I want to start out this blog post by saying I am biased. My husband is a cofounder of Achosa Home Warranty, a home warranty company that protects their customers in over fifteen states. That being said, Florida is not one of those states; therefore, I have no secret incentive to grow my husband’s business. I just happen to be very informed as to what a home warranty is, and why I honestly believe that at least for your first year of living in a new home you should really consider having one. Before I get further into this, let’s talk about what a home warranty even is, and how it differs from your homeowner’s insurance.
Home warranty covers normal wear and tear on certain items in your home, such as appliances, plumbing, roof leaks, etc. The specifics differ from warranty to warranty. However, warranty does not cover freak accidents or, “acts of God.” Take the major freeze that just occurred in Texas. Many people lost power, had pipes freeze and explode, etc. Damages due to a natural disaster, such as this, are covered under your homeowner’s insurance. But what about when your twenty-year old dryer stops working due to old age, and they no longer make the parts to repair it, so it has to be replaced? This is where having a home warranty can save you hundreds, possibly thousands, of dollars.
I always recommend that my clients get a home warranty for at least the first year they move into a home and here is my primary reason why: home inspections are not perfect! To be honest, things are missed all the time in them. The previous owner could have not even been aware of the issue due to non-use, and you could end up with a dishwasher that only runs twice before breaking or an ice machine that flat out does not work. After spending a ton of money on a new home, you might not have the budget to fix it all. A home warranty will help give you that peace of mind, and after one year you can re-evaluate after better knowing your home better if you want to renew. If you get a home warranty when you first purchase a home, it is typically included in the closing agreement, and paid for by the seller. Again, it can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. It is without a doubt something to consider looking into when purchasing your next home.