10/21/2026
What a home warranty covers, and when it's worth negotiating for one.
A home warranty often comes up late in a transaction, but it's worth understanding well before then. In simple terms, it's a service contract that typically covers the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances, things like HVAC, water heaters, plumbing, and kitchen appliances, for a set period after closing. It's different from homeowners insurance, which covers damage from events like storms or fire. A home warranty covers everyday wear and breakdowns instead.
For buyers, it can offer real peace of mind, especially in an older home where a system might be nearing the end of its life. For sellers, offering a home warranty can be a smart negotiating tool, a way to add value and reassurance to an offer without touching the price.
It's not always necessary, and it's not one-size-fits-all. The right move depends on the home's age, its systems, and what matters most to the buyer or seller at the table. This is exactly the kind of decision we talk through together, so it becomes one more piece of a smart strategy rather than an afterthought.