Mary Allen Bennett’s word for the year is “energize.” After pandemic restrictions eased, the First American Home Warranty area manager has felt invigorated to be back on the road in Mississippi, reconnecting with local real estate agents and explaining why a home warranty is such a valuable risk-reduction tool for their clients.

 

“I always bring a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm to my work and personal life,” she said. “As a Mississippi local, I’m invested in our community, and I genuinely value the relationships I’m able to build with people.”

 

To service her territory, which covers the entire state of Mississippi, Mary Allen drives what she has dubbed her “Warranty Wagon,” an office on wheels, stocked with the information she needs for open houses, including brochures describing a First American home warranty and various optional coverages, as well as her tablet to take orders, and more.

 

In her six years with First American, Mary Allen has served as the local expert for home warranties in Mississippi. Having come from a career in the food and beverage industry, she has enjoyed providing a different product – peace of mind.

 

And she has succeeded, earning several prestigious company honors in her time at First American Home Warranty, including the President’s Club and the Circle of Excellence. She has also won her state’s Affiliate of the Year from both the Central Mississippi Realtors Association and the statewide organization in 2020.

 

One the most rewarding facets of Mary Allen’s job is educating real estate agents – and their buyers and sellers – about the added confidence a home warranty can provide a home buyer and the financial risks it can help reduce.

 

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 from normal wear and tear, First American Home Warranty will send an independent 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.

 

“A home is the largest purchase that most people make in their lives, so it’s important to help them feel more confident about their decision,” Mary Allen said. “If they move in and a system or appliance breaks, they’re not going to be happy, but having a warranty can provide a simple solution when things break.”

 

As a native of Carrollton, Mississippi, Mary Allen enjoys promoting her region at work and in her personal life. “We are the hospitality state,” she said. “We take care of our people and have a lot of things to be proud of. We have some of the best authors, music, and art.

 

“It’s so important to me that the real estate agents I’m building relationships with know that I am from Mississippi, live in Mississippi and support Mississippi and local businesses and organizations.”

 

In addition to being a member of the Central Mississippi REALTORS® and the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, Mary Allen teaches continuing education classes on home warranty for real estate agents and brokers.

 

She also serves on the Mississippi Farmer’s Market board and local chamber of commerce boards, and loves to read Southern literature, listen to live music and attend music and arts festivals.

 

Mary Allen believes First American Home Warranty’s longevity and excellent customer support are strong motivations for real estate agents to share her confidence in the value of a home warranty.

 

The support allows her to hit the road in her “Warranty Wagon” and advocate for a home warranty and the important risk-reduction benefits it gives homeowners.

 

“In this job, you have to have that energy, be a go-getter, and explain the importance of a home warranty,” she said. “At First American Home Warranty, our integrity means we care for our customers, so we provide superior service and a home warranty that can help save them money.”

 

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