Patty Manzi’s Tri-Valley Real Estate Blog

Here is a little information on home warranties for resale and new homes.

Resale Home Warranties-

When you purchase a resale home, you can purchase a home warranty plan that will protect you against most ordinary flaws and breakdowns for at least the first year of occupancy.  The warranty may be offered by the Seller as part of the overall package, but if it is not offered, it is well worth the investment to purchase it yourself.  A home warranty program will give you peace of mind, knowing the major covered components of your home will be repaired if necessary.  Coverage for home warranty plans start with a basic plan with an option to purchase additional coverage for specific things like appliances, pool equipment, and air-conditioning.  Your real estate agent will be able to provide you with names of local home warranty companies in your area.  I suggest contacting the companies to inquire about their pricing, coverage, and deductibles for service calls.

New Home Warranties-

When you purchase a newly built home, the builder usually offers some sort of full or limited warranty on things such as the quality of design, materials, and workmanship.  These warranties are usually for a period of one-year from the date of purchase of the home.  At closing the builder will assign to you the manufacturer’s warranties that were provided to the builder for materials, appliances, fixtures, etc.  For example, if your dishwasher were to become faulty within one year from the purchase of your newly built home, you would call the manufacturer of the dishwasher – not the builder.

If the home builder does not offer a warranty, BE SURE TO ASK WHY!