Owning a home can set you back a pretty penny, especially in this economy but there's a new way military veterans, emergency first responders, teachers, and even clergy can save on buying a home.

Some of our hometown heroes are saving thousands of dollars on their homes through the free program, Homes For Heroes.

It's just another day in the office for Gerald Burnett, of Brazos County.

In his spare time he's the Fire Chief for the Brazos County Precinct 3 Volunteer Fire Department and also works for the Bryan Fire Marshal's Office.

What free time he gets is spent with his wife and four kids at their country home.

"We were looking for a place that would fit all of us," said Burnett.

He and his wife Adrian bought their home in October 2010 with help from Homes for Heroes.

It's a national foundation created after 9/11 that helps community servants with buying or refinancing a home.

"A lot of people just need that extra boost, that little extra ability to get into a home," added Burnett.

His wife started working for the organization after being assisted by them.

“I was a little skeptical like really is there really something out there that’s gonna help you because you’re a hero and it’s legitimate it definitely does help. And it’s awesome and the broker that is here locally Dawn Thompson she is as far as the realtor goes, she is the most honest, patient. She is nice," said Adrian Burnett.

The nationwide program enables participants to save up to $4,000 or more on their house.

Jennifer Ott is a Mortgage Banker with Proficio Mortgage, and joined the program after her brother Army Specialist Chad Drake was killed in action in Baghdad in 2004.

"Homes for Heroes has allowed our affiliate realtors and our affiliate banker affiliates to come in and actually discount 25 percent from the realtor their commission towards the closing costs. And we reduce our fees," explained Ott.

"God hears your prayers... It was exactly what I didn't expect to be able to find was a place that was just perfect for us," said Gerald Burnett.

A perfect place for people giving back as a profession.

So far more than 40 people in our area have used the free service in the past two years.