Home Warranties Can Help Both Sellers and Buyers.

Home warranties are very useful, whether you are buying or selling a home. A home warranty policy will pay for the cost of fixing and, if necessary, replacing many systems including heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, ovens, refrigerators, etc. The policy offers coverage against normal damage and is for a set period of time, usually one year. In some cases ceiling fans, pools and even roofs can be warranted.

Typically a home warranty will cost between $350 - $600 depending on terms, conditions and contract period. When you make a claim, there is usually a small deductible. Home warranties don't cover already damaged items (pre-existing conditions) and don't cover cosmetic repairs (rust, paint, etc.). Usually home warranties don't cover structural items such as window frames, doors, etc. It is important to find out the specific terms of a home warranty.

Advantages for Sellers

Home warranties can be an excellent marketing tool when selling a home. Your house can be listed as fully warranted, which means home buyers don't have to worry about being deceived about the condition of items in a home. Warranties also differentiate your home from others and may help in negotiations over the price of the home. Home warranties typically take effect after closing and last for one year. In a situation where selling a home in a short time frame is important, home warranties can make the difference and can even bring a higher price.

Advantages for Buyers

Even if a seller does not pay for a home warranty, a buyer may want to purchase one. A repair on a major appliance on a house can easily exceed the cost of a home warranty. Home warranties also give peace of mind in the period after a purchase. Typically a household's cash reserves are depleted after purchasing a home and any major repair can be a tremendous financial burden to the family. A typical repair to a furnace will cost $1250 - $3500, well above the cost of a home warranty.

Try shopping around for warranties. Home warranties are very common. It is estimated that nearly one million policies were sold last year.