Latest news with #FirstAmerican
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Macro Matters: US labor data 'is as accurate as it ever was'
Investors have been asking if they can trust U.S. economic data, after the jobs numbers for May and June were revised down by a massive 258,000 jobs and President Trump responded by firing the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mark Fleming of First American told Reuters response rates to the Bureau's surveys have been falling, but that doesn't mean the numbers can't be trusted.
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Best Home Warranty Companies Of 2025
The table below compares the ratings and costs of our top home warranty companies after completing our research and analysis across criteria, including service fees, plans and coverage, add-ons covered, years in business, and customer reviews and experiences. Learn More Get A Free Quote Get A Free Quote On Liberty Home Guard's Website Get A Free Quote On American Home Shield's Website Learn More Get A Free Quote On The Home Service Club's Website Get A Free Quote Get A Free Quote Get A Free Quote On Choice Home Warranty's Website Get A Free Quote On First American's Website You should expect home warranty costs to be about $325 to $1,200 per year on average or about $57 monthly. Average monthly costs for the lowest-tiered plan with the least amount of coverage hovers around $27 while the highest cost reflects the average plan with the most comprehensive coverage. Service fees can range between $50 and $150. Premiums are the cost you'll pay each month whether you use your home warranty or not, while service fees are what you'll pay each time a pro visits your home for a service call. You may be able to pay a lower service call fee if you pay a higher premium or vice versa, so keep that in mind when shopping around. These numbers were fairly consistent with the responses from our home warranty survey, with a majority of respondents (81%) citing their home warranty costs at around $801 to $900 per month. While it can be tempting to choose the absolute cheapest home warranty company or plan, we recommend considering other factors beside cost, including coverage, reviews and service guarantees. For a monthly cost and service fee, a home warranty can help reduce the overall cost of major repairs. Without one, you can expect to pay up to $2,000 out of pocket for common system and appliance issues. See a breakdown of typical repairs and their associated costs below: A home warranty should be tailored to your home. Before you lock down a company, it's crucial to do the following: Solidify Your Budget On average, home warranty plans cost between $300 and $600 annually, and you should expect service fees ranging from $50 to $150, depending on the company and your chosen plan. It's important to feel confident in your financial commitment on a monthly and yearly basis. Assess Coverage Needs What do you need coverage for in your home? Some people may only need coverage for appliances, like washers and dryers, or systems like HVAC and electrical, while others may want both. Get a clear picture of the items covered in each home warranty plan you review. Read Reviews Search each home warranty company on sites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp and Google to get a sense for how current and past customers feel about the business. Search specifically for local reviews and those that mention the specific issues you want to cover. Obtain Multiple Quotes Once you narrow down your choices to a few home warranty companies, you'll want to reach out for quotes from a few different companies. This will help you compare costs as well as what is included in each plan. Review Contracts and Terms Obtain a sample contract for each provider and read the fine print to ensure you understand everything. Each home warranty provider outlines its coverage restrictions in the fine print. For example, a home warranty company may offer up to $3,000 for HVAC repairs throughout your contract period. There may also be other restrictions or policies to note in these sample contracts too, such as coverage for pre-existing conditions, whether you choose your own technician, typical response times, any workmanship guarantees and if you're subject to any cancellation fees. Understand the Claims Process A home warranty company becomes important when an issue arises. Inevitably, you'll have to make a claim, so it's pivotal to research a company's claim process before signing on. Some companies offer mobile apps that simplify making a claim, while others allow online submissions. Separately, you should ask each company you speak with about their average response times from putting in the claim to solving the issue. Home warranties can protect you against unexpected expenses. Click on your state today to find out more. Get Started Coverage varies provider by provider, but most home warranty companies cover major household appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, washers and dryers, as well as major systems like HVAC , plumbing and electrical. Many companies offer combination plans that are more comprehensive in nature, blanketing coverage over your whole home. Some companies dig deeper and offer more specialized coverage for things like pools, septic systems and sump pumps. Many home warranty companies won't cover structural issues (like windows, floors or doors), cosmetic damage to appliances or systems, natural disaster and weather-related damage and most areas outside the main house, like outdoor plumbing or sewer lines. Coverage for appliances or systems with pre-existing conditions is often limited. There are also restrictions based on how large your house is, and don't forget about coverage caps. Home warranties can be worth it for many homeowners, but it's a unique decision. For instance, a home warranty might be a better investment for someone with an older home where repairs needs might often arise than for those living in a new home with appliances still covered under manufacturers' warranties. We recommend considering the cost of your home warranty and service fees and comparing it to your expected average home repair costs. 