Real Estate Agent Marketing Plan

In the dynamic realm of real estate, agents must be equipped with strong marketing plans to stand out, captivate potential clients, and maximize success rates. RealtySouth has curated a marketing plan that’s both comprehensive and tactical.

Real Estate Agent Marketing Plan

This strategic approach aims to empower agents with the tools, strategies, and insights necessary to thrive in the competitive real estate market.

1. Market Research and Analysis

Kickstart your plan by immersing yourself in thorough market research. Dive into understanding your target audience, the latest market trends, competitive analysis, and the unique selling propositions (USPs) that can set you apart. An understanding of these elements serves as the foundation upon which your marketing strategies will flourish.

2. Branding

Develop a compelling brand identity that resonates with your target audience. From a memorable logo to a consistent color scheme and tone of voice, ensure that every aspect of your branding communicates professionalism and reliability. Your brand should not just be recognizable but also inspire trust and credibility.

3. Website and SEO

A sleek, user-friendly website is a powerful tool in marketing. Ensure that your website is not just aesthetically pleasing but also optimized for search engines (SEO) to enhance visibility and attract organic traffic. Incorporate relevant keywords, create valuable content, and ensure that your website provides a seamless user experience.

4. Content Marketing

Make sure the content resonates with your audience and positions you as a thought leader in the real estate industry. From blog posts to videos, leverage various content types to engage your audience and provide them with insightful and practical information that guides them through their real estate journey.

5. Social Media

Harness the power of social media platforms to connect with your audience and boost your online presence. Customize your content based on each platform’s unique features and audience preferences. Engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and leverage paid advertising to enhance visibility and reach.

6. Email Marketing

Build and uphold relationships with your clients through personalized email marketing campaigns. Segment your email lists based on various criteria such as location, property preferences, and engagement levels to deliver tailored content that resonates and drives action.

7. Networking and Partnerships

Seek out strong professional networks and strategic partnerships that can enhance your market presence and credibility. The best way to do this is to engage in local community events, real estate associations, and online forums to connect with like-minded professionals and potential clients.

8. Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Don’t forget to encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews and testimonials on various platforms, including your website, Google My Business, and social media. Genuine, positive reviews enhance your online reputation and influence potential clients’ decisions.

9. Paid Advertising

Invest in paid advertising strategies such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and LinkedIn Ads to boost your visibility and reach a broader audience. Customize your ad campaigns based on your objectives, whether it’s increasing website traffic, generating leads, or promoting property listings.

10. Analytics and Performance Tracking

Remember to regularly monitor and analyze the performance of your marketing initiatives to gauge their effectiveness and return on investment (ROI). Use insights from analytics to fine-tune your strategies and optimize your marketing efforts for better results.

Real Estate Is Ever-Changing

The real estate business is always changing, with new trends, customer likes, and new technology coming in all the time. A key part of a good marketing plan is for agents to keep learning and be ready to change with the times. Agents should take part in online classes, workshops, and meetings to connect with other experts in the industry and learn new things. This will help them stay fresh and be better at their job. Being able to change and try new things based on what works and what doesn’t is also really important for agents. They should be ready to change their plans based on what the market needs and what customers want. This way, their plans will always be fresh, work well, and meet their goals and what customers are looking for. By always looking to get better and being ready to make changes, agents can do well in the real estate business, make their customers happy, and be successful.

RealtySouth Is Your Partner In Real Estate

Making a strong and successful marketing plan for real estate agents requires careful planning, being creative, and always trying to get better. It’s important to change and update your plans based on new market trends and to use new tools and technology that can help. Always aim to give the best service and value to your clients. Reach out to us today at RealtySouth for all of your real estate needs. 

How Much Should A Real Estate Agent Spend On Marketing?

Without an effective marketing strategy, how will you generate and close enough deals to build your business? But how much are you supposed to spend on marketing? Especially as a real estate agent in Alabama?

How Much Should A Real Estate Agent Spend On Marketing? 

