Guess what today is! National Home Warranty Day!
Yes, it's a thing! Happy National Home Warranty Day! How much do you know about home warranties? Let's talk about the basics and why you might consider getting one!
What is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a contract between a home owner and a home warranty company, that provides homeowners discounts on repairs and services that are covered under said warranty. In other words, it can help cover some of the costs for repairs when appliances break, or systems need repaired or replaced. A Home Warranty is something completely separate from homeowner's insurance.
What do Home Warranties cover?
Every Home Warranty is different. Most standard coverage is the same, and there are add on options also, at an additional cost. Typically home warranties cover repairs, or replacements, due to normal wear and tear on: major appliances, plumbing, electrical wiring, the water heater, HVAC system, foundations, and other structural parts of the home. Some add on options for home warranties are: roof leak, septic system, washer and dryer, pool equipment and more.
How do Home Warranties work?
To get a home warranty, you can purchase one on your own through a home warranty company, or depending on the market in your area, you can negotiate that as apart of your contract to purchase a home - then the sellers would order, and pay, for your home warranty. If the seller has an existing home warranty, many times they will transfer it over to the buyer.
Home warranties typically cover you for a year. During that year, if anything were to breakdown, or need repairs, you would call the Home Warranty company. They will assign a service provider to you, and you would schedule an appointment and pay the service fee. You can renew your Home Warranty every year.
Should I get a Home Warranty?
Purchasing a Home Warranty is totally your choice, but as a Realtor who sees so many things - I definitely recommend it! I especially recommend it for older homes. Depending on the Real Estate market in your area, you can negotiate it into your purchase contract. If the upfront cost is too high, you can always save up money and purchase it down the road.
Let me know if there are any other Home Warranty questions that I can help answer!