FAQ

HomeStory
1
HomeStory General
What is HomeStory?
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HomeStory is a home rewards program. Customers are connected with top-performing, local real estate agents through one of our participating banks. Customers that close a home receive a reward from HomeStory for completing their transaction.

How does HomeStory Rewards Program work?
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Active homebuyers are referred to the HomeStory Rewards Program through a partnered bank.

  • These customers are routed to a local brokerage or agent based on the buyer/seller’s location.
  • The agent or Referral Coordinator at the brokerage will then accept/assign the referrals to the agent.
  • The agent is given 15 minutes to contact that referral from the initial offer text.
  • From that point until close, the agent is required to manage their referral’s status by responding to bi-weekly status update requests via text.
    *Any status changes and/or notes that the agent needs to add during the journey outside of the bi-weekly update texts should be done within the portal on the customer’s profile page.

Important:
If the agent fails to contact the customer by the end of the next business day of accepting the referral, the referral will be pulled and given to another agent.

How are referrals matched to me?
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Our matching system connects HomeStory customers with agents based on a combination of factors, including:

  • Geographic proximity to the customer’s desired area
  • Agent performance and responsiveness
  • Agent availability and current workload

The goal is to pair each customer with the best-suited local agent to maximize the chances of a successful transaction.

What happens when I get a new referral?
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Getting a new referral:

  1. When a new referral is matched to you we’ll send you a text message asking if you’re available to call the customer within the next 15 minutes.
  2. Please respond “Yes” or “No” to the text. (It’s OK if you’re not available. Texting us “No” has no impact on receiving future leads.)
  3. When you reply “Yes” we will send you the customer’s name and a little about them.
  4. Call the number that sent you the text, and we will connect you with the customer. Be sure to make the call within 15 minutes of receiving the text or we’ll automatically route the referral to another agent.
  5. After that initial call, we will text you with the customer’s info and a link to update their record in the online portal.
Receiving New Referrals and Contacting New Referrals
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You’ll be notified of a new referral via text message.

  • The text will ask you if you are available to contact the customer in the next 10 minutes
  • Responding “YES” to confirm your availability, you’ll receive a follow-up text with the customer’s prequalification status, timeline, and price range, along with a reminder of the program’s terms.
  • At the end of the text a clickable phone number is provided, allowing you to call them directly by clicking the number

*Your first contact to a referral received through this program should always be through the provided number at the end of the follow-up text.

What is click to call?
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“Click to Call” is referencing the routing phone number at the bottom of the referral offer text after reply ‘yes’ to the initial offer. This routing phone number is a masked number that connects you directly with the customer. Making your first contact through this number allows us to track key metrics that positively impact your Network Score.

Completing my profile
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To complete your profile, log into the portal and enter your bio, headshot, and any other relevant info. This helps build trust with customers and improves your match rate.

Why do I need to add a photo and bio?
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While your photo and bio are not factored into the agent match algorithm, they are the first two things a matched client sees when viewing your profile. Agents who include a friendly photo and short bio are far more likely to build trust quickly—and ultimately get selected by the client. A strong profile can make all the difference.
To update your profile:
1. Log in at
Chase Agent Express portal (Chase only connections)
HomeStory Portal (All other mortgage partner connections)
2. Click Edit Profile
3. Upload a photo and add a short bio

Customer Considering a Different Lender
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Overview

Occasionally, a customer assigned through the HomeStory program may choose to work with a different lender than the one they originally enrolled with. This article outlines how that decision impacts their reward eligibility and provides guidance on agent expectations in these situations.

Key Points

  • Customers are free to choose any lender they feel is the best fit for their needs.

  • Reward eligibility is tied to the agent relationship, not the lender.

    As long as the customer closes with their assigned HomeStory agent, they remain eligible for the HomeStory reward.


Agent Expectations

While customers may end up with a lender outside the original enrollment, HomeStory expects agents to:

  1. Avoid interfering with the customer’s existing lender relationship with one of HomeStory’s participating partners.

  2. Notify the originally assigned lender as soon as you’re aware that the customer may be exploring other financing options.

    • This allows the lender the opportunity to address any issues or concerns directly with the customer.

    • Allows the lender an opportunity to save the deal.
    • Please do not disclose the name of any alternate lender the customer may be considering.

Initial Call Script Requirements – Agent FAQ
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Required Script for Initial Customer Calls

To help boost your conversion rates and deliver a consistent, high-quality experience to customers, we’ve updated the script that must be used at the start of all first calls with new leads.