According to recent surveys, real estate agents spend 3 to 5 percent of their gross commission income (GCI) on marketing and advertising. The actual amount is based on location, property types, and experience. However, experienced agents at large brokerages in competitive markets have the advantage of spending on the higher end, while new agents in small towns spend on the lower end. But in general, if you’re not spending at least a few thousand dollars annually on marketing, you’re missing out on generating new leads and growing your business. What you have to do is develop a strategic marketing plan to boost your investment.

Marketing Budget for a Real Estate Agent in Alabama

Determining your marketing budget is key to your success as a realtor in Alabama. Want to build an affordable, well-rounded marketing plan for real estate in Alabama? Here goes…

  • Focus On Your Online Presence

Spend 30–50% of your budget on your website, social media profiles, and search engine optimization (SEO). This helps you rank higher in web searches and engage potential clients.

  • Don’t Skip Professional Photos

High-quality listing photos should make up 10–15% of your budget. You want to attract more interest from new buyers, right?

  • Direct Mail Still Works

Although less popular today, sending postcards or newsletters to your target market should take up 5–10% of your budget.

  • Pay For Advertising

Whether online ads, radio spots, or print ads in local media, advertising should be 15–25% of your budget to reach out to those new audiences.

  • Sponsor Local Events

Don’t forget that at least 5–10% of your budget should be spent sponsoring community events to raise brand awareness and gain new leads.

What Do Top Realtors Spend on Marketing?

As a real estate agent, you can make or break your reputation based on your marketing budget. Top agents spend heavily on marketing to generate new leads and stay top of mind with past clients. Here is some information to take note of:

  • The bulk of the budget – around 60-70% – goes to online marketing. This is for website SEO, PPC ads, social media marketing, and email newsletters. 
  • High-performing agents spend 15-25% of their budget on direct mail like postcards, newsletters, and flyers to reach potential sellers in their target neighborhoods.
  • Effective marketing brings in new listings and sales, helps agents build name recognition and cultivates referrals.
  • Start with your online presence, then experiment with direct mail and events to see what works for gaining new clients in your market.

Don’t worry, your ROI can be enormous despite the heavy numbers you see above. All you have to do is spend strategically and focus on tools to get that message to your target audience. 

And trust us, with time and experience, you’ll be on your way in no time to growing your real estate business.

Best Platforms for Real Estate Agents to Invest Their Marketing Dollars

There are top platforms that real estate agents can leverage to enhance their business. Explore the best online platforms, including websites, social media networks, and listing portals, that offer maximum exposure and engagement opportunities for real estate professionals below:

Website Development

A real estate agent’s website is the hub of their digital marketing efforts. Invest in a professional, mobile-friendly website to develop your online reputation and presence. Include details about your experience, services, listings, and contact information. Optimize your website for SEs by adding location names, property types, and keywords to the content. At RealtySouth, we help our agents develop their websites.

Social Media

Social media sites like Instagram are essential for real estate agents to build relationships and spread brand awareness. Post listings, share community news, and engage with your followers regularly. Paying to promote key posts can help you get new clients. Consider running social media ads to boost your following and drive traffic to your website.

Online Listings

Listing the properties you sell on websites like RealtySouth will display them to millions of home buyers. You can have your billboard by claiming your free agent profiles on these sites. Now you just post all of your listings to maximize visibility. If you want more oomph, paying for premium listings and additional advertising on these high-traffic platforms generates leads from motivated buyers.

Email Marketing

The power of an email newsletter is fascinating. They’re a direct line to communicate with your clients and contacts. Send a monthly newsletter with market updates, your latest listings, and community events. And that’s not all! You can also promote your services and listings via targeted email campaigns. Build your email list and stay in regular contact with subscribers, and you’ll establish yourself as a top-notch real estate agent in Alabama and make serious waves in the industry.

Yard Signs

Let’s talk yard signs! These are tried-and-true ways for real estate agents to advertise listings and bring in new leads. You just place signs before all properties on your property-listed sale list. You also have to put your photo, company logo, and contact details. This will drive people’s attention like a moth to flames. Yard signs are your ticket to a smart investment that yields a high return through increased visibility and new client contacts.

