If you told First American Home Warranty Area Manager Ashley Williams six years ago that she’d soon be widely recognized in the local real estate community as an expert in home warranties, she never would have believed it.

 

“I didn’t understand the value of a home warranty,” said the Triad area manager. “But now I know how they work and how much time, stress, and money they can save homeowners. They are such a great risk-reduction tool for agents and homeowners.”

 

Ashley has become a passionate and well-known advocate for the value of a First American home warranty in her Triad territory in North Carolina. She was a stay-at-home mom for 14 years, and before that worked in real estate sales. But a few years ago, she joined First American and has been charming clients with her engaging personality ever since.

 

“We provide valuable protection for home buyers and sellers,” Ashley said. “There are costs involved and I am up front with clients about service fees, potential out-of-pocket costs, and coverage limits,” she said. “But when the fridge dies a week after the sale or even later – that’s when people are relieved they invested in the protection a First American home warranty offers.”

 

A First American home warranty is a renewable service contract that protects a home’s systems and appliances from unexpected repair or replacement costs due to a breakdown. When a covered item breaks, First American will send a service contractor to the home to diagnose and repair or replace the item.

 

Home warranties generally cover systems, such as heating, air conditioning, and plumbing, and specified appliances, including dishwashers, ovens, clothes washers and dryers, and refrigerators – with upgrades and options available.* In contrast, homeowners insurance does not cover mechanical failures, so a home warranty can help bridge that gap in protection.

 

Home warranties can provide peace of mind for home buyers and sellers, and even agents. In fact, when an agent wants to show their appreciation, they often gift a home warranty to protect their client’s interests before, during, or after a sale.

 

“When I joined First American Home Warranty, I jumped all in to become part of the real estate community here,” she said. “The people working in the industry have become my friends. I tell people I get paid to make friends – it’s genuine and I just love it.”

 

Authenticity is important in building strong relationships, and especially so with real estate agents, she said.  “I’m curious and try hard to really get to know people and their personal journeys,” she said. “It is really rewarding to get out there and interact with other professionals in a real, honest way. I find that resonates within the agents in our real estate community.”

 

Ashley’s outgoing personality shines through on her Triad Real Estate Collaborators Facebook page, where she posts personal stories and photos, and provides a forum for agents, brokers, lenders, attorneys, and contractors to share information and network. She has nearly 2,000 members on the private page.

 

“Most of the agents in the Triad know me, my kids, and my Boston Terrier, Drake,” she said. “My kids, they’re my biggest accomplishment. They’re my life.”

 

Ashley’s 13-year-old son and twin 11-year-old girls – all accomplished students – frequently join her and Drake, who often sports a First American T-shirt, on neighborhood walks, long hikes and quick family trips.  

 

With her friendly nature and expertise in explaining the details of a home warranty, educating agents, home sellers, and buyers about the value of a home warranty comes effortlessly for Ashley. She looks to tailor coverage options for her clients to provide the best protection. She attributes that to her empathetic approach and focus on customer service.

 

“I put myself in their shoes – not just the homeowner, but the agents as well,” she said. “I want to help make their transactions as smooth as possible. And I want to communicate everything clearly, so they know and appreciate the protection they’re getting.”

 

While Ashley always works to help agents and homeowners save money, reduce risk and safeguard their budgets, she loves making new friends too. “When I work with you,” she said, “I want to become one of your best friends – and that’s a genuine part of who I am and how I conduct business.”

 

*Home warranty coverage varies by location, plan, and selected options.