Steve Augustine wasn’t looking for a gimmick. As a seasoned Realtor moving 150 to 200 properties a year in the Grimsby-to-Niagara corridor of Ontario, he knows what works and what doesn’t. So when he first started offering home warranties from Canadian Home Shield, he wasn’t sure how much impact they’d have.
Turns out, it was more than he’d imagined.
“We started getting phone calls—lots of them,” Augustine says. “People saw the warranty on our listings and wanted to know more. It was an easy way to start conversations and build trust before we even met them.”
Here’s the thing about home warranties
Buyers and sellers crave certainty. Sellers want to know that their home stands out in a crowded market. Buyers want to move in without worrying if the fridge will die or the furnace will quit.
That’s where Canadian Home Shield comes in. Augustine explains it like this:
“The warranty adds confidence. For buyers, it’s peace of mind. For sellers, it’s a reason buyers choose their home. And for me? It’s one more reason people call us first.”
It’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer.
The best part? It pays for itself
Adding a home warranty to every deal wasn’t an extra cost for Augustine—it was an investment in his brand.
“When buyers call about a listing because of the warranty, that’s a lead I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” he says. “It’s impossible to put a dollar amount on it, but I know it works because I hear it in conversations. People notice.”
Augustine goes all in with his marketing: the warranty medallion is front and centre on his listing photos, social media posts and even his for-sale signs.
“It’s like a magnet for buyers,” he says. “Once they’re on the phone, I’m not just talking about the warranty—I’m talking about my client’s home. That’s the win.”
Why Canadian Home Shield?
Augustine didn’t pick just any warranty provider. He chose Canadian Home Shield because they checked all the boxes:
- Comprehensive coverage
- Competitive pricing
- Easy onboarding
- Stellar customer service
“They’re pros,” Augustine says. “When my clients use the warranty, the process is smooth and the feedback has been great. Plus, their team made it simple for me to get started.”
How you can use home warranties to win more business
For Augustine, the magic of home warranties is in the perception of value. “Realtors give closing gifts all the time,” he says. “But how many of those gifts actually help your clients after the deal is done? A home warranty does.”
It’s more than a closing gift—it’s a differentiator. Augustine’s advice for other Realtors?
“If you’re not offering home warranties, you’re leaving money—and clients—on the table. This isn’t just about doing something nice for your clients. It’s about being the Realtor who offers more.”
Certainty sells
Whether it’s a buyer wondering if they’re making the right move or a seller trying to stand out, Canadian Home Shield helps Augustine deliver what his clients want most: confidence.
“It’s not just the warranty,” Augustine says. “It’s what the warranty represents—trust, reliability and care. And that’s the kind of thing clients remember.”
Want to make your listings stand out and your clients rave? Start offering Canadian Home Shield warranties today. Visit the Canadian Home Shield website to learn more.
