Home
Warranty Services
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Home
Buyers Protection
A home warranty is basically an insurance
policy to cover aspects of your home that traditional
homeowners insurance won't cover. By protecting major home systems and
appliances, a Home Protection Plan or Home Warranty can help make
buying or selling a home a more rewarding experience.
Home buyers benefit:
- Coverage for unexpected repair or
replacement costs of many of your home's major
systems and appliances.
- Convenience with access to our network of
local certified contractors through our service
representatives available 24 hours a day, 365 days
per year.
- Budget protection by only paying a
nominal service fee per trade call in most
situations.
Home sellers benefit:
- Competitive edge for a faster sale.
- Potential additional negotiating power to
sell at a higher price.
- Reduce after-sale liability.
Investment
property / Landlord benefit:
-
Covers
appliance, air conditioning, and plumbing repairs
-
Fast,
convenient, and cost effective
-
Peace
of mind for landlord
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Approved home
warranty vendors
Here is
a list of home warranty vendors. It is important that
you compare coverages and levels of service.
First American Home Warranty
American Home Shield
Fidelity
National Home Warranty |
How much
does a home warranty cost?
Annual premiums generally range
from $300 to $450 per year. There will be additional service
trade fee (deductible) of 50 to 100 dollars per service
incident. Most companies do not let homeowners combine two
repairs with one service trade fee. For example, if your
electrical switch needs a repair and kitchen sink is clogged,
you will have to pay the service trade fee twice. Homeowners
are encouraged to read their Home Warranty Contracts so they
may learn and understand how the home warranty works.
What do
Home Warranties usually cover?
Basic coverage includes
plumbing, electrical, heating systems and major appliances
such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens. You can also
request coverage for air conditioning systems plus coverage
for a pool or spa. Many companies charge additional coverage
for appliances such as clothes washers and clothes dryers,
microwave ovens, etc, which are generally not covered (unless
a deluxe package has been ordered). Buyers should read the
home warranty contract carefully to understand coverages,
limitations, and exclusions.
How do I
compare Home Warranty companies?
Cost is not the only factor --
coverage is also vital. Check to see what items will be
covered under a basic warranty and what additional items are
covered under a deluxe plan. Response time is also very
important, especially when dealing with a problem in a
tenant-occupied home. If there is a considerable delay in
getting a service provider to a home, it may well cost some
good will with your renter! Check the Better Business Bureau
(BBB) for consumer complaints. Some companies may refuse to
cover an item, claiming pre-existing condition. Others have
less control or oversight over the service people that they
send. Pass on any company that has an excess of consumer
complaints and always report to your home warranty representative
if you experience poor service form their service provider!
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