Contact RealtySouth For All Your Real Estate Needs

When it comes down to marketing as a real estate agent in Alabama, there’s no one-size-fits-all marketing budget. It all depends on your experience, location, types of properties you sell, and overall business goals. Of course, the national average is a helpful benchmark, but you need to tailor it to your unique situation. Start with a budget that’s right for you, choose marketing channels that effectively reach your target audience, and track results to see what’s working, and then, make adjustments to optimize your marketing spend. 

It’s all about finding what works best for you and making those dollars you spend come back with a higher ROI. With the help of a committed team and effective in-house software, RealtySouth can help agents with their marketing load.

How to Find a Real Estate Agent in Alabama

How To Find A Real Estate Agent

Looking for a stellar real estate agent in Alabama? Don’t you think you need one? Think again. With over two million licensed agents across the country, an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent can help you buy or sell your property quickly and efficiently.

How to Find a Real Estate Agent in Alabama

Finding a real estate agent is ideal for finding or selling a new property. Here are a few things to consider when looking for a new real estate agent. 

Preparing Your Home for Sale

Real estate agents will assume that you are prepared to sell your home or purchase a new one before hiring them. If you currently own a home, it is a good idea to prepare your home to be sold before starting the search for a new one. The last thing you want is to be scrambling around trying to clean and organize hours before a viewing or even before closing!

Check out these tips:

  1. Declutter and Depersonalize: Remove excess items and personal belongings to create a clean, neutral space that allows buyers to envision themselves living in the home.
  2. Deep Clean: Give your home a thorough cleaning, paying attention to all areas, including floors, windows, walls, and bathrooms. Consider hiring professionals for a more polished result.
  3. Repairs and Maintenance: Fix any noticeable issues such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or cracked tiles. Buyers prefer homes that are in good condition, so address any necessary repairs.
  4. Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Boost your home’s exterior appeal by maintaining the lawn, trimming shrubs, and applying fresh paint if needed. Make sure the entrance is inviting.
  5. Stage the Space: Arrange furniture and decor in a way that highlights the home’s best features. Use neutral colors and strategically placed accents to create an inviting atmosphere.
  6. Brighten Up: Maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds. Add additional lighting in dim areas to create a warm and welcoming ambiance.
  7. Consider Minor Updates: Simple updates like repainting walls, replacing outdated fixtures, or upgrading kitchen appliances can significantly affect the overall appeal.
  8. Professional Photography: Hire a professional photographer to capture high-quality images of your home. Good photos will attract more potential buyers online.
  9. Be Flexible and Available: Make your home accessible for showings and open houses. Accommodating potential buyers’ schedules increases the chances of a successful sale.

How to Find a Real Estate Agent in Alabama

Decide on the preferred method of communication. Some clients like messages or emails. Others, however, only desire phone calls or in-person meetings. Regardless of your preferences, it’s vital to make those expectations clear up front so everyone can strive for common goals.

Personal Network

According to the NAR, personal references are how 40% of people find agents to sell their houses. One popular way to find an agent is through referrals from people who have recently bought or sold a home in Alabama; ask friends, family members, acquaintances, and neighbors, or even look on social media platforms such as Facebook groups. They can provide honest feedback on how they feel about their realtors’ services.

Look at Local Accreditation

Chambers of Commerce in Alabama are often great resources that can help connect you with accredited agents who know their stuff about where they live and work while ensuring certain standards are met. You may look up NAR members via the association’s tool or by conducting a geographic search. Yet another option is to contact real estate brokerage companies; choose one that is well-known in Alabama or a stand-alone company with a sizable local clientele and reputation.

Online Reviews

Check out online reviews before contacting any particular agents that sound promising; take note of what buyers say about them on various social media sites like Twitter and Instagram—after all, it’s usually second nature now! You may also attend open houses held by local agencies to meet these professionals face-to-face. A personal encounter with agents will help you get to know the business.

Consult Referral Agents

If you’re planning on moving to another state altogether but don’t have contacts there yet, no worries! Consult referral agents for assistance locating an effective listing specialist within their network based on geography expertise so they can better understand what specific locale will work best according to this experience working alongside other industry experts and get compensated only if successful!

