You are finally moving into your new home. You are excited about the prospect of designing it and even inviting guests over. But, did you remember to get a home warranty for it? The real estate agent should have discussed this with you. They are the ones the homeowners turn to about any of their needs during the move.
However, if the agent did not offer to get you one or the house that you bought did not come with a home warranty, that means it’s up to you to look for the best coverage. In choosing a home warranty, it’s important to look at the track record and experience of the company. How many complaints has it received in the past year? Are its clients happy about the coverage?
In this digital age, you can know about a company with just one Google search. All reviews, complaints, and ratings will come up. Try to stay clear of companies that have consistently received negative and low ratings despite being in business for years. If they haven’t learned from their mistakes in the past, what makes you sure they are not going to make the same mistakes again with you?
Ask Your Agent
The first person to ask is the agent who sold you the house. The agent usually gets a commission from the home warranty company for every successful deal signed. This is why you should also be careful in asking the agent for help. Though you can listen to their recommendations, it’s vital to do your own research to get the best warranty plan.
Talk to Friends, Family, and Neighbors
Knock on your neighbors’ doors and ask for help. Do they have a home warranty plan? If so, would they recommend the company to you? Would they mind if you ask them how much they’re paying for the plan? Most of your inner circle will be happy to discuss their warranty programs, so listen attentively and ask as many clarifications as you need.
Set an Appointment
You cannot rely on recommendations alone. You can also visit the home warranty company’s offices to ask them personally. Going to the office will give you a sense of who the company is and what values it believes in. Does it prioritize customer satisfaction? Are its employees well-mannered and accommodating? How does the office look like? Remember that if the company cannot maintain its office enough, how can you expect it to value you as a client?
Does a New Home Need a Home Warranty?
People tend to forget that even new homes need a warranty. The home warranty is not for the structure or foundation of the house but for the appliances and home systems. The plumbing, a flame sensor, and HVAC (heating and air-conditioning) systems, can encounter problems even in new homes. That is what a home warranty is for.
Even new appliances and home systems break down because of wear and tear. It is not unusual for a new washer to suddenly have drainage problems or for the plumbing system to be clogged. Usually, homeowners will call an appliance technician or a plumber to repair these, but a home warranty eliminates the hassle of looking for a maintenance specialist. The warranty lists accredited service providers who can deliver quick and easy solutions.
The beauty of having a home warranty is the peace of mind it provides. You will sleep soundly at night knowing your home is protected at a cost that’s easy on the pocket. Home warranties cost a minimum of $350 a year. This means that you can get a diagnosis or consultation for a minimal out-of-pocket payment when something breaks down in your home.
The warranty more than repairs the appliance or home system. It can also replace them if they are deemed irreparable by the technician. If you want to update the appliances, you can do so via out-of-pocket expenses. The item to be replaced has an equivalent cash value that the warranty company will honor.
The Takeaway
When you have just bought a house, a lot goes through your mind. Mainly, you are worried about the mortgage and the budget. The last thing in your mind is broken-down appliances and home systems. A home warranty gives you peace of mind, protects your budgets, streamlines your time, and provides more options.