When it comes to keeping your home running smoothly, home warranty benefits can make a huge difference. I’ve personally carried home warranties on my primary residence as well as my investment properties for years, and I can tell you firsthand they’ve saved me significant time, money, and stress—especially when I’m thousands of miles away.
The Landlord Advantage
If you’ve ever rented out a home, you know how important it is that repairs happen fast. When a tenant submits a maintenance request, the clock starts ticking. As a landlord, you’re legally and ethically responsible for addressing urgent repairs quickly.
That’s where a home protection plan shines. With my Winter Garden rental property, I’ve had situations where the AC went out unexpectedly while I was literally out of the country. All I had to do was open my phone, submit a claim online, and the warranty company handled it from there. No scrambling to find a contractor. No guessing who’s reliable. No stress.
When My Own Appliances Failed… While I Was Overseas
On a recent trip to Europe, my personal home decided to revolt. Our refrigerator died. Our fairly new washing machine decided it didn’t feel like washing. Both times, the home warranty company sent techs, diagnosed the issues, and repaired everything before I got home. I didn’t lift a finger. That’s worth a lot in both time and peace of mind.
Yes, Some People Hate Home Warranties…
Believe me, I’ve heard the horror stories too. But I’ll also say this: I