Mike Abernethy is your everyday working man, but the work that he does sets him apart from the rest. A local realtor at Abernethy Properties-eXp Realty, Mike is affiliated with the Homes for Heroes Program.
Homes for Heroes, Inc. is a nationwide program that networks real estate, mortgage, and local businesses together to offer heroes options for saving money on their homes. They also provide local business incentives and programs that recognize local heroes in their communities. Heroes include, but are not limited to, military (active, reserves, and veterans), firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, health professionals, and teachers.
The Homes for Heroes program was developed shortly after 9/11 by realtors who wanted to give back to those serving the community. Through the Homes for Heroes program, Abernethy Properties-eXp Realty can offer heroes more savings when they buy, sell, or refinance a home. When participants in the program buy or sell a home, a portion of the earnings is also donated to the Homes for Heroes Foundation, a charitable non-profit. The Homes for Heroes Foundation helps continue the circle of giving by offering assistance to heroes in need of emergency financial help or housing.
The program is close to Mike Abernethy’s heart. Mr. Abernethy’s family has close ties with the military and the public service community. His brother-in-law passed during service in the war in Afghanistan. His father was in the National Guard, and there is a legacy of grandfathers in the Army, Army Rangers, and Marines. In 2013, Mike’s wife Sarah and his then-unborn child were rescued by the Waxhaw Police, Fire, and EMS departments during a traffic accident. Mike’s mother and wife were also teachers, and his sister is also a nurse.
In addition to incentives for savings with real estate and partnering with local businesses to offer discounts, the Homes for Heroes program also partners with local agencies to provide community service events. Abernethy Properties and EXP Realty, along with Homes for Heroes, are partnering with the Waxhaw Police Department to provide a Back To School Bash for the local community. The event is scheduled to take place on August 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Waxhaw Elementary School. The event aims to make sure that all children in the community have access to the supplies they need to start the school year off right.
The Homes For Heroes network and its affiliates also offer the opportunity for individuals to nominate a local hero to be recognized in a ceremony, held monthly. In addition to the ceremony, the recipient also receives gifts generously donated by local businesses. For more information or to nominate a hero please visit their website at nominatealocalhero.com. There are paper copies of the nomination papers available at local schools and businesses as well.
Homes for Heroes is truly a community-building program, where businesses can connect to show their respect to those who serve our communities selflessly every day. They welcome monetary donations and sponsorships, as well as contributions of school supplies and bicycles for community programs that they participate in each year. For more information on the Homes for Heroes program, visit homesforheroes.com or contact a participating realtor.