Required Opening Script

Please begin each first call with the following:

“Hi [Customer Name], this is [Agent Name] with [Brokerage Name]. It’s great to connect with you through the [Lender Name] [Program Name] program! I’m here to be your local expert, helping you navigate your home [buying/selling] journey.”


Why This Matters

HomeStory monitors initial call recordings to ensure quality and compliance. Agents who consistently deliver the required script see higher engagement and conversion from their leads.

Referral Fee Increase
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1. What changed?

Effective May 1, 2025, the standard referral fee for all transactions through the HomeStory Referral Network will increase from 25% to 40%.

2. Why did the referral fee increasing?

The increase reflects our continued investment in generating high-quality leads and providing enhanced support throughout the transaction process. The network is experiencing significant growth, and this adjustment enables us to maintain and scale these improvements for our agent partners.

3. Who does this change apply to?

This referral fee update applies specifically to agents who were previously grandfathered in at the 25% rate. Starting May 1, 2025, all such agents transitioned to the standard 40% referral fee for any new referrals assigned going forward.

4. Does this affect my existing referrals?

No. Any referrals assigned to you before May 1, 2025 will remain at your current referral fee rate. The new 40% rate only applies to referrals assigned on or after May 1, 2025.

5. Where can I find my referral fee for a specific client?

Your referral fee percentage is always listed at the top of the Referral Agreement you receive with each new connection. You can also view the referral fee on the customer’s details page within your portal.

MyVetBENEFITS
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MyVetBENEFITS is a trusted platform dedicated to assisting military service members and their families in finding their dream homes.

What This Means for You:

  • New Military-Connected Customers — Expect referrals from military members and families at various stages of the homebuying journey.
  • Same Program Structure — All existing program expectations and processes remain the same.
  • No Reward Structure at Launch — This program will operate without a customer reward at this time.
  • Mortgage Lender — MyVetBENEFITS does not provide mortgages. Customers may work with one of the existing HomeStory lending partners or any other they choose.
How HomeStory Handles Agent Coverage
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HomeStory coverage is county-based. In an effort to better match customers with local real estate agents, we want to confirm the counties you serve. We want to ensure we have accurate coverage for your area.

Please reach out to your Referral Coordinator or our support team if you’d like to update your coverage areas.

Important Update: Weekly Status Updates Required Starting March 1st
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To ensure we’re providing the best possible experience for our customers and increasing visibility for our lending partners, we are updating our status update requirement.

Starting March 1st, agents will be required to provide status updates every 1 week instead of every 2 weeks. This change will help us better track the customer journey and ensure all parties stay informed throughout the homebuying process.

You can submit your status updates through:

Web Portals:

  • Chase Portal: caeportal.homestoryrewards.com
  • All Other Partners: portal.homestory.co

iOS Agent App (for iPhone users)

Text Response to Update Requests

Understanding Referral Fee Calculations
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Summary

This article clarifies how HomeStory calculates referral fees.


What Is Included in the Gross Commission?

HomeStory calculates the referral fee based on the total gross income, including brokerage fees, which includes:

  • Standard commission (e.g., 2.5% or 3% of the purchase price)
  • Broker-admin fees
  • Transaction fees (whether labeled separately or not)
  • Bonuses or additional earnings noted on the closing disclosure (ALTA)

Important: The referral fee is not calculated solely on the commission percentage stated in the MLS or listing agreement.


Example Scenario

Let’s say:

  • Home purchase price = $336,000
  • Commission rate = 3%
  • Gross commission = $10,080
  • Transaction fee paid to broker = $395

Total Gross Compensation = $10,475

If the referral fee rate is 40%:

Referral Fee = $10,475 × 40% = $4,190

How Do I Edit Details In My Profile?
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Click your profile page link on the top navigation bar. Once you have landed on the profile page you can either edit each content section by clicking the edit buttons or if your profile is incomplete you can click the “complete my profile” button in the top section of the profile.

There is no phone number on the referral.
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If the referral is new and you have never contacted them before then the phone number will be hidden until you make your first contact using the “click to call” button.

The phone number for active referrals within the portal can be found in 1 of 3 places:

  1. In your initial referral confirmation email.
  2. Under the referrals name within the referral dashboard
  3. In the referral details page under their name
How Do I Find Referrals In The Portal?
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If you contacted a referral using the “click to call” button and are now actively working with this referral, you will be able to find this referral in the “active” tab on the referral dashboard and within your agent profile under the “referrals” section.

If you have not yet contacted the referral then that referral will be found under the “new” tab on the referral dashboard.

