Frequently Asked Questions for Real Estate Professionals
Everything you need to offer ACHOSA to your buyers and sellers: how to order, how seller coverage works, what happens at closing, and how we take care of your clients afterward. Questions? Call us at (888) 509-2916.
What is a home warranty, and how is it different from homeowners insurance?
A home warranty is a service contract that helps pay to repair or replace a home's major systems and appliances when they break down from normal use. Homeowners insurance covers sudden events like fire, storms, and theft, not everyday wear and tear. A home warranty fills that gap, which is why it's such a common part of a home sale.
What does "ACHOSA" mean?
It stands for the power to choose. Your clients choose the licensed contractor who comes to their home, every time, instead of being assigned one from a network.
Why should I recommend ACHOSA to my clients?
- Your clients pick their contractor. They can use the local plumber or HVAC tech they already trust, or one you recommend.
- Repairs don't stall. We pay approved contractors the same day the repair is confirmed, so there's no reason for work to sit and wait.
- Coverage that holds up. No age limits on systems or appliances, no square footage limits, and pre-existing issues nobody knew about are eligible.
- Clients are well taken care of. Our customers rate our claims handling 9.2 out of 10, so your recommendation reflects well on you.
How does a home warranty help my transaction?
For buyers, it removes a big worry about the first year in a new home. For sellers, it can make a listing stand out and protect against a breakdown while the home is on the market. For you, it means fewer surprises that can derail a deal and a happier client after closing.
How do I order a plan for a client?
Sign up for a Real Estate Pro account, then order online any time from the Real Estate Pros tab. You can also call us at (888) 509-2916 and we'll place the order for you.
When should I place the order?
For seller coverage, order when the home is listed so it's protected during the listing period. For buyer coverage, order before closing so the plan can be included in the closing paperwork. Buyer coverage generally begins on the closing date. [Confirm: how many days before closing you recommend ordering.]
Can I order seller coverage before there's a buyer?
Yes. Seller coverage starts with the listing. It's complimentary when paired with a 12-month plan for the buyer. [Confirm: how the buyer plan is added once there's a contract, and what happens if it isn't.]
Can buyers or sellers order a plan themselves?
Yes. Homeowners can order from the Homeowners tab on our website or by calling us. However, to get plans designed specifically for real estate buyers and sellers, you need to order for your client. Further, ordering through your account keeps the plan tied to your transaction.
What plans can I offer buyers?
Every plan covers the same 20 systems and appliances. The difference is how much we'll pay on the costliest repairs.
Which plan should I recommend?
Core is solid, no-frills protection for homes with newer systems. For homes with an older air conditioner, furnace, or water heater, Prime or Prime Plus raises the payout limits where a breakdown costs the most.
What's covered?
All plans cover central air conditioning, central heating, water heaters, electrical systems, plumbing and drains, the kitchen refrigerator, dishwasher, oven/range/cooktop, microwave, garbage disposal, roof leaks, attic and exhaust fans, garage door opener, jetted bathtub, washer and dryer, septic system, water softener, well water pump, sump pump, and code violations. Plans don't cover everything; limits and exclusions are in the terms and conditions for each state. Your clients can find more detail in our homeowner FAQ.
What terms are available for buyers?
Buyer coverage is available for 12, 18, 24, 36, or 48 months.
Is pricing different for condos or multi-unit homes?
Yes. Special pricing is available for townhomes, condos, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and new construction.
What optional coverage can buyers add?
|
Optional coverage |
Price per year |
|
Additional refrigerator |
$50 |
|
Stand-alone freezer |
$50 |
|
Stand-alone ice maker |
$100 |
|
Mini-split system |
$100 |
|
Pool and spa (shared equipment) |
$200 |
|
Saltwater pool and spa |
$300 |
|
Additional pool and spa |
$200 |
|
Conserve (energy-efficient upgrades) |
$25 |
|
Conserve Plus |
$50 |
|
Major Appliances Cap Plus |
$50 |
|
Additional dwelling unit |
$400 |
How does complimentary seller coverage work?
Your seller gets Core coverage at no charge when it's paired with a 12-month plan for the buyer. It protects the home's covered systems and appliances while the home is listed. Please note that due to specific state regulations, seller coverage is not complimentary in Florida. In Florida, it costs $25.
How long does seller coverage last?
Seller coverage is available for a 6-month listing period. It can be extended as long as the property remains actively for sale.
What does my seller pay if something breaks during the listing?
The trade call fee for seller coverage is $150. For each service request, sellers pay their contractor the lesser of that fee or the actual cost of the service call. As with every plan, sellers pay for items that aren't covered and for any amount above coverage limits.
What happens to seller coverage at closing?
It will expire. Buyer coverage, assuming it is purchased, will begin then.
What if the listing expires or the sale falls through?
If the listing expires, the seller coverage will also expire. The seller coverage will continue if a sale falls through as long as the property remains actively for sale within the 6-month listing period.
How is the buyer's plan paid for?
Normally, the buyer's plan is paid through the home closing process. However, it can be paid separately by the real estate professional, home buyer or home seller. We can provide convenient links to pay via credit card.
When does the buyer's coverage begin?
Buyer coverage generally begins on the closing date. Call us at (888) 509-2916 to confirm the exact start date for a specific property.
What if the closing date changes?
You can email your sales executive or us at [email protected] with updates to the closing date. We will then change it in our system.
What if the sale doesn't close?
No worries. You can email your sales executive or us at [email protected] to cancel the buyer order. Once the home is in contract again, you can place a new order for the property.
How do I find my client's contract number?
The contract number is on the invoice. You can also call us or email us with the covered property address for all requests.
How do I get a copy of the contract?
We provide a copy when the order is submitted. If it's lost, email us your contract number or the covered property address, or call (888) 509-2916. Include a mailing address if you'd like a printed copy sent somewhere else.
What happens when my client has a breakdown?
Your client follows five simple steps:
- Call it in. They call (888) 509-2916. We confirm the item is eligible and give them a request number.
- Pick their pro. They schedule their own licensed contractor to diagnose the problem.
- Get a quote. They call us with the diagnosis to get an approved amount before work starts.
- Repair happens. The contractor does the work, on their schedule.
- We pay our part. We pay the contractor the same day your client confirms the repair is done.
Do I need to be involved?
No. Your clients work directly with us and their contractor. If they call you first, just point them to (888) 509-2916 and we'll take it from there.
What if my client doesn't have a contractor?
We'll help them find a qualified, licensed local pro. They just need to ask when they call.
What does my client pay for a repair?
For each service request, they pay their contractor the lesser of the plan's trade call fee or the actual cost of the service call. They also pay for items that aren't covered and any amount above their coverage limits. We tell them the approved amount before work starts, so there are no surprises.
What can I do in my Real Estate Pro account?
Sign in to My Account to place orders and see your order history.
Do you have materials I can share with clients?
Yes. Our online brochure shows plans and pricing by state. Ask your ACHOSA sales executive for printed flyers.
Who is my ACHOSA contact?
Your local sales executive can help with orders, pricing, and questions from your clients. If you don't know your sales executive, you can email us at [email protected]. We will have them get back to you.
How do I reach ACHOSA?
Call us at (888) 509-2916, email us at [email address], or use our real estate contact form.
Ready to protect your next transaction?
Sign up for a Real Estate Pro account or call (888) 509-2916.