Considering a homeowners warranty? Our guide explains how to ask sellers for this important protection and what benefits it offers to homebuyers.
Buying a house comes with its share of surprises, but a homeowner warranty can help keep those surprises from being costly. When you're about to close the deal on your new home, the idea of protecting your investment from the get-go might be on your mind.
This kind of warranty acts like a safety net, catching the expenses of repairs or replacements of key home systems and appliances that could fail after you move in.
Diving deeper, this warranty isn't a decoration for your paperwork pile—it's an agreement that could save you from the stress of dealing with broken-down home essentials. Whether it's the air conditioning in the heat of summer or the heater during winter's chill, having a warranty can mean quick fixes without dipping into your savings.
While a seller’s home warranty may not be the first thing on your mind during homebuying, it's a valuable asset that savvy buyers often consider. It's an added layer of security in your real estate transaction, providing a buffer against the unexpected costs of new homeownership.
Imagine you just got the keys to your new home, and suddenly, the water heater quits on you. A homeowners warranty is like a promise that helps you with the cost to repair or replace it. It takes care of your home appliances and systems.
But remember that it doesn't cover everything, and it's different from insurance that protects against things like theft or natural disasters.
Pro Tip: Don't assume all warranties are the same. Look at what each offers suited to your new home needs.
Here's the deal: homeowners warranty can be your financial backup for unexpected repairs. This means less worry for you if you're not too handy with repairs or don't have extra cash lying around for emergencies.
Pro Tip: When comparing warranties, consider the age of your home's systems. Older homes might need more coverage.
You bet! When you're negotiating, it's fine to ask the seller to throw in a seller’s homeowners warranty. Some sellers might offer a seller’s home warranty to make the deal sweeter and give you peace of mind.
Pro Tip: Your offer can stand out if you ask for a seller’s home warranty in a market with many buyers.
The real estate professional is your teammate in this. They can help make the case for a homeowner warranty to the seller. Your agent knows how to talk shop and can argue why a warranty is good for you and the seller.
Pro Tip: Be clear with your agent about why you want a warranty.
You can negotiate a warranty just like you do the price of the house. Suggest including a seller’s home warranty as part of your offer. If a seller is hesitant, it might help show how it benefits them, like making their home stand out.
Pro Tip: Sometimes, you can split the warranty cost with the seller. This way, both sides win.
It's wise to consider a homeowner warranty after a home purchase. This homeowners warranty can act as a safeguard, helping cover the costs of repairs or replacements you might face unexpectedly after buying your home.
Don't hesitate to bring up a seller’s home warranty during negotiations. It's a request that could benefit you greatly, and there's always a chance the seller will agree to provide one.
Remember, securing a homeowner warranty can be a key step in ensuring your new home is a place of comfort rather than a source of worry.
If you need to use your homeowner's warranty, call the warranty company or file a claim on their website. They'll review your claim and, if it's covered, send a service provider to assess and fix the issue.
Yes, many homeowners’ warranties have a waiting period, typically 30 days, before the coverage kicks in. This prevents claims on issues that occur right after the warranty purchase.
The cost of a homeowners warranty can vary widely, typically ranging from $300 to $600 per year, depending on the level of homeowners warranty, the size of your home, and the service fee structure.
To choose the best homeowner warranty company, research customer reviews, compare coverage options, and look at the company’s history of customer service and claim fulfillment.
Many warranty companies allow you to upgrade your homeowners' warranty for additional coverage. These include pools, septic systems, or other home items.
You should regularly maintain your home's systems and appliances to keep your warranty coverage valid. If you neglect maintenance and something breaks, that might not be covered in your home warranty.
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