Throughout the course of a real estate transaction, there may be some inevitable bumps along the way. During the listing, a major appliance could break down, resulting in unexpected expenses for the seller. An inspection may bring to light an issue that needs to be resolved before the transaction can close. After a sale is completed, there’s the possibility of something going wrong shortly after the move-in date impacting the new buyer’s budget. Regardless of what may arise, there’s one feature that can be added to a listing that will afford protection for the buyers, sellers and real estate agents involved in the transaction—a trusted home protection contract.
A home protection contract provides coverage to protect your home’s major systems and appliances, providing peace of mind throughout the transaction—and beyond. For Terri Stickle, vice president of operations for Rose & Womble Realty in Hampton Roads, Va., this added peace of mind is one of the main reasons she chose First American Home Buyers Protection Corporation, a relationship she says she’s “thrilled” with.
“Many major home systems and appliances are included and covered in the home warranty plans offered through First American, protecting the seller from unexpected expenses by having that contract,” says Stickle, who explains that Rose & Womble takes great pride in who they choose to associate with. “When we find a reliable, professional company that adds value to our services, we embrace it, as we do with First American,” adds Stickle.
With the No. 1 marketshare position in their region, spanning nine cities and three counties, Rose & Womble has been offering its clients home protection contracts through First American for the past 15 years. In fact, 65 – 70 percent of Rose & Womble’s transactions have some sort of First American home protection contract attached to them.
“We encourage our sellers to get a home protection contract during the listing time,” says Stickle. “We really do think it’s a tool we can use in so many different ways.”
In addition to providing an affordable, comprehensive home protection contract, First American’s sales team provides comprehensive training regarding the benefits of its contracts, and they will train as often as requested.
“Our job as the corporate office is to communicate with our agents, and we find it beneficial to do it in lockstep with First American,” explains Stickle.
Another aspect Stickle raves about is First American’s customer service. “First American’s sales reps are very responsive. It’s an agent retention tool for me,” she says.
With excellent customer service, dedicated continuing education and training, and the power and benefits of a reliable home protection plan, Stickle says that she would recommend First American “without a shadow of a doubt.”
“We really do believe in First American,” she says.
For more information, please visit www.homewarranty.firstam.com.