Sellers’ Agents vs. Buyer’s Agents

Make sure you pick the right type: either buying or selling agents. A buyer’s agent primarily works on behalf of individuals who are in the process of purchasing a property. On the other hand, a seller’s or listing agent’s agent is responsible for marketing the property and determining its price. In some cases, there may be dual agency, where a single broker represents both the buyer and the seller, which helps prevent conflicts by maintaining clear lines of communication. Therefore, it is crucial to select the right type of agent for your specific needs.

Shop Alabama Real Estate With RealtySouth

It is your real estate agent’s job to go to bat for you when buying or selling a property in Alabama—they’re like your own personal champion! Ultimately, who you choose will become their voice, and they should understand exactly what you’re looking for in order to get the most out of yourself.

So don’t hesitate to ask trusted friends, search online databases, or speak with RealtySouth — we can find an expert that knows Alabama real estate information better than anyone!

Difference Between a Realtor and a Broker  

What is the difference between a Realtor and a Broker?

The difference between realtors, real estate agents, and brokers can be confusing if you are just starting to look at buying or selling a home. Here is a quick guide to what each distinction means.

What is the difference between a Realtor and a Broker?  

Both real estate agents and brokers specialize in helping people find homes to sell, buy, or rent. Both have to be licensed in their state to work. However, real estate brokers have additional training and take another licensing exam. They may work independently and often work as supervisors to agents. Agents work on behalf of a brokerage.

Agents and brokers can be National Association of Realtors (NAR) members. This allows them to be Realtors since they swear to follow the Realtor’s Code of Ethics. Many join this association to show that they promise to operate under a special code of ethics to give credibility to their agency.  

Types of Real Estate Agents

If you are buying a home, you will have a buyer’s agent. they represent all of the buyer’s interests and ensure the buyer gets the best deal for the house possible. They schedule tours for the buyer, make offers, negotiate contracts, and make referrals to mortgage lenders and home inspectors.

If you sell a home, you will have a seller’s agent (sometimes referred to as a listing agent). Listing agents represent the seller’s best interests. They list the property at a specific price, find buyers, schedule tours, and negotiate the contract for the seller.

In some cases, an agent could represent both the buyer and seller.

Types of Brokers

After an agent has a few years of experience, they can begin to train as a broker. Since they run a business and oversee agents, they must learn about insurance, taxes, legal and ethical issues, and business management. Once officially a broker, they can work without another broker as a supervisor and start their brokerages. A few different types of brokers can work at a brokerage.

  1. Associate brokers can work without supervision from another broker and can receive a larger commission than an agent. They can chase leads on potential clients and often assist in administrative tasks.
  2. Managing brokers may help clients directly but often work as supervisors at the brokerage.
  3. Principal Brokers, or designated brokers, are the top managers at the brokerage who supervise the real estate agents. They hold a brokerage’s state license and often make a salary instead of a commission.

Choose RealtySouth, Alabama’s Real Estate Expert

Whether you choose an agent or a broker, RealtySouth has an option for you. Our experts will help you navigate the buying, selling, and renting process so that it is as pain-free as possible, and contact them with any questions about the process. Our offices are located all across Alabama, so regardless of the market you are searching in, we have the agents to help you. 

How To Become A Real Estate Agent in Alabama

How To Become A Real Estate Agent in Alabama

Obtaining a real estate license can seem like an immense task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many reasons why you might want to become a real estate agent in Alabama. Perhaps you’re interested in helping people find their perfect home, or you want to invest in the property yourself. Keep reading to learn what you need to do to become a real estate agent in Alabama.

How To Become A Real Estate Agent in Alabama

There are several steps to becoming a licensed real estate agent in Alabama. But first, you should determine what kind of license you will need. In Alabama, you can obtain a salesperson, broker, or reciprocal license. 


A salesperson license is suitable for someone just starting out in real estate. A broker license is for someone who has held a salesperson license for at least 24 months. And a reciprocal license is for real estate agents who might be licensed in another state but would like to be licensed in Alabama as well. 

Salesperson License

Before applying for an Alabama real estate agent license, there are some criteria you must meet. 

