Jacksonville Real Estate

HOME WARRANTY

As with a new home warranty, you want to read the policy on a one-year warranty and understand what’s covered and what may be excluded. Usually, one-year warranties cover the “moving parts” of a home, like appliances, heaters and air conditioners, and do not include conditions caused by poor construction or bad maintenance.

There are a number of complaints on one-year warranties. Some of the most common: long response times and claims by repair people that the fixes aren’t covered under the contract. As a result, “The homeowner ends up spending a lot of time trouble calling, trying to get someone to do something.”

But others see value in the service, especially for buyers who’ve already sunk every spare dollar they have into the house. It is recommended and very important to have, as long as it’s a reliable company. And if the seller doesn’t pay for it, you should strongly consider if you’re the buyer to get it.

If you’re considering one, first research the warranty company. How will they select the people they send to your home? And what’s their track record? Check out the company with other homeowners, the state and any local or national consumer groups.

Are there complaints or pending actions? What are current and past customers saying about the company? If you have doubts, consider taking out a service contract for your heating or air condition with a local company that will actually perform the service. Another alternative: Put some cash aside specifically for home repairs.

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