Sell Your House Faster Using a Home Warranty Plan

Housing sales in 2020 have slumped, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic and the widespread layoffs and government-mandated lockdowns it has precipitated. This could signal a buyer’s market—good news for people looking to purchase a new home, but unwelcome news for homeowners looking to sell.

If you’re interested in learning how to sell your home faster in a challenging market, you can explore ways of making your home more attractive to potential buyers. Some basic home updates can go a long way, but one of the simplest ways of enticing buyers is by offering the transferal of a home warranty plan.

What Is a Home Warranty Plan?

A home warranty plan is a service agreement between the plan provider and the homeowner. It’s a way of ensuring the continued health of the complex appliances and systems in and around your home at minimal cost. Homeowners pay a small monthly or yearly fee. Should something in the home fail, the warranty plan covers the item’s repair or replacement. This protects the homeowner from the high cost of replacing something critical, such as a water boiler or external AC unit.

What Is a Home Warranty for Buyer vs. Seller?

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, a home warranty operates on the same principle. But there are plans that are tailored to buyers and those designed for sellers.

• A home buyer’s warranty or buyer’s home warranty is a plan that is purchased by the new owner of a home. It’s typically purchased shortly after the sale of a home, but homeowners can usually obtain a warranty at any date.

• A seller’s home warranty is a plan that homeowners can purchase when they put their house on the market. The seller may get a home warranty for selling house and property together. The plan is usually in effect for as long as the home is for sale, and it is usually transferred from the seller to the buyer when the home sale is closed. Often, the seller pays for the plan to remain active for one year after the sale of the home, at which point the warranty becomes the new homeowner’s responsibility. A seller’s home warranty boosts buyer confidence and makes your home a more attractive asset and safer investment. 

What’s Included in a Home Warranty?

The items covered under home warranties can vary from plan to plan. Typically, warranties cover major household systems and appliances. This includes plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC, and more. Warranties can often be upgraded to include specific appliances, such as dishwashers or refrigerators, but you may find that contractors or manufactures will offer a home warranty when selling home appliances, systems, or structures. A contractor who installs a new pool, for example, may provide a limited warranty that covers the pool’s foundation, tiling, and filtration system.

Cost of Home Warranty When Selling Your Home

The cost of a home warranty is dependent on many factors, but plans are affordable. A basic plan may cost only a few hundred dollars and will provide comprehensive protection for a year or more. Plans become more expensive when they are upgraded to include more items or risky assets.

How Liberty Home Guard Can Help

Liberty Home Guard offers an array of home warranty plans for sellers of homes. Contact us today to learn more about how a seller’s home warranty can protect your asset and make your home stand out in a challenging market. You can reach us at (866) 699-4589 or [email protected].