Homes for Heroes in Los Angeles: How Hero Rewards Work When You Buy or Sell

Brandon Arlington is a Realtor® with Rooster Homes in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, helping heroes buy and sell homes across Los Angeles through the Homes for Heroes program. This article explains who qualifies, how it works step by step, and what to do first.

Who counts as a hero?

Homes for Heroes serves five groups:

• Firefighters and EMS
• Law enforcement
• Military and veterans
• Healthcare professionals
• Teachers

Our Homes for Heroes page lists more detail on each group, from paramedics and 911 dispatchers to nurses, doctors and school administrators, and active duty, reserves, National Guard and veterans. If you are not sure whether you qualify, call or text us and we will help you find out.

What are Hero Rewards?

Hero Rewards are a thank-you for your service, paid when you buy or sell a home with a Homes for Heroes affiliate. Heroes save thousands through the program. The exact amount depends on the home and the sale, and we show you how it works for your situation before you decide anything.

Your Hero Rewards are finalized at closing, and we walk you through exactly how you will receive them for your purchase or sale.

How does it work, step by step?

1. Call or text us first. We talk through your plans, your timeline, and whether you are buying, selling, or both.
2. Sign up with Homes for Heroes. Homes for Heroes asks every hero to enroll with them before closing. Signing up is free, and we help you do it.
3. Work with Rooster Homes as your agent. To receive the savings, Homes for Heroes requires that a Homes for Heroes affiliate represents you at closing. That is us.
4. Buy or sell your home. You get the same full service as every Rooster Homes client, including a real update after every showing and open house when you sell.
5. Receive your Hero Rewards at closing. We walk you through the numbers before closing day so nothing is a surprise.

Can I use Hero Rewards if I am buying and selling?

Yes. Hero Rewards apply when you buy a home and when you sell one. If you are doing both, for example selling your current home and buying your next one, talk with us early so we can plan both sides together.

What if I am moving to Los Angeles on military orders?

Brandon is a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), a designation focused on helping service members and their families buy, sell and rent around a move. When you are moving on orders, your report date drives everything. We build the plan backward from that date, including virtual tours and video walkthroughs if you cannot be here in person.

Sarah Arlington volunteers with the Military and Veterans Association and is a certified Onward Ops sponsor, helping service members make the move to civilian life. Our Military and Veteran Resources page has more for families on the move.

What are the most common mistakes heroes make?

1. Signing up too late. Enroll with Homes for Heroes before you close. Waiting until the last week can leave the program out of your transaction.
2. Assuming you do not qualify. The hero groups are broader than many people expect. Ask.
3. Starting with an agent who is not an affiliate. Homes for Heroes requires an affiliate at closing to receive the savings, so choose your agent with that in mind.
4. Planning only one side of a move. If you are selling and buying, the timing of both matters. Plan them together.

What does this look like in real life?

One buyer, whose wife is a doctor, shared this in a Google review:

"My wife is a doctor, and Sarah and Brandon participate in Homes for Heroes." (Jason Ito, Google review)

They were first-time buyers who had been going to open houses for a while, found a home they loved, and closed through the holidays. Hero Rewards were part of their purchase.

Why does Rooster Homes do this?

Our community runs on the people who show up for it: the firefighters at our local station, the nurses and doctors at our hospitals, the teachers in our classrooms, and the service members and veterans who served. Giving back is part of how we work, from Homes for Heroes to community events like our ice cream social fundraiser for LAFD Station 35.

Brandon Arlington is a Realtor® with Rooster Homes in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, helping heroes buy and sell homes across Los Angeles through the Homes for Heroes program. When we serve, you succeed.

Next steps

1. See your savings. Use the savings slider on our Homes for Heroes page to see what Hero Rewards can look like in your price range.
2. Call or text us at (323) 201-2724. We will explain how Hero Rewards work for your situation, with no pressure.

You can also read what our clients say on our reviews page.

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for Homes for Heroes?

Firefighters and EMS, law enforcement, military and veterans, healthcare professionals, and teachers. Our Homes for Heroes page lists more detail on each group.

How much do heroes save?

Heroes save thousands through Hero Rewards. The amount depends on your home and your sale. Use the savings slider on our Homes for Heroes page, then call or text us and we will walk you through it.

Does it work for selling a home too?

Yes. Hero Rewards apply when a hero buys or sells a home with Rooster Homes.

When do I receive my Hero Rewards?

Your Hero Rewards are finalized at closing, and we walk you through exactly how you will receive them before closing day.

Do I have to sign up for anything?

Yes. Homes for Heroes asks every hero to enroll with them before closing, and a Homes for Heroes affiliate must represent you at closing. Signing up is free, and we help you do it.

Do you only work in Los Feliz?

Our office is at 1800 Vine St, Los Angeles, and we are based in Los Feliz, but we help heroes buy and sell across Los Angeles County and Southern California.