As my practice primarily consists of buyer representation, I regularly get questions from clients about Home Warranties and their value.
Please know that I highly recommend that every buyer client of mine purchase one - not as a replacement for Homeowner's Insurance, but as a way to add "peace of mind" and help prevent claims on your insurance if something breaks or goes amiss in the first year of ownership.
That being said, please keep the following in mind:
No Home Warranty covers everything nor is it a “Guarantee”. Please choose your Home Warranty Plan very carefully, READ BOTH WHAT IS and WHAT IS NOT COVERED in the materials and pamphlets provided by the various Home Warranty Companies.
No Home Warranty Covers:
- Known pre-existing conditions
- Mold or Mildew problems
- Items that were improperly installed
- Cosmetic defects & General Maintenance
- Inadequate capacity
- Previous or attempted repair
- Missing parts
- Secondary damage
- Service involving hazardous or toxic materials (i.e. asbestos)
Some Home Warranty Plans cover, or exclude coverage, on different things and to different degrees of protection. Whether you choose a Home Warranty, or not, please give that choice and the Plan chosen careful consideration.
It is my personal recommendation however that you do in fact, purchase a Home Warranty Plan.
As your REALTOR® my job, my duty is to look after your best interests. While I make strong recommendations, by no means are you obligated to do or buy something you don't wish to.
If you are interested in purchasing property in the Greater Tucson Area, please contact me. I'll be glad to tell you more about how I work for my clients. 520.444.6471 Talk & Text or email me!
Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.
All original material written by Kent Simpson unless attributed to source.©2011, 2010, 2009,2008,2007
"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"
GOOD MORNING KENT! Nice summary of home warranties and what they DON'T cover. I hear alot of folks, as they go through home inspections say, "Just get a home warranty and it will cover that..." I usually review the different warranties available to make sure clients know all the ins and outs of these warranties in addition to covering the things you mention here! -- Gab
HOme warranties can be a "blessing" OR a "curse". Buyers often think these will cover their butts regardless of the repair issue. I encourage them to read the exclusions list carefully so they better understand the limitations.
Howdy there Kent
What a really fine job ya have done, with this here post to give folks a hekping hand. To understand the home warranties. Deb and I where looking at home last year, not once did the Agent that we were using every say anything or talke to us about looking in to a home warranties,
I have side it before my friend, you sure are a real good guy, that taks the time to real help foks.
Gabrielle - I'm glad there is a product like a Home Warranty around, but they've got their limitations, like anything else! Thanks for stopping by.
Tom - I can only think of "the curse" being someone relying on them to cover more than they do.
Dale - they can be good, or they can be money down the drain...but buyers should make an informed decision on them.