'Always ask for clarification on exclusions to ensure you understand what is and what isn't covered,' says Marcus Hill , a member of Forbes Home Advisory Board with two decades of experience as a home appraiser and real estate investor. 'Watch out for excessive service call fees or unclear fee structures. Some companies charge high fees every time you request service, even if the repair is denied. Ensure the fee structure is reasonable and transparent.' You should also weigh how much you value peace of mind and check to see if your home qualifies for specific plans due to age and location. Finally, get several quotes from different companies to get the full picture of cost. Free, No-commitment Estimates Find A Home Warranty Company Earlier in 2025 we asked 1,800 homeowners how they felt about their home warranty policies, what they paid and how much they used them. Here are some of the most eye-opening findings: Peace of mind was the most common reason people cited for getting a home warranty policy at 64%, followed by covering their aging systems (44%) and appliances and rounded out by convenience (40%). It's probably no surprise that plan options and pricing were the most popular reasons people picked a home warranty plan, coming in at 47% and 44%. Other top reasons included brand reputation and recognition (35%) and recommendations from friends and family (32%). As for what's most commonly covered, a whopping 70% of people said their heating systems are a part of their home warranty plans, while 67% of respondents said their electrical systems were part of their plan. Other common coverage items were cooling systems 66% and plumbing at 62%. Many (87%) said they found it easy to understand the terms and conditions of a home warranty plan. A similar number (86%) were happy with the customer service of these companies if there were any issues. In perhaps the most reassuring number, 81% of respondents said they plan to renew when their home warranty plan expires. To determine the best home warranty companies, we analyzed 19 companies and 58 plans across several different attributes, including our in-house consumer sentiment analysis which included over 146,000 first-person insights. We also gathered and compared more than 100 price quotes to determine the best value. You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates home warranty companies on our detailed methodology page. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Home Warranty Companies Home warranties can protect you against unexpected expenses. Receive a custom quote today. Get Started Home warranties are an optional policy homeowners can purchase to protect their systems and appliances. For example, when your dishwasher breaks and leaves you with a costly bill, a home warranty can step in and help to cover those costs. Home warranties typically cover repairs or replacements of appliances and last for a set period of time. This type of warranty is not included with the purchase of a home and comes at an added cost to the homeowner, paid either via contract or annual or monthly fees. The best home warranty company will provide a timely claims process and have a fee structure that meets your budget. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests asking yourself the following questions before making a commitment: • Does the warranty have the potential to save you money? • What are the warranty's limitations? • Is the claims process grueling or slow? • Are you working with a reputable company? Some of the complaints we've seen about home warranties include caps on claims, the inability to choose your own contractor and delays in connecting with a company to get a contractor to come out to your home. However, some complaints can stem from points in the contract that may not have been explained or addressed in detail. To avoid purchasing a home warranty that won't provide what you need, ensure you review the contract thoroughly before committing. Homeowners insurance typically covers disasters and other covered incidents that can affect your home's structure. These are typically mandatory in order to obtain a mortgage loan. Home warranties are optional and cover routine home repairs and replacements on covered systems and appliances. With a home warranty, you'll select a plan and pay a premium, usually monthly. Once you have a repair that should be covered under your plan, you'll typically request service through the company and pay a service fee for a technician to come to your home. From there, if the repair is covered under your plan, they'll perform the service or follow-up with any additional info.
