Saratoga Springs Mortgage Officer and Real Estate Agent Helping Local Heroes Achieve Homeownership
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., August 6, 2026 — Heidi Ives, regional manager and senior loan officer with GoRascal Mortgage, and Wioleta (Viola) Kotulak, licensed real estate salesperson with eXp Realty, are continuing their shared mission of giving back to those who serve their communities by partnering with the Homes for Heroes program.
Homes for Heroes is a national organization dedicated to providing savings to community heroes when they buy, sell, or refinance a home. Eligible “heroes” include healthcare professionals, teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, other first responders, and veterans.
Since its founding shortly after the events of September 11, 2001, the organization has helped thousands of heroes across the country by connecting them with affiliated real estate and mortgage professionals and offering “Hero Rewards” to eligible clients after closing. The program allows heroes to keep more money in their pockets while recognizing their invaluable service to their communities.
As the Homes for Heroes Team Upstate NY, Ives and Kotulak have spent the past seven years helping local heroes in New York’s Capital District achieve homeownership. Through their combined efforts, the pair have helped program participants in their community realize more than $200,000 in Hero Rewards.
“From healthcare professionals and teachers to first responders and military veterans, supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving others is at the heart of everything we do,” said Ives. “Helping these heroes save money on one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll ever make is incredibly rewarding.”
Locally, Ives and Kotulak have become passionate advocates for ensuring eligible heroes know these savings are available before beginning the home buying or selling process. Too often, they meet eligible professionals who have already committed to another lender or real estate agent and unknowingly miss out on the financial rewards available through Homes for Heroes.
“We regularly hear from heroes who tell us they wish they had known about this program sooner,” noted Kotulak. “Our goal is simple: We want every eligible hero in our community to know these benefits exist before they begin buying, selling, or refinancing a home. Once they’re already under contract with someone else, it’s often too late to take advantage of the program.”
About Homes for Heroes Team Upstate NY
Homes for Heroes Team Upstate NY is led by Heidi Ives of GoRascal Mortgage and Wioleta (Viola) Kotulak of eXp Realty. As affiliated Homes for Heroes specialists, Ives and Kotulak help community heroes buy, sell, and refinance homes while providing meaningful Hero Rewards to eligible program participants. Over the past seven years, they have returned more than $200,000 to local heroes and have supported local nonprofits through additional charitable giving. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/homesforheroesupstateny/.
Contact:
Heidi Ives
518-791-4595
homesforheroesupstateny@gmail.com