How Do I Update my Customer’s Status?
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You will receive bi-weekly text messages prompting you to update each customer’s status. Please respond to these promptly to keep your records current. If there are any changes between update requests, log into the portal to update the status manually.

Password Requirements
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HomeStory portal password requirements
Passwords used in the previous 24 hours can’t be reused.
Your password must contain all of the following:

  • Minimum 12 characters
  • Must contain at least 1 number
  • Must contain at least 1 special character
  • Must contain at least 1 lowercase letter
  • Must contain at least 1 uppercase letter
Password Help / How to Reset Password
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To reset your password, visit the login page and click “Forgot your password?” Enter the email address associated with your account and follow the instructions in the email you receive.

Password Reset Link Is Not Working
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If your link isn’t working, generate a new one by clicking the “Forgot your password?” link on the portal and follow the instructions.

Please note:

  • The password reset link expires after 24 hours
  • Check Spam and Trash folders in your inbox
How to Successfully Reset Your Password
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If you’re having trouble resetting your password, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can regain access to your account without further assistance.

Step 1: Request a Password Reset Link

To begin the password reset process, you need to request a password reset link. Follow these steps:

  • Visit the Login Page: Go to the login page of the service you are trying to access.
  • Click “Forgot Your Password?”: Locate and click the “Forgot Your Password?” link. This will prompt you to enter your email address.
  • Complete the CAPTCHA if applicable.
  • Check your email for the reset link and follow the instructions.
2
Closing and Procedures
How Much is the Referral Fee
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The referral fee can vary based on which program your referral was connected through. The specific fee percentage is listed at the top of each Referral Agreement you receive with a new connection. You can also view it on the customer’s details page in the portal.

How is the customer reward distributed?
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  • Once a transaction closes you will go into the portal to update the status of the referral to “closed”
  • Ensure all required documents are submitted promptly to avoid delays in processing your reward. No additional actions are needed from you if all submission requirements are met.
  • After the transaction closes and the status has been updated, your RC or brokerage will notify our team and submit a broker-to-broker referral fee to HSF Affiliates.
  • HSF Affiliates will process the referral fee and submit payment to HomeStory
    • The reward is then funded from the referral fee.
  • Incentives related to closed transactions are issued approximately 45 days after our finance team receives all closing documents and payments from the assigned brokerage.
How does the customer reward work?
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Customers who close a home purchase through the HomeStory program are eligible for a reward. The reward amount varies by program and state. Once all closing documents and the referral fee have been processed, HomeStory issues the reward to the customer, typically within 45 days.

Updating Customer to ‘Closed’
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1. Change the Customer’s status to ‘Closed’ in the portal

  • Update all of the fields in the closing details section.
  • Please Do not leave the ‘Lender’ field blank

2. Upload documents

Upload the settlement and commission statements to the portal. This documentation is used to verify the close details and calculate the referral fee.

3. Pay the referral fee

The referral fee percent owed for each customer connection is located at the top of the referral agreement you receive with each new connection.

  • If you are unsure of the fee % of a customer try searching this phrase in HomeStory associated email: “HomeStory Referral Agreement”
Reward Restrictions by State
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* Seller Commission Reduction Benefit:

Available in the form of a commission reduction that must be discussed with the agent and included in the listing agreement.

Alabama Reward Process
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Reward must be distributed to customer BEFORE closing.

Agent Expectations:

  • You must notify HomeStory at least 2 weeks in advance of your customer’s
    expected close date.
  • We will then send your agent the check to distribute
    the reward to the customer at or before closing.
  • If a closing falls through,
    please let us know so we can destroy the check.


Send the below information to us at support@homestoryrewards.com:

– Customer Name

– Lead ID

– Sales price of home

– Address of home being bought/sold

– Expected closing date

– Agent name

– Office address to send the check

New Jersey Reward Process
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In New Jersey, real estate rewards are handled differently due to state regulations. The reward is distributed as a rebate at closing. Please ensure you understand the state-specific requirements before proceeding with New Jersey transactions.

Buyer Agency Agreement With Rebate Provision
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WHERE DO I GET THE BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENT WITH REBATE PROVISION?

This form can be provided by your forms provider. Forms provider can be your local MLS, DocuSign, or Dotloop. Please contact your broker or referral coordinator for more information.

Paying The New Jersey Referral Fee
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  • The HomeStory referral fee includes the buyer’s rebate.
  • The rebate amount will be paid to the buyer at the time of closing.

  • The remainder of the referral fee will be paid to HomeStory via the instructions provided in the referral agreement.

*You can resend the referral agreement and view the program-specific referral fee amounts on the customer’s details page within your portal.

