What is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a protection plan purchased during the sale of a house to provide coverage for major home systems such as heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and some appliances.

 

Home warranties should not be confused with homeowners insurance, nor should they be purchased in place of it. Warranties cover the repair or replacement of a home’s specific components should they fail, while insurance covers major events such as fire or water damage, crimes such as theft or property damage, and the owner’s possessions.

How Much Will it Cost?

These warranties usually cost between $300 - $500 for one year of coverage, plus an additional $50 - $125 service call fee each time the company sends a technician to the home.

 

Premiums are typically paid in full, but some companies offer payment plans for their products. Service call fees, however, are charged at the time of service.

Is a Home Warranty Worth It?

The Pros

The biggest advantage to purchasing a warranty is peace of mind. These products offer a discounted cushion against any problems that arise in the first year of owning a home.

 

This is particularly useful if the buyer is unaware of how the previous owner maintained their appliances or home systems. In the event that a costly repair is needed, the warranty will help absorb the majority of the expense and take the stress out of locating a contractor.

The Cons

Warranties restrict the owner’s ability to choose the service provider responding to their claim, and the service call fee must be paid even if the claim is denied and the item in question is left unrepaired.

 

Most policies have strict limits and terms for repairs or replacement and can deny coverage if the items have been improperly maintained. Unfortunately, premiums are non-refundable, even if you don’t experience any system or appliance failures throughout the year.

Know What Your Plan Covers!

Always carefully review the terms and conditions of any policy to make sure it fits your needs. Take note of payment limits for repairs, replacement terms for items that cannot be fixed, and understand exactly what is (and is not) covered under the policy.

 

Additional coverage can be purchased for items not included in the standard policy, such as refrigerators, laundry appliances, and spas or pools.

Duck Brothers Real Estate

If you’re interested in looking into home warranty options, Duck Brothers Real Estate can help you select the product that meets your needs and refer you to the companies best suited for providing that coverage. Just ask your Realtor® for more information!

 

If you’re ready to buy or sell a home, please visit our website for more information!

 

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