Globe and Mail
28-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
First American Title Launches AgentNet® Assist Generative AI Tool, Enhancing Productivity for Title Agents
First American Title Insurance Company, a leading provider of title insurance and settlement services and the largest subsidiary of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), today announced the launch of its AgentNet ® Assist tool, a generative artificial intelligence (AI) experience that instantly searches and summarizes First American's industry-leading underwriting expertise and proprietary data. Rolling out nationally now to First American policy-issuing title agents as part of the AgentNet platform, the AgentNet Assist tool provides concise results with links to trusted content, simplifying how title agents access critical guidance through AgentNet Knowledge, the company's exclusive repository of expert-curated underwriting resources. 'What differentiates the AgentNet Assist tool is the unique knowledge base that fuels it—First American Title's underwriting excellence, proprietary data assets developed over decades, and unmatched domain expertise," said Steve Vincini, president of First American Title's Agency Division. 'We've combined our extensive industry knowledge and specialized data with a powerful generative AI tool that provides title agents with access to trusted research instantly, enhancing outcomes and helping elevate their customers' experience.' Fully integrated into AgentNet Knowledge—First American Title's one-stop destination for underwriting guidance, education, and CE/CLE training courses—the AgentNet Assist interface offers a modern experience to help title agents access essential issuing standards, fraud prevention resources, compliance documentation, bulletins and forms. Simple to navigate and use, AgentNet is designed to be the only name title agents need to remember for industry-leading title technology. For more information on the AgentNet suite of products and services, contact a First American sales representative or visit About First American Title Insurance Company First American Title Insurance Company, the largest subsidiary of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), traces its history to 1889. One of the largest title insurers in the nation, the company offers title services through its direct operations and an extensive network of agents throughout the United States and abroad. First American Title provides comprehensive title insurance coverage and professional services for real estate purchases, construction, refinances and equity loans. For more information, visit About First American First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a premier provider of title, settlement and risk solutions for real estate transactions. With its combination of financial strength and stability built over more than 135 years, innovative proprietary technologies, and unmatched data assets, the company is leading the digital transformation of its industry. First American also provides data products to the title industry and other third parties; valuation products and services; mortgage subservicing; home warranty products; banking, trust and wealth management services; and other related products and services. With total revenue of $6.1 billion in 2024, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2025, First American was named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Great Place to Work ® and Fortune Magazine for the tenth consecutive year. The company was named one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company for the second consecutive year in 2024. More information about the company can be found at
Bloomberg
02-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
US New-Home Sales Drop By Most Since 2022
A buildup of unsold houses sitting on the market for weeks is becoming a new reality in once-booming housing areas across the Sun Belt, with homeowners listing their homes due to soaring insurance costs and investors culling rental properties. First American Chief Economist Odeta Kushi has more on the story. (Source: Bloomberg)
Business Wire
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
First American Marks National American Eagle Day With Campaign to Support Eagle Conservation Awareness, Benefit Friends of Big Bear Valley
SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), a premier provider of title, settlement and risk solutions for real estate transactions and the leader in the digital transformation of its industry, today announced the launch of a campaign to celebrate National American Eagle Day (June 20), support each conservation awareness and benefit the non-profit Friends of Big Bear Valley, an organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of bald eagles and their natural habitat. Beginning Friday, June 20, First American will include a live eagle cam on its website and will make a $1 donation to Friends of Big Bear Valley for every view of the eagle cam up to $10,000. "We feel a special connection to the celebrity eagles in our local mountains. We're excited for this special opportunity to celebrate eagles in a way only we can – please join us, watch the live eagle cam feed and help preserve our national symbol.' 'At First American, the eagle is more than our logo, it's a powerful symbol of the values we stand for – strength, freedom, trust and the American dream,' said Chelsea Sumrow, chief marketing officer at First American. 'Our company's roots in Southern California and the greater Los Angeles area trace back 135 years, so we feel a special connection to the celebrity eagles in our local mountains. We're excited for this special opportunity to celebrate eagles in a way only we can – please join us, watch the live eagle cam feed and help preserve our national symbol.' View the Live Eagle Cam to Activate a Donation to Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Fun Facts Bald eagles were nearly extinct in the lower 48 states by the 1960s due to habitat loss and pesticide exposure. In 1963, there were only 417 nesting pairs of bald eagles left in the entire country. Thanks to conservation efforts, bald eagles were removed from the endangered species list in 2007. Bald eagles don't develop their characteristic white head and tail plumage until they reach four to five years of age. Eagles build enormous nests, sometimes eight feet wide and weighing over a ton. The average wingspan of a bald eagle is 6.5 to 7.5 feet. Bald eagles mate for life and return to the same nest each year. Eagles have exceptional eyesight—they can spot prey from up to two miles away. While the bald eagle has been the national symbol of the United States since 1782, it was only recently declared the official national bird in December 2024. The presence of eagles is a key indicator of healthy ecosystems near lakes, rivers, and forests. The largest population of wintering bald eagles in the U.S. is found in Alaska, but they nest in nearly every state. About First American First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a premier provider of title, settlement and risk solutions for real estate transactions. With its combination of financial strength and stability built over more than 135 years, innovative proprietary technologies, and unmatched data assets, the company is leading the digital transformation of its industry. First American also provides data products to the title industry and other third parties; valuation products and services; mortgage subservicing; home warranty products; banking, trust and wealth management services; and other related products and services. With total revenue of $6.1 billion in 2024, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2025, First American was named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Great Place to Work ® and Fortune Magazine for the tenth consecutive year. The company was named one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company for the second consecutive year in 2024. More information about the company can be found at