How Much is the Rebate
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The rebate amount varies by program and transaction. Check the referral agreement or the customer’s details page in the portal for the specific amount for each transaction.

3
HomeStory Pro App
Getting started with HomeStory Pro
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Introduction

Welcome to HomeStory Pro! This powerful mobile app is exclusively designed for HomeStory network agents to help you manage your referrals more efficiently while on the go. With HomeStory Pro, you’ll never miss a lead, save valuable time, stay connected from anywhere, and ultimately close more business. This guide will walk you through downloading the app and getting started.

Downloading HomeStory Pro on iOS

  1. Open the App Store on your iOS device.
  2. Search for “HomeStory Pro” in the search bar at the top of the screen.
  3. Tap “Get” next to the HomeStory Pro app icon.
  4. Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password to begin the download.
  5. Wait for the download to complete. The app will automatically appear on your Home Screen.

Downloading HomeStory Pro on Android

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
  2. Search for “HomeStory Pro” using the search bar.
  3. Tap “Install” next to the HomeStory Pro listing.
  4. Wait for the installation to complete. The app will appear in your app drawer.
Enable Notifications on HomeStory Pro App
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To make sure you never miss a new lead, enable push notifications for the HomeStory Pro app in your device settings. Go to Settings > Notifications > HomeStory Pro and turn on Allow Notifications.

HomeStory Pro App – Training Demo
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This video provides training and walkthrough of the HomeStory Pro app

Logging In & Troubleshooting Common Login Problems With HomeStory Pro App
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Introduction

Accessing your accounts should be simple and secure. This guide covers the login process and solutions to common issues you might encounter while logging into the HomeStory Pro app.

Chase Agent Express agents click here.

HomeStory Pro Login Process

  1. Open the HomeStory Pro app on your device.
  2. From the welcome screen, tap “Get Started” then, “HomeStory”
  3. Enter your HomeStory Portal email and password.
  4. Tap “Log In” to access your account.

Enabling Face ID Login (Recommended)

For quicker and more secure access to HomeStory Pro:

  1. On the login screen, check the “Enable Face ID” box.
  2. Tap “Allow” when prompted by your device.

This will allow you to log in with a simple glance in the future.

Troubleshooting Login Issues

Issue: Cannot Log In

If you’re unable to log in, try these steps:

  1. Verify your credentials – Make sure you’re using the correct email and password.
  2. Reset your password – Tap “Forgot Password?” on the login screen.
  3. Check your internet connection – Make sure you have a stable connection.
  4. Update the app – Ensure you have the latest version from your app store.
  5. Restart your device – Sometimes a simple restart fixes login issues.
HomeStory Pro Demo Walkthrough [12.17.25]
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(Video embed – Demo walkthrough of HomeStory Pro)

Using Your Work Number with HomeStory Pro
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For agents who use a separate work phone number (like FUB), you can now copy the routing number from the app and use it with your preferred dialer.

How it works

When you receive a new lead:

  1. Accept the notification – You’ll receive push and SMS notifications as usual
  2. Open the app and accept the lead – Tap to accept within the time window
  3. Copy the routing number – On the call screen, you’ll see an option to copy the routing number
  4. Paste into your dialer – Switch to your work phone app and paste the number to make the call

Important reminders

  • You must still accept the lead in the app first
  • The routing number is unique to each lead
  • Make the call within the time window shown in the app
Having Trouble with Routing? Try These Steps
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Some agents have experienced routing issues in HomeStory Pro when trying to accept new clients. Our team is actively working on improvements, but in the meantime, here are steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve most routing problems.

Quick Checklist – Fixing Routing Issues in HomeStory Pro

  • Turn on FaceID in your device settings for faster re-authentication

  • Got logged out mid-flow? Log back into HomeStory Pro, then tap the SMS link again so the referral shows up

  • Can’t log in? Review our login troubleshooting guide

  • Still stuck? Submit a support request and our team will help

1. Enable FaceID for Easy Re-Authentication

If you’re prompted to log in while accepting a new client, enabling FaceID helps you get back in quickly.

Steps:

  1. Open HomeStory Pro
  2. On the login screen, check the box that says “Enable Face ID”
  3. Tap “Allow” when prompted

2. Logged Out During Referral Flow?

If you’re logged out when trying to accept a referral:

  1. Log back in to HomeStory Pro
  2. Go back to the original SMS text with the referral notification
  3. Tap the link again to reopen the referral in the app
Managing Multiple Accounts in HomeStory Pro
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Overview

HomeStory Pro streamlines your workflow by letting you easily connect multiple accounts. With our app, you can easily toggle between your HomeStory account and Chase Agent Express account, keeping all your leads accessible in one place.

