Why Home Warranties Aren’t Created Equal
What to look for in a home warranty company, four key differentials.
If I’ve learned anything in this business, it is that to be in this business you need to be competitive. (If you thought I’d start off comparing price, coverage, and benefits that would not be the case.)
Look, we all basically fix the same things and we all must take care of homeowners and we all have to be priced right. But in choosing a home warranty company, you need to go deeper than features and benefits. As a REALTOR?, selling houses may be the easy part. You must wear many hats such as, counselor, fireman, psychologist, negotiator, scheduler, and manager. Basically, you probably feel like a professional juggler. So, ask yourself, “Does my home warranty company support me in my quest for success?”
Here are four areas to think about in choosing a home warranty partner.
1) Are they available?
Buying a home is the most expensive investment of your life. Unexpected breakdowns cause stress, anxiety, and frustration. When a breakdown happens, is your home warranty partner able to service your customers 24/7/365 days a year with a live person who speaks with compassion and empathy. If there is no communication, there is no resolution.
2) Do they care about your success?
Zig Ziglar said “You can have everything you want in life if you help other people get everything they want.” Is your home warranty proactively working with you and your team? Do they ask, “Do you need more listings? Do you need better agent retention?” If your home warranty is not committed to help you succeed they are not committed to seeing you be successful.
3) Do customers enjoy doing businesses with them?
What is easier, walking into a listing appointment from a referral or from an internet lead? More importantly, how does this potential client feel knowing their friends already gave you the stamp of approval? Immediately there is no anxiety, and the relationship is on the fast track. It’s the same with how your clients are treated by your warranty provider. In a tense situation with a system breakdown, do you want a mystery contractor walking in with your client having no idea how they will be treated or the claim be handled? Or, would you like one of your preferred contractors, or their usual technician they have used for years, walking in putting them at ease and getting reimbursed on the spot? Choosing your own contractor relieves anxiety and makes a tough situation easier.
4) Are they really being honest with you?
Seems like an easy answer, but unfortunately it’s not always the case. Does your warranty partner train and educate you. Do they educate your homeowners with understanding and empathy? Do they make you comfortable to feel confident in working with them? Make sure that your warranty partner is dedicated to helping you understand the warranty. Don’t be taken advantage of by terms and conditions you are not aware of. Demand that you and your team have the opportunity to be trained. Ask for references!
Remember your partners are extensions of your business. They should be on your team, not just a vendor. Vendors sell, Partners are committed to see you be successful. Make sure your home warranty provider is a part of your business success.
America’s Preferred Home Warranty was selected as the 2017 Best Regional Home Warranty Company by HomeWarrantyReviews.com and has an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, for further information please visit www.APHW.com