  • You must be a U.S. citizen
  • You should be 19 years old or older
  • You must show proof of U.S. residency
  • You should have a high school diploma or GED
  • You must not have a criminal record
  • You haven’t had a real estate license or application denied or revoked in Alabama or any state in the last two years

If you meet all of the above criteria, you can begin the process of applying for a real estate agent salesperson license in Alabama. The first step is to complete a minimum 60-hour pre-licensing course, which many institutions offer online. 

After you complete these classes, you will have six months to sit for and pass the licensing exam. If you cannot take the exam within six months of taking the course, you’ll have to retake the course to be eligible to sit for the exam. The exam contains 140 questions: 40 pertaining to state laws and 100 on generic real estate law and practice. You must have a score of 70 percent or higher to pass. 

Once you have passed the licensure exam, you are required by Alabama law to find a real estate broker to work under. You might want to “shop around” a little before settling on a broker to ensure the broker and their company will be the right fit for you. 

The next step is to submit your application, including your exam score, proof of course completion, and contact information, to the State Real Estate Commission. Once you have received your license, you will need to complete continuing education (CE) credits to keep your license active. Alabama real estate agents must complete 15 CE hours every two years, including three hours of risk-management courses. 

Broker License

If you wish to get a real estate broker license in Alabama, you must not hold a real estate license in any state other than Alabama, but you should have held an active salesperson license in Alabama for 24 months out of the previous three years prior to obtaining a broker license. 

You must also meet all the pre-licensing requirements for a salesperson license listed above, including the residency, age, and education requirements. Completion of a pre-licensing course is also required. 

Reciprocal License

If you hold an active real estate license in a state other than Alabama, you may be able to obtain a reciprocal license so that you can practice real estate in the state. To do this, you must complete a six-hour course on Alabama real estate law and take the portion of the licensing exam that concerns Alabama real estate law. 

Additionally, you must submit your license application and certified proof of licensure in another state. 

Become A Real Estate Agent With RealtySouth

Whether you are making a career change or just beginning your career journey as a real estate agent, it’s a huge deal. RealtySouth is here to help you become a successful real estate agent in Alabama, from pre-licensing courses to prepping for the license exam to continued education courses. Call us today at 877-890-0050, or contact us online! 

Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent When Buying A Home 

Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent When Buying A Home 

Buying a home can be a long and convoluted process. You have many questions on your mind, and some questions you may have not even known you had until it’s too late. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of the top questions to ask your real estate agent when buying a home. 

Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent When Buying A Home 

Once you’ve found the perfect RealtySouth agent for you, the process will begin. Do you still need an agent? Start your search with RealtySouth and get matched with a qualified agent. 

You’ll need to get preapproved and communicate with your agent what you are looking for in a home. This way, they can help keep you within your budget and know what to look for. They’ll provide you with a selection of houses so that you can finally find your next home. 

Is this home priced appropriately?

Before you make an offer, ask your agent if the home you are interested in is priced well. They can compare similar homes (often referred to as real estate comps) to see if they are over or underpriced at the fair market value (FMV). This is based on the price a potential buyer would be willing to pay for the home.

Along with this, your agent will be able to inform you of any potential issues. Their professional perspective will allow them to show you that while the home may be priced a certain way, some problems may make the price less reasonable. 

What and how much are the monthly costs? 

The cost of a home is more than just a mortgage or upfront cost. Depending on the area, utilities and property taxes may shoot the home out of your budget. Ask your realtor for an estimate of water, sewage, and electricity costs. You will also need to be informed of how to access the utilities and if they need maintenance, such as a septic tank vs municipal water lines. 

How long has this home been for sale? 

The length of time a home has been on the market could be an indication of a few things. A seller willing to negotiate a lower price to get finally get rid of it, or if other potential buyers backed out due to a problem with the house. Talk to your agent to see if they know anything about why this home has been for sale for so long. 

It could also be an indication of the seller’s timeline. If they are looking for a home, they may put off selling the current one until they can finalize the new one. If you are also under a time crunch, this will be important information when it comes to buying the home, as you will have to wait for them to move out. Talk to your agent about your flexibility and your timeline expectations. 

What do you recommend as an offering strategy? 