How Account Connections Work

HomeStory Pro lets you login and manage both your HomeStory account and your Chase Agent Express account from within the app. This connection gives you access to all your leads from one single tool.

Connecting Your Accounts

Step 1: Initial Login

  1. Open the HomeStory Pro app
  2. On the login screen, you’ll see options for both HomeStory and Chase Agent Express
  3. Select which account you want to sign in with first
  4. Enter your credentials for the selected account

Step 2: Connecting Your Chase Agent Express Account

After logging into your first account, you can add your second account by navigating to Account settings and tapping “Connect Account”.

Understanding Network Rank
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Introduction

Network Rank is HomeStory’s scoring system that measures your engagement and success with HomeStory referrals. Agents with higher Network Ranks receive more referrals and have been shown to close 20% more business. This article explains what Network Rank is, how it’s calculated, and practical ways to improve your score.

What is Network Rank and Why It Matters

Network Rank is a dynamic score that reflects your activity level, responsiveness, and success rate with HomeStory referrals.

Our data shows that agents in the top 20% of Network Rank connect with twice as many leads and see a 20% higher close rate compared to the average agent.

How Network Rank is Calculated

Your Network Rank is based on several key performance indicators:

Success Metrics

  • Close Rate – Percentage of referrals that result in closed transactions
  • Conversion Rate – How effectively you move leads through the pipeline

Engagement Metrics

  • Response Time – How quickly you respond to new referrals
  • Status Updates – How consistently you keep your referral statuses current
  • Portal Activity – How often you log in and manage your referrals
Managing Referrals on HomeStory Pro App
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Making Status Updates

Introduction

HomeStory Pro makes it easy to manage all your HomeStory referrals in one streamlined hub, allowing you to meet network expectations and boost your Network Rank. This guide will show you how to efficiently work with your HomeStory client referrals while on the go.

Viewing Your HomeStory Referrals

  1. Tap the second “Referrals” icon at the bottom of your screen.
  2. View all your current HomeStory referrals in a single organized list.
  3. Use the filter dropdown in the top-right corner to sort by status: All, On Hold, Active, Pending, Closed, Inactive

Managing Referral Information

When you tap on a specific referral, you’ll see their complete profile with options to update status, add notes, and view history.

Connecting with the Client on HomeStory Pro App
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After accepting a lead:

  1. You’ll receive more detailed client information, including: Comprehensive property preferences, Referring program lender, Additional comments (if provided)
  2. You can track the time remaining to make initial contact with the visual countdown timer in the app.
  3. Use the “Call Contact” button in the app to place the call.
  4. Our system will automatically connect you with the client when you call through the app.

Best Practices for Initial Client Engagement

HomeStory Pro users who follow these guidelines see a 20% increase in close rates:

  • Respond quickly – Speed to lead is critical for successful engagement. The faster you respond to new referrals, the more likely you are to make contact and build trust.
  • Use the app for calls – Calling through HomeStory Pro ensures proper tracking and reporting.
  • Follow the script – Use the required opening script for all first calls.
Navigating the App
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HomeStory Pro features four main screens accessible via the navigation bar at the bottom of your screen:

  • Dashboard: Your home screen showing your Network Rank, recent leads, and quick actions.
  • Referrals: You can view and manage all your HomeStory leads. Using the dropdown at the top right, you can filter by status.
  • Performance: Check your Network Rank and other metrics that track your effectiveness.
  • Account: Access your profile settings, Face ID preferences, and logout option.
Score Improvement
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Tips to improve your Network Rank score: respond to referrals quickly, keep statuses up to date, maintain a strong close rate, stay active in the portal, and complete your profile with photo and bio.

Frequently Asked HomeStory Pro App Questions
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Do I need to create a new account for HomeStory Pro?

No, HomeStory Pro is exclusively for current HomeStory network agents. Simply log in with your existing HomeStory Portal credentials.

Is there an additional cost to use HomeStory Pro?

No, HomeStory Pro is available at no additional cost to all HomeStory network agents. There are no in-app purchases or subscription fees.

Is HomeStory Pro available for Android?

Yes! You can download the app in the Google Play store.

How much storage space does HomeStory Pro require?

For the initial download, the app requires 32.1MB of storage space on iOS and 14MB on Android.

Submit a Request

Can’t find what you need? Let us know and we’ll get back to you.

We typically respond within 1 business day.
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Request Submitted

Thanks! Our team will get back to you within 1 business day.

Need help right away? Email us directly

support@homestoryrewards.com

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