Should Buyers Get a Home Warranty?

Many buyers ask about home warranties because they want protection - especially if the home isn’t brand new.

A home warranty is typically a 1-year service contract that can cover repair or replacement of certain major systems and appliances (depending on the plan), such as:

• HVAC
• water heater
• plumbing issues
• electrical components
• kitchen appliances

A warranty can provide peace of mind, but it’s important for buyers to understand what it is - and what it isn’t.

A home warranty:
✅ can reduce surprise repair costs in year one
✅ can offer a backup plan if something breaks after closing
✅ can be negotiated into the contract in many situations

But a home warranty:
❌ does not replace an inspection
❌ does not guarantee everything will be covered
❌ often has deductibles and claim limits

In many cases, buyers choose a warranty when:

• the home is older
• the HVAC or water heater has age on it
• the buyer wants extra security
• the seller agrees to pay for it

The smartest approach is treating a warranty as a helpful buffer - not a guarantee - and pairing it with a strong repair budget and inspection strategy.