If you are wondering, “What is a home.warranty?” Home warranties can save you money and time by eliminating the hassle of finding, scheduling and paying contractors. But it’s important to read the fine print and know what you’re getting into. A home warranty can cover certain appliances, plumbing, and water heating systems in a home. But every policy is different and coverages are not the same across the board.
Some homeowners avoid home warranties altogether by simply setting aside money for repair and maintenance expenses in a savings account. This approach has its merits, too.
Peace of Mind
Regardless of whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced seller, peace of mind is one of the most significant benefits that come with home warranties. The reassurance that comes with knowing your appliances and systems will be covered means you don’t have to worry about expensive repair bills, unexpected costs or dipping into your savings account.
It is important to find a home warranty company that offers a clear contract with well-defined terms, clauses and exclusions so that you can avoid surprises or confusion down the line. Some companies even offer sample contracts that you can read to get an idea of what to expect before you sign up.
While a home warranty might seem like an unnecessary expense, millions of homeowners agree that it’s worth the annual premium to avoid paying out-of-pocket expenses for repairs and replacements. In the long run, home warranties can save you thousands of dollars and prevent unforeseen stress.
Convenience
A home warranty can cover the cost of repairing or replacing major appliances and systems. This can provide peace of mind, especially for first-time buyers who are unfamiliar with the maintenance of home systems and appliances.
A warranty can also reduce the amount of time and money homeowners spend on finding and scheduling service providers to make repairs or replacements. A warranty company typically handles these tasks for homeowners and schedules skilled technicians to perform the work.
A home warranty is different from insurance, which covers the structure and personal property of a residence against fire, wind and hail damage, among other perils. In addition, these plans generally don’t cover exterior elements such as windows, doors and sprinklers.
Predictability
Whether you’re buying a new home or protecting the investment you’ve already made, a warranty is a smart move. After paying earnest money, broker fees, down
payments and closing costs, the last thing you want to deal with is a series of unexpected repairs that can quickly drain your savings.
A home warranty offers predictable annual premiums and day-of-service service fees, making it easier to budget for home repair expenses. That’s especially important if you have limited funds or lack the DIY skills to tackle complex home repair projects.
For sellers, a home warranty can increase a property’s resale value and make it more attractive to buyers. And for homeowners, a home warranty is a peace of mind that can help you sleep better knowing you’re protected from the costly repair or replacement costs that come with unexpected breakdowns of appliances and systems. Considering all the advantages, a home warranty may be worth it for you.
Value
After paying earnest money, mortgage down payments and closing costs, new home buyers don’t want to be on the hook for a series of costly repairs after moving in. A home warranty can help ease that stress.
Home warranties typically cover all systems and appliances in a home (as opposed to just one or two specific products like refrigerators or furnaces), which can help avoid expensive repair bills. They also offer access to a network of skilled service providers, which can help ensure the issue is fixed quickly.
A home warranty can also increase a property’s value by giving potential buyers peace of mind and easing fears about older systems and appliances that may need repairs or replacement. However, it is important to find a provider with a clear contract that is well-defined and free of any hidden fees or clauses.