Since your agent will have inside professional knowledge of the market, they can give you advice based on their experience and current conditions. They will let you know how to create the most appealing offer that flags the seller’s attention. 

What should the purchase and sale agreement include? 

After the seller accepts your offer, you’ll need to have a purchase and sale agreement. This is where you’ll outline any contingencies that allow you to back out of the deal should something go wrong. If you didn’t waive a home inspection while bidding for the home, your agent will work with the listing agent to schedule an inspection. If there are major problems, then you could negotiate the price to account for the cost of repairs or even back out of the deal if the issues are bad enough. Your contingency clauses may also allow you to back out if you have trouble financing or selling your home. Talk to your agent to ensure you’re protected in your contract if something goes wrong. 

What if there is an issue during the inspection or final walk-through? 

Similarly, your agent will know what to do if conditions are not as agreed upon during your final walk-through. This can be on a case-by-case basis, so make sure you have a plan with your agent should something go wrong at the last minute. 

What should I bring to the closing? 

The last step that officially finalizes the purchase of your new home, the closing, is where you’ll sign all the paperwork. You’ll sign the final purchase agreement that allows you to officially buy the home and be given the keys. Your agent will schedule this and inform you of what the process will look like and what you need to bring. 

Looking for a new home? 

If you are looking to buy a home in Alabama, then RealtySouth has you covered. We have experienced agents throughout Alabama that would love to help you find your new home. Find your local RealtySouth office and speak to an agent today about taking your next steps. 

Loan Programs And Types From Prosperity Mortgage

Loan Programs And Types From Prosperity Mortgage

If you’re considering purchasing a home, congratulations! Homeownership is a huge step in building your investment portfolio. Before you start packing boxes and going to open houses, you’ll need to get pre-approved for a loan to see what price point you’ll want to stay within. There’s nothing worse than finding your dream home and not being able to secure a mortgage loan. Prosperity Mortgage can help identify which loan type is best for you and secure the best rate. 

Loan Programs And Types From Prosperity Mortgage

Several types of loans are designed to meet all kinds of needs. Here is a list of the most popular types of loans: 

  • USDA Loans are available for eligible rural homes and homebuyers. This government program is designed to assist low-to-moderate-income rural homebuyers in purchasing homes. The most popular feature is no minimum payment requirement. You may also finance closing costs and fees. 
  • VA Loans: VA loans are available for veterans, servicemen, and women in the U.S. Like USDA loans, VA loans do not require a down payment as long as the purchase price doesn’t exceed the appraised value. There is no monthly mortgage insurance cost or a penalty for paying off your mortgage early. Closing costs are also limited with a VA loan.
  • FHA Loans: FHA loans are insured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. They are designed to make housing more affordable, especially for first-time homebuyers. FHA loans typically allow borrowers to buy with a lower down payment than a conventional loan. Current loan limits depend on the type of home and its location. 
  • Conventional Loans: Both adjustable-rate and fixed-rate mortgages are available in traditional loans. Fixed-rate mortgage locks in the interest rate, so monthly payments don’t change. This can allow you to better budget your monthly expenses and can protect you from rising interest rates. An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, has an interest rate that is adjusted periodically based on changes of overall interest rates. There is a cap on how high the rate can rise, but when it does, your monthly P&I (principal and interest) payments do too. 

Unique Loans When Buying a Home

Prosperity Mortgage offers several unique platforms to help navigate through the process of closing your loan on your dream home: 

  • Rapid Close: Rapid Close allows borrowers to sign most of their closing documents ahead of time from their personal computers or smartphone. 
  • Uplift: Our Uplift program ensures all FHA and VA borrowers receive low rates and fees. This means less out of your pocket now and in the future on monthly payments. 

Loan Options for First-Time Home Buyers 

First-time home buyers may be eligible for unique programs that can save money or require less money up front: Qualified first-time home buyers may qualify for conventional loans with as little as 3% down or 3.5% down with an FHA Loan. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, give the professionals at Prosperity Mortgage a call to discuss your options. Homeownership may be more attainable than you think. 

