So, after a lot of hard work and time, you’ve finally brought that hot lead into escrow and are about to close on their dream home. Savvy agents know that closing isn’t the end of a relationship – rather, it’s the beginning of a lifelong one. A closing brings numerous opportunities to cement your relationship and make your clients lifelong clients. And “Clients for Life” must be your mantra in order to maintain a successful real estate career that survives the test of time. Here’s how you can choose the perfect closing gift in real estate to make lifelong clients:
THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING – HOME WARRANTIES
The average home warranty, depending on the options you choose, is anywhere from $400 – $1200. It is the perfect closing gift because it ensures peace of mind for both buyers and sellers towards the biggest investment they will most likely make in their lives. Do not overlook the incredible value of a home warranty. And it’s easy to add to your closing. Here’s how a home warranty adds incredible relevance and value to the listing process, the buying process and your business:
1. HOMES WITH HOME WARRANTIES SELL FASTER
If you’re an agent that primarily deals in listings, take note that homes with Seller’s home warranties have a better chance of selling more quickly than those that don’t. Statistics show that adding a home warranty plan to your listings can help sell homes faster and for more money. This gives your seller more peace of mind, knowing that systems that might fail during the listing phase are protected by a home warranty. Additionally, this can help you win the listing. As an agent you can offer this as part of your listing package which will give you a competitive edge for winning more listings. And make sure you note this on your signage–Fidelity National Home Warranty offers these handy riders free of charge.
2. BUYERS LOVE HOMES THAT COME WITH HOME WARRANTIES
Did you also know that a Seller’s home warranty can transfer to the buyers at closing? This gives you a competitive advantage. It’s also a great way to pass on peace of mind and draw more buyers to your listings. A home warranty that conveys at closing could make the critical difference between your listing selling above another that was neck and neck with yours.
3. CLIENTS REMEMBER AGENTS WHO GAVE A HOME WARRANTY AT CLOSING
For a nominal fee that is automatically deducted at closing, you can offer your buyer-clients the incredibly functional gift of a home warranty. Many top agents do this as part of the cost of doing business, knowing that there are many dividends from this gift that will continue to pay off later. And at Fidelity National Home Warranty, we send out a helpful reminder at your closing’s anniversary date which reminds you to reach out to your clients to remind them it’s time to renew. This is a great way for you to stay in front of your clients. And when those same clients are ready to sell or buy again, guess who they will think of first?
4. A HOME WARRANTY PROTECTS YOUR REPUTATION
There is nothing worse than closing a deal only to have numerous problems pop up after closing. Often these problems revolve around home systems that fail shortly after closing. Whether it’s a broken water heater or a malfunctioning range, these home system failures can often lead to frustrated clients that will turn to you for answers. Having a home warranty in place at closing keeps you off the hook and gives your clients a place to turn for real solutions. (Note: Always read your contract for coverage, limitations and exclusions.)
5. A HOME WARRANTY PROTECTS YOUR LIABILITY EXPOSURE
Specifically, a CRES Advantage Home Warranty Plan by Fidelity National Home Warranty offers some amazing benefits tailored to real estate agents when it comes to risk management. Specifically, a CRES Advantage Home Warranty Plan gives (1) 13 months of home warranty coverage; (2) $50,000 of Seller’s E&O Coverage via the Seller’s Protection Plan; (3) A Possible Deductible Reduction of up to $5,000 on the Office’s E&O Insurance with CRES. (Certain restrictions apply, so be sure to go to CRES Advantage Home Warranty Plan by Fidelity to learn more.)
Adding a home warranty to your listing package or closing as a regular business practice is a no-brainer. Make this an automatic and consistent part of your business and watch how it creates future opportunities for you. When you work with your sales executive from Fidelity National Home Warranty, know that you have a partner for life that is dedicated to being a part of your success. In addition, you will receive the best customer service and value in the industry from a company that is part of a long-standing Fortune 500® company (Fidelity National Financial). Think of using a home warranty in your business practice as an investment that will deliver valuable dividends now and in your future. To order a home warranty from Fidelity National Home Warranty, click here.