Home Warranties: Five Facts to Consider

When you buy a home, there are lots of things to worry about. Is the furnace in good condition? Is the hot water heater on the verge of a breakdown? Is the electrical system up to par? While a professional home inspection can help set your mind at ease, a Home Warranty goes a step further and guarantees your peace of mind ˇK or does it?

Here are five facts to consider about Home Warranties:

•They are fairly inexpensive. For a few hundred dollars, you can get a year of protection. The seller may be willing to pay for a Home Warranty to seal the deal, particularly if the home is getting up there in years.
•They usually involve a deductible or a service fee. You'll want to know what this amounts to, ahead of time. Of course, keep in mind that you'd pay a service fee plus the repair costs if you didn't have a warranty on your home.
•They vary quite a bit in their coverage. Some plans only cover your heating, plumbing and electrical systems. Some cover everything from your furnace to your doorbell. If the home seems to be in pretty good shape overall, you might want to go with a basic plan. If you want to know you're completely covered, look for a plan that includes everything from top to bottom.
•They require you to use certain service providers. Ask who this would be in your area, and check out their credentials by contacting the Better Business Bureau or by asking for references. After all, you want your repairs to be done by qualified people.
•They typically allow you to request service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is an important consideration, since major appliances don't necessarily choose convenient times to break down.

Your Home Warranty contract should spell out all of the above considerations in great detail. If you're unsure about anything, ask!

A Home Warranty is often a great idea, since your homeowner's insurance won't cover repair costs for appliances. Particularly for an older home, a complete, head-to-toe warranty gives you a worry-free first year, and you may be able to extend the warranty for additional years after that.

Ask your REALTOR® for advice on a Home Warranty. He or she can probably recommend a plan to fit your needs. Then you can sit back, relax and enjoy your new home!