Program Overview
The Hero Appreciation Program is an independent client-appreciation program created by Maria Rodriguez DiGioia to give back to the first responders, military service members, healthcare professionals, and educators who serve our communities. Instead of an annual national franchise membership, this program is funded directly by Maria through a credit against her own commission on each qualifying transaction.
The Hero Appreciation Program is not affiliated with any national franchise or membership program.
Who Qualifies
The following categories qualify when the client is actively employed in the role (or, for military, actively serving or honorably discharged/retired) at the time of the transaction:
First Responders
Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics
Military
Active-duty service members, reservists, and veterans
Healthcare Professionals
Nurses, doctors, and other medical workers
Educators
Teachers, administrators, and school support staff (K-12 and post-secondary)
Eligibility is applied consistently to every client who requests the program, regardless of the property, price point, or any other characteristic.
The Benefit
Qualifying clients receive a credit equal to 20% of agent commission earned — not sale price, applied at closing.
Here's what that can look like on a typical purchase:
| Sale Price | Your Credit |
|---|---|
| $250,000 | ~$1,250 |
| $400,000 | ~$2,000 |
| $600,000 | ~$3,000 |
Figures are illustrative estimates. Your actual credit depends on the final commission earned and is confirmed at closing.
How the Credit Is Applied
- Buyers: your credit is disclosed to your lender and title company early in the transaction and shown on your Closing Disclosure/settlement statement, in accordance with your loan program's guidelines.
- Sellers: your credit is applied as a reduced listing commission rate, agreed to in writing in your listing agreement.
- The credit is issued through the brokerage's official transaction and commission-disbursement process — never as a personal check or gift card.
Eligibility Verification
To confirm eligibility, you'll be asked to provide one of the following at the start of our work together:
- Current employer-issued ID or badge
- A recent pay stub showing your employer/role
- A .gov, .mil, or school-district email address
- A DD-214 or veteran ID card (for veterans)
- A signed letter from a supervisor or HR representative
Program Terms & Disclosures
- Commission credits to clients are permitted in Illinois. This program is offered for Illinois transactions.
- Any credit is disclosed to the buyer's lender as early as possible. Some loan programs restrict or cap lender/seller credits, which can affect the final amount.
- The credit can never be paid or assigned to a third party — it may only benefit the actual qualifying client on the transaction.
- Enrollment in the program does not itself create a representation agreement; you'll still sign the applicable buyer or listing agreement.
- The credit amount is an estimate until final commission is confirmed at closing and is subject to lender/title approval.
- The Hero Appreciation Program is offered at Maria Rodriguez DiGioia's discretion and may be modified or discontinued at any time.
- Serving Chicago, Chicagoland, and all surrounding suburbs.
Questions?
Reach out any time and we'll walk you through how the program applies to your specific move.