Many home buyers are unsure about whether or not to include a home warranty in the purchase of their home. One reason for the uncertainty are the numerous conflicting views on this subject. So when, if ever, should a buyer consider getting a home warranty? Let’s begin with circumstances when a home warranty may be unnecessary.
Home warranties are intended to shift the risk of equipment failure from the homeowner to the warranty company. If your water heater goes out, can you afford to fix the water heater? If your a/c ceases to function in the middle of summer, do you have the money to repair the unit in a timely manner? When a owner has the cash on hand to make a $3,000-$5,000 repair then you can “play the odds” and not purchase a home warranty. However, if you don’t have thousands of dollars dedicated to a home repair fund, you might want to consider a warranting your home.
Buying a home can be very expensive. The last thing a home buyer wants to do is move in to their home and have an unexpected expense. When a person buys a home there is a high likelihood that owner will need to pay for a large home repair within the first 12 months of owning the home. This is part of being a homeowner. If you don’t have an emergency fund for home repairs, it may be in your best interest to get a home warranty for your first year of ownership.
Home warranties are an optional tool on a home buyer’s tool belt. Some buyers don’t need one but many do. My best advice to you is make sure to have a plan. As long as you are prepared, the solution will find you.
John Jennings, III
BRE# 01982171
John Jennings, III is a licensed Realtor® who works for Mid State Realty in Coalinga, CA. For more articles like this one go to johnjenningsrealtor.com. John can be reached at john@oaktreere.net and (559) 970-4312.
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