Local realtor gives back by teaming up with Homes for Heroes

By Megan Miller, Editor

TRUSSVILLE – After two decades working in law enforcement, when it was time for a career change, Trussville relator Anthony McPherson set out to make a difference in the lives of those who serve the community.

McPherson worked for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and after sustaining an arm injury, was put on “light duty.” It was during this time McPherson pursued getting his real estate license, and decided to retire from the sheriff’s office and go into real estate full time.

“I always had a passion for houses,” McPherson said. “I liked every aspect of being in real estate.”

McPherson developed the Blue Line Group to give back to those in law enforcement, and has now joined Homes for Heroes to further his mission.

Through the Blue Line Group, McPherson was giving five percent of his total net income for the calendar year to a charity every January, but he has now extended his platform by partnering with Homes for Heroes to help provide housing for police officers, fire fighters, active and retired military, teachers and healthcare workers.

Homes for Heroes was founded shortly after 9/11 to establish a platform to give back to law enforcement, firefighters, military, teachers and healthcare workers. It is the largest network of affiliate real estate specialists and local business affiliates in the United States. Since its inception, Homes for Heroes has served more than 10,000 heroes and has over 2,000 affiliate real estate specialists in 49 states. As of 2015, the program had given back more than $10 million to heroes nationwide. Homes for Heroes has received the Red Cross Community Hero Award as well as the MN Business Magazine Award for Social Entrepreneurship.

“It’s a way of me appreciating those who serve us on a day to day basis,” McPherson said.

Homes for Heroes gives McPherson the opportunity to put money back in the pocket of those who serve the community by taking a 25 percent reduction in commission.

“For example, if one of the qualifying people bought a $200,000 home through me, it would basically put $1,500 back in their pocket at closing,” McPherson said.

Additionally McPherson has teamed up with private lenders and title companies that will participate in the process by giving additional discounts to qualifying homebuyers.

McPherson said the most gratifying part of the process is seeing the look on the homeowner’s faces when they find out about the savings that are available to them just for serving the community, especially because buying or selling a home can be emotional.

“Emotionally they want to sell and sometimes it (the house) doesn’t, but I get gratification in helping with the process from start to finish,” McPherson said. “It’s team work, because it’s me doing everything I need to do, but you’re responsible for keeping the home clean and show ready, and keeping everything in place. Even during the smoothest transactions there are things you have to overcome.”

But overall, handing keys to new homeowners is what inspires McPherson to continue to make a difference in the lives of homebuyers.

“People are trusting you with their biggest asset,” McPherson said. “You didn’t have a relationship with them before, so they’re trusting you to do what you say you’re going to do.”

Law enforcement, health care workers, fire fighters, military and teachers can fill out an application with McPherson when purchasing a home in order to qualify for the Homes for Heroes price reduction.