Prosperity Mortgage: Mortgages Made Easy

Buying a home is a considerable investment. You want to protect your assets and ensure you get the best rate and lowest monthly payment possible. That’s where Prosperity Mortgage comes in. Our team has years of experience and stays up-to-date with all the latest news, ensuring you have the best information to make your decision. When you’re ready to explore your options, contact us online. We’re standing by, ready to help!

Pros And Cons Of Buying A Home Warranty

Pros And Cons Of Buying A Home Warranty

If you’re a homeowner or plan to become one, chances are you’re familiar with the idea of a home warranty. As the name suggests, this type of warranty plan can cover the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances, such as your A/C system or refrigerator, and thus protect you from incurring major costs. These warranties are typically limited to cover items within the scope of normal wear and tear, and like all warranties, some exclusions apply. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of a home warranty and determine if it’s the right choice for you.

Pros of a Home Warranty 

  • Peace of Mind – For some homeowners, the ability to sit back and not worry about having to tackle any repairs themselves is priceless. If something breaks, they can rest easy knowing that a professional will come out and fix it – problem solved. This can be especially attractive for those who might not be very handy around the house or new homeowners who aren’t as familiar with home systems. 
  • Convenience – With a home warranty, there is just one party to call. You can contact your warranty company. They will streamline the process and send someone to care for your situation.
  • Transferability – More of a long-term benefit, the transferability of some home warranties is an appealing benefit to consider for the potential sale of your home. If you’re in a position to sell your home, you can transfer the warranty to the new owner – making your property potentially more attractive to buyers. Take note, however, that not all policies allow for transfers, so make sure to double-check your plan.

Cons of a Home Warranty 

  • Limited Coverage – As with all insurance plans, ensure you research before purchasing a home warranty, as not all repairs are covered. While standard features are protected under most home warranties, other items may fall outside the bounds of coverage. For instance, if you have a swimming pool that isn’t covered under your home warranty, you will still have to shell out extra money for pool repairs.
  • Denied Claims – The home warranty provider could deny a warranty claim if you did not properly maintain the home feature. This can be a bit of a gamble; for instance, if you purchase a home with a 10-year-old A/C unit that the previous owner didn’t properly service, the warranty may not help if the A/C goes out.
  • Upfront fees – For some, another drawback is that each year, money for the warranty is paid upfront under the assumption that repairs will be needed. However, that may only sometimes be the case. Some years you’ll need repairs, and some years you likely won’t, making it seem like wasted dollars.

Is A Home Warranty Right For You? 

If the added protection of a home warranty is something you’re interested in, look no further than the industry leader, American Home Shield (AHS). 

RealtySouth is proud to partner with AHS and will help you through all steps of the home buying, or selling, process. Let our team of experienced professionals help with all of your Alabama Real Estate questions, and feel confident in the level of financial protection offered by our preferred Alabama home warranty partner.

Homeowner’s Guide To The New Year

Homeowner’s Guide To The New Year

When thinking about what the New Year brings, usually, the first thing that comes to mind is “New Year, New Me.” But for homeowners, you should consider the new year a time to renew and refresh your home. January is a month for new beginnings, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of this time and refresh and rejuvenate your home. 

Homeowner’s Guide To The New Year

When thinking about goals you’d like for the new year, consider what goals you have for your home. Following the holiday season is the perfect time to decompress from the business of the holidays, get a jump start on spring cleaning, and set some realistic goals for the year ahead.

Clearing the Holiday Clutter

Starting with Halloween, it seems our days are going by at supersonic speeds. Preparing for a house full of people at Thanksgiving turns into the chaos of buying and wrapping Christmas gifts, checking the list twice, preparing a feast for a King, and then on to New Year’s Eve celebrations. It’s easy for your home to feel like the clutter is taking over quickly. Take a few days to clean out cabinets and drawers; set a goal of one room per week. You can even get a start on that year’s tax deductions by donating some items to charity.

Get Ahead of Spring Cleaning

Why wait until March or April? January is typically pretty cold, so spend that additional time indoors by getting a jump start on spring cleaning. Also, with peak times for cold and flu infections, you’ll want to disinfect regularly. Deep cleaning guides, like this one from GoCleanCo, can arm you with the correct tools to actually clean your space instead of just pushing around dirt, germs, and dust. Get the whole family involved and assign each person a task, area, room, or job. Make it fun by setting timers and seeing who can finish their chore the fastest.

Setting Realistic Goals for the Year Ahead

We’ve heard it all with New Year’s resolutions. But this year, follow some of these tips to set yourself up for long-term success: 

  • Create a maintenance calendar or schedule. This can help avoid surprise repair fees that can really put a damper on your finances. Keep your budget in mind when planning this calendar and space them out to prevent a heavy hit all at once.
  • Set a goal to fix minor maintenance problems quickly. Give yourself ten days from when you first notice something like a leaky faucet or clogged gutters to have it fixed. It will also help avoid costly repairs from something small turning into a more significant problem. 
  • Think about reducing your energy costs. Everyone wants to reduce what they are spending. While shrinking your carbon footprint may seem like a tall task, reducing your energy usage doesn’t necessarily mean switching to an electric car or adding solar panels. Simple changes like changing to a programmable thermostat, installing LED light bulbs, and using power strips can really change your home’s energy usage- and bottom line.

The Experts at RealtySouth are only a Call Away

Once you have cleared the clutter and deep cleaned, you may realize you have different needs than your current home can provide. That’s where the experts at RealtySouth come in. Our knowledgeable team knows the current market and can help get your existing home ready for a top-dollar sale and help you find a new one that meets your needs. 
Contact us to find an agent, view Alabama homes for sale, or estimate your home value. We are standing by and ready to help!

Homeowners Insurance: What It Is and Why You Need It

There are so many types of insurance out there right now, and it can become overwhelming. Their purpose is a just-in-case scenario. We all try to do what we can to stay prepared and prevent things; however, as much as we would like to, we can’t control or predict everything.

Homeowners Insurance: What It Is and Why You Need It

Sometimes unexpected things happen. It’s nice to know that there is something to cover our expenses in those unexpected scenarios. Learn what homeowners insurance is and why you need it with RealtySouth. 

What Is Homeowners Insurance

A home is one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime. It is essential to protect your home. Homeowners insurance is one of the most important ways to protect your home. It may sound silly to add another cost on top of the already expensive expenses that come with becoming a homeowner; however, it is worth it. What is homeowner insurance? 

  • Fire 
  • Burglary
  • Vandalism
  • Lightning 
  • Hail
  • Damage to Trees 
  • Windstorm
  • Explosion

Types Of Homeowners Insurance Policies

The unexpected does happen. However, standard homeowners insurance does not cover damage from natural disasters like earthquakes or floods. You can have these things added on to have coverage all around. Some areas near water or low-lying lands may even require flood insurance. These homeowners insurance policies are often nicknamed hazard insurance for this very reason. Getting the most protection is key to getting the best value out of your homeowners’ insurance. 

Determining What You Need

When purchasing a home, there are many costs; however, homeowners insurance is a cost well worth it. As with many different types of insurance, you should always do your own research when it comes to cost and find the right provider with the right plan for you. Most homeowners pay their insurance through an escrow account as part of their monthly mortgage. The homeowner makes payments to the lender, and the lender holds the insurance payment amount. When the insurance bill is due, the lender then pays it from the account. The lenders typically require homeowners insurance because the goal is to protect the property they have issued a loan to. If a minimum amount of coverage isn’t given or if you want more than the minimum, consider these questions to ask your homeowners’ insurance agent:

  • How much will rebuilding and replacing belongings cost if the home is damaged or destroyed? 
  • What is the homeowners insurance company’s reputation?
  • Is the company known for paying claims promptly and fairly?
  • Are there discounts available?
  • What is the process of filing a claim and settling? 

Protecting Your RealtySouth Home

It is essential to know that homeowners insurance is intended to cover unexpected damage, not routine maintenance. Ask your agent to talk about what is covered, and be sure to read your policy so you know exactly what is included and what is not.

Homeowners Insurance aims to save you money in the long run if and when the unexpected happens. So if you are in the process of purchasing a home or even thinking about it soon, RealtySouth and InsuranceSouth can get you into your dream home with peace of mind. Search our new listings online and contact our expert real estate agents to get started today.