My partner, Rob Ricca, and I were recognized at our regional awards breakfast recently. I tell you this, not because we wish congratulations, but for one simple point: most of our home buyer clients and most of our home seller clients use the American Home Shield Home Warranty. Hence, Rob and I received an award for the most warranties in our region.  We do not make one cent on selling a home warranty. We do find that our sellers and buyers both feel more comfortable before, during, and after their real estate transaction.

Let me share a few of the good points about the home warranty our clients purchase. In today’s market, many of the homes are owned by banks or they may have been neglected by owners who couldn’t afford to maintain the home properly. A home warranty can provide coverage for the first year and beyond for the new owner, so worries about unexpected expenses and repairs vanish. Our warranty even has coverage for undetectable pre-existing conditions, improper installations, repairs and modifications.

Usually, it is standard practice for our listing clients to offer a home warranty and pay for it on behalf of the buyer. It’s a great way to minimize concerns of buyers towards existing appliances and equipment in a resale home. This allows us to market the home with the warranty coverage. Statistics show that homes with warranty coverage sell quicker and at a higher price than those without coverage.

Even having a home inspection, a buyer can’t always be sure about the condition and useful life of a home’s operating systems. My personal experience: when we bought our Cape Coral home, we had a home inspection. Repairs were made to items identified during that inspection. However, our air conditioning compressor failed within the first month of living there and we were faced with a $1300 repair! I wish we had purchased a home warranty!

As your real estate expert, feel free to give me a call and I can share more information about this program. It’s reasonably priced, often less than the cost of 1 repair.  In the meantime, take a look at this helpful Happy Home Care Tips and make sure you’re taking care of your biggest investment!