Maryland Housing Program Supports Veterans and First Responders

​Ellicott City, Maryland-based Bob and Ronna Group, a full-service real estate company, helps Maryland residents buy and sell real estate. The group's founders also contribute to the community. The Bob and Ronna Group's Veterans and First Responders Real Estate Advantage Program supports veterans, first responders, or medical professionals interested in buying or selling a home.

Veterans and first responders face multiple challenges when purchasing a home, including financial and employment verification requirements. First responders work irregular hours and often hold multiple jobs. Many work over 50 hours per week, which results in fluctuations in their earnings and challenges in verifying their income. Veterans transitioning out of the military often face challenges verifying their income, benefits, or service-related disabilities. In many cases, veterans must provide additional documentation during the application review process. All these factors can complicate credit scores and debt-to-income ratios, critical factors in the loan approval process.

However, veterans and first responders can receive assistance from various programs. Veterans can access lending through a VA loan. First, responders can receive help through an FHA mortgage or the Good Neighbor Next Door program, which encourages homebuyers to purchase in underserved communities. However, navigating the paperwork and processes is a challenge for many unfamiliar with these government programs.

Finally, thoughts of homeownership can add pressure and stress for first responders and veterans. Depending on the field, first responders and veterans often have demanding work schedules, making it challenging to schedule appointments, gather the necessary paperwork, and carefully plan their finances, which can further exacerbate their emotional stress. Due to the nature of their jobs, they often enter the home-buying process with job-related stressors.

Established in 2018, the Veterans and First Responders Real Estate Advantage Program offers financial assistance and emotional support to professionals from these groups when they purchase or sell a home with The Bob and Ronna Group. Incidentally, the realty agency's top selling point is that they provide homebuyers and sellers with support in helping them navigate the real estate transaction. To date, the program has given back more than 2 Million Dollars.

The program rewards veterans, first responders, and medical professionals (nurses and physicians) by giving them a cash credit after selling or purchasing their home. This settlement credit is based on the home's sale price, offering homebuyers and sellers a tangible way to alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with buying or selling real estate.

This support extends to helping first responders, veterans, and medical professionals with getting discounts from businesses throughout the community through the group's Veteran and First Responder Friendly Business of Maryland. This part of the program works by connecting program participants with businesses that offer special discounts and benefits.

Moreover, the program builds on the group's credibility and professional expertise. Founded by the married couple Bob Chew and Ronna Corman-Chew, the real estate team has earned a national reputation, in addition to receiving honors for its work in real estate. This professionally managed program is a testament to the founder's commitment to community service and desire to give back to the community.

The Bob and Ronna Group has expanded to have offices throughout Maryland, in addition to helping clients in Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, and Virginia since its launch in 2002. The group continually ranks among the top agencies in real estate. It has earned various accolades, such as inclusion in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chairman's Circle and awards from Legend and PenFed Elite. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices ranked its team No. 2 in 2023 and 2024 and was the top-ranking team in Maryland for seven consecutive years, beginning in 2017.

The Bob and Ronna Group

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