtained her broker's license at the age of 20 and whose mother, Andrea Shepherd, founded ERA Shepherd and Associates in 1997.

In August 2018, Collins struck out on her own and put her years of experience to work as she founded Provident Realty. Now, nearly two years later, she is adding to her business as she has recently become an affiliate for Homes for Heroes.

"Homes for Heroes was initially inspired by the events surrounding 9/11. The organization was started in Minneapolis (Minnesota) and it quickly grew to a national organization. They provide savings to heroes when they're purchasing or selling a home," said Collins.

When one thinks of the term "hero", it may conjure up images of active military and veterans, law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders. These are certainly included in the qualifications for the Homes for Heroes program, but the program goes further by also including healthcare professionals and educators. 

The mission for Homes for Heroes, according to the program's website, is to "provide extraordinary savings to heroes who provide extraordinary services to our nation and its communities everyday." 

Collins initially signed up to become a Homes for Heroes affiliate in February. As part of the process of becoming an affiliate, she attended a conference in San Antonio, Texas just before the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) began impacting travel within the United States.

"I was able to, thankfully, get my couple of days interacting with people who have been a part of the program for several more years. The founder was not able to be there because, actually, she was sick, though she did join via video. So, it was nice to see her and find out a little bit more about the mission and where it came from," Collins said.

With her years of experience as a broker, Collins understands that the process of buying or selling a home can be stressful. To be able to make it just a little less stressful for someone who gives back to the community is something she is proud to do.

"These are the people that are giving back to our community every day. They're making sacrifices. Whether it be putting their lives on the line, sacrifices of time from their families and, for me, with my background in real estate, home ownership is something that is a right and something that I love helping people achieve," said Collins. "So, to be able to give back to these people, these groups, by offering them rewards and utilizing my experience is really what drew me to becoming affiliating with the program. A way to give back to my community and the heroes in my community." 

Collins admits that most people she's talked to about the program are skeptical at first as they try to figure out what strings are attached. The owner of Provident Realty, however, assures everyone that they don't have to do anything more than fall within the proper category for the Homes for Heroes program. Whether buying or selling, those who qualify as heroes will receive a reward from the program once the house has been closed on.

Using the local housing market as an example, Collins stated that the median sales price for a house in Saratoga was $229,300. If a house were to sell for that price, the person who qualified for the Houses for Heroes program would receive $1,605 upon closing. That doesn't mean that there's a cool $1,000 waiting after closing on a house. The reward following closing is based on the sales price of the house, so the reward amount can vary based on that amount.

If someone goes to Collins to either buy or sell a house, she will ask them if they are former or current military, law enforcement, emergency responder, teacher or a healthcare professional so that she can sign them up for the program.

"That's my way of giving back to them and our community," said Collins.

In addition to there being Home for Heroes affiliated brokers, there are also lenders affiliated with the program that can provide some amount of savings on mortgage payments. Collins says she is currently working to find out which lenders in Wyoming are affiliated with the program. In addition to the personal benefits one can receive from the program, Collins points to how using the program can benefit others.

"When a hero goes through a Homes for Heroes affiliate, they're also giving back because a portion of what Homes for Heroes gives back goes to the local community heroes and it funds the Homes for Heroes Foundation, which provides grants to nonprofit hero groups around the nation," Collins said. "So, it doesn't just benefit the individual hero, they're also giving back to heroes around the country through that circle of giving program."

Those wishing to learn more about the Home for Heroes program can visit www.homesforheroes.com or contact Collins at 307-320-5018.