Giving Back - Veterans Deserve a Better Deal

Chris Cardella, Licensed Real Estate Agent

I hear from veterans all the time who feel stuck: “I served. I protected. I built communities. But now when I sell my home, I’m just like everyone else.” That never sat right with me. That’s why I created Veteran Seller Specials…because you deserve more.

What I Offer & Why It Matters

As your agent, here’s what I bring to the table:

• Discounted listing commission — I reduce my usual percentage for veterans.

• Full-service representation: my whole team is on board to sell your house and you get our marketing, negotiating, staging, showings—all of it!

Why do this? Because you already gave so much. Asking a veteran to pay “usual commission” when selling is something I’m proud to challenge.

Commission Trends & New Policy Context

The real estate world is shifting now more than ever. A few things you should know:

• As of August 2024, the VA allowed eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses to pay certain buyer-broker fees when purchasing homes - something that previously wasn’t allowed in many cases.

• In the wake of the NAR commission settlement, fee structures are becoming more flexible. Agents and sellers are experimenting with a la carte services and flat-fee listings.

That means there’s more room now than ever for an agent to do things differently, more fairly, and that’s exactly what I’m doing with Veteran Seller Specials.

How It Works (Step by Step)

1. Free consultation — We sit down (or hop on Zoom) and go over your home, your goals, and your timeline.

2. Discounted commission — because you’ve served our country - now we serve you.

3. Approve marketing — We handle all photography, staging, listing, online and MLS exposure.

4. Showings & negotiation - my team and I represent your interests 100%.

5. Closing with peace of mind — Transparent fees, no surprises.

Local Resources & Backup Support

• Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency – Housing Division: They help vets with temporary or permanent housing aid.

• New York State Homes for Veterans / SONYMA: Offers special mortgage and home programs for veterans in NY.

• VREB (Veterans Real Estate Benefits Network): A national program that connects vets with vetted agents and provides rewards/incentives tied to home buying/selling.

• Homes for Heroes: A program that gives heroes (military, healthcare, first responders) guaranteed savings when buying or selling a home (averages ~$3,000) with no hidden fees.

I lean on these and more in my back pocket…so when I say I know what I’m doing, I mean it.

What You Can Expect

• More of your equity stays with you

• Transparent fees from the start

• The same full‑service support you’d expect—but with gratitude, not greed

• A smoother, fairer selling process

If you’re a veteran thinking of selling, or even just wondering what your options are, reach out to me. Let me walk you through your potential savings and show you how this can work for you.

Chris Cardella

Email me: Chris@PatriotKeys.com

Call/text: 631.767.1280

Your Veterans Housing Ally