Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics involving insurance including Home Owners Warranty | Best Home Warranty
When you are purchasing a home, whether it is your first or not, it is important that you protect yourself and your investment. Many people will make sure their appliances have warranties, as well as their vehicles. Most people will not make a big purchase like those without a warranty, so why is it that so many people make the biggest purchase of their lives (a home) and do not get a warranty?
There are many things you can do to protect yourself when you buy a home but probably foremost is ensuring that you have a warranty on that home. A home warranty is not a new product - in fact, home warranties have been around for quite some time. In the past, however, most people thought that home warranties were only offered by builders on new homes, but that is not the case. In fact, you can purchase a home warranty on any home, new or used.
Usually, either the buyer or the seller will purchase a home warranty. A buyer purchases a home warranty on an older home to safeguard themselves from any major repairs that need to be done that can't be seen on inspection, or foreseen. It's hard to tell that the water heater or furnace is about ready to kick the bucket and need replacing from looking at it. A home warranty protects from those repairs and replacements for the term of the policy. A seller will purchase a home warranty for the home they are selling as a selling feature. A home warranty helps secure their pricing near where it's listed at. Also, many homes that come with a home warranty will sell much quicker than one without.
With this, it is important then that when you are purchasing a home that you ensure you have a home warranty. A home warranty will save you a lot of time, money and trouble if something major should go wrong. In most cases, a home warranty will cover:
- Air conditioning system
- Built in dishwasher
- Built in microwave
- Built in trash compactor
- Ceiling fans
- Central heating unit
- Duct work
- Electrical systems
- Garbage disposal unit
- Plumbing systems
- Refrigerator
- The oven or range
- Washer and dryer
- Water heater
Here is a list of things that are generally not covered with a home warranty:
- Outdoor sprinkler systems
- Outdoor water systems
- Faucet repairs (unless otherwise stated in the policy)
- Spas (you can request/add this coverage in some cases)
- Pools (you can request/add this coverage in some cases)
- Hot tubs (you can request/add this coverage in some cases)
- Permit fees
- Hauling away debris
- Hauling away old appliances
There are items that are often not covered by some plans, which are covered by others, including:
- Washers (because they are not built in to the home and are not always included with a home.)
- Dryers (because they are not built in to the home and are not always included with a home.)
- Garbage disposals
- Garage door openers
- Refrigerators
The best thing to do is to talk to the agent you are dealing with and ask what is and isn't covered in detail with your policy. Anything you talk about should be put in writing and signed by the agent. If he says the garbage disposal is covered, then ensure it is written in the policy.
It's best to take some time and do your research if you are purchasing your own home warranty package for a home. The rates, coverage and deductibles vary from company to company, and from state to state. There are many options available to you, so talk to a qualified home warranty agent to discuss what type of home warranty program suits your needs the best.
If you are buying a home that comes with a home warranty, it's important to remember that this type of warranty is non-renewable; whereas if you purchase your own, it is likely able to be renewed when the initial year-long period is up. Again, it's important to ask of the seller what is included and not included in the warranty before purchasing the home. Read through the policy to be sure you are clear on what is and is not covered.
Buying a home is an exciting time, but it can also be quite daunting. You never know what you are getting when you purchase an older home, but a home warranty can help dispel any misgivings you have.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Florida Mortgage: First Time Home Buyers Rejoice
- Getting a First Time Home Buyer Mortgage
- Mortgages Are Hard To Obtain For The First Time Home Buyer
- First Time Home Buyer Tips
- Tips for First Time Home Buyers
- Common Mistakes of First Time Home Buyers
- First Time Home Buyer
- First time Home Buyers Program- A Key to your Own Home-The Federal Government's Incentive Program




360° Protection Inc.| Save Money With Reliable Commercial Network Wiring In New York
By: Toan Dinh | 25/11/2009The safety and security of staff, merchandise, property and customers depends upon the consistent and accurate operation of surveillance equipment, security cameras and burglar alarms.
360° Protection Inc. - Experts In Commercial Structured Cabling In New York
By: Toan Dinh | 25/11/2009Whether operating in an old or new building, the performance of businesses computer network depends significantly on the wiring.
For Reliable Home Security – Have Smoke Detectors in your House
By: Rose | 25/11/2009There are standard regulations for most buildings and infrastructures that are basically required for installation. For commercial and industrial places, the relevance of smoke detector devices is of utmost priority. Even for home owners who aim to secure their safety against fire-related incidences, this gadget is definitely significant.
Are Panic Rooms Imperative for Home Security?
By: Oswald Melman | 25/11/2009There has been a lot of talk about Panic Rooms in the news and media. From movies to television panic and safety rooms are a hot topic. However, they may not be on the top of the discussion list amongst friends, family, other homeowners, and neighbors. It may seem like these highly fortified safe havens are only for the rich and famous, but the reality is that a safety room may just buy you enough time in an emergency situation to successfully summon the authorities.
Home Security Solutions for Wired and Tech-Savvy Homes
By: Oswald Melman | 25/11/2009Technology has been growing by leaps and bounds in all areas, and many of its advancements have really helped out daily life. After all, it's now possible to get driving directions through a GPS device attached to a satellite--or something as simple as a cell phone. Smart phones allow for a number of different applications to make life easier, from checking movie times while riding the subway to finding out via Twitter if there are any traffic back-ups on your route to work.
Eleven Simple Tips to Keep Your Home Safe
By: Ashley Ford | 24/11/2009There are a few very simple do it yourself things that can be done to your home to improve of its security and safety of your loved ones. Follow these easy to do tips from National Home Security Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to help you improve your home security. Boost your home security with a one of ADT’s trusted home security systems or home alarm systems today!
Cavity Wall Insulation Grants – Damp-proof & winter-proof for FREE
By: Jack | 24/11/2009Cavity wall insulation grants are obtainable by any homeowners and tenants. They must select insulation materials that match industry standards, building regulations, and manufacturing quality control rules.
How to choose a Security Door
By: Kent Rusel | 24/11/2009You want your home to be welcoming and beautiful. On the other hand, you have to provide maximum security to safeguard it against theft and intruders. Privacy is another factor to consider while installing a security door for your home. Other than the door, there are additional security measures you can take to protect your home from all harm.
First Time Home Buyers-how to Check for Termites
By: Stephanie Larkin | 19/03/2008 | Home ImprovementWhen you're in the market to purchase a home, it's easy to allow yourself to focus on the emotional and aesthetic aspects of selecting a property. While it is, of course, very important to choose a house that appeals to you aesthetically and can become a long term home for your family, it's also vital to make sure that the house you want to purchase is structurally sound and free from active termite infestation or damage.
How a Home Warranty Handles Appliances Broken Beyond Repair
By: Stephanie Larkin | 18/03/2008 | Home SecurityOne of the chief reasons that many home owners purchase a home warranty is for appliance warranties. Appliances can be very costly to replace and for many, having a major appliance break down beyond repair is a cost they cannot afford to incur themselves.
Age of a Home and a Home Warranty-what's the Connection?
By: Stephanie Larkin | 18/03/2008 | Home SecurityMany people think that home warranties are reserved for new homes - which home builders provide them for the new homes built in case something goes wrong.
Standard Coverage for a Home Warranty-what to Expect
By: Stephanie Larkin | 24/02/2008 | Home SecurityHome warranties have been around for years. However, until recently, home warranties were a well kept secret. Today, home warranties are much more common and are steadily rising in popularity.
How to Protect yourself When Purchasing a Home
By: Stephanie Larkin | 24/02/2008 | Home SecurityWhen you are purchasing a home, whether it is your first or not, it is important that you protect yourself and your investment. Many people will make sure their appliances have warranties, as well as their vehicles.
Common Mistakes of First Time Home Buyers
By: Stephanie Larkin | 24/02/2008 | Home SecurityBuying your first home is exciting. No more rental payments to a landlord making money for someone else. Instead, you are purchasing your own home and investing in yourself. Money paid to your home mortgage is really investing in your future.
Your Crawl Space Can Attract Termites
By: Stephanie Larkin | 03/02/2008 | LandscapingNo one wants a termite infestation to hit their home, but if you are not careful you might actually be attracting the pests. If you have a crawl space to allow for access to your home's foundation, you could have an environment that's ideal for termite colonies to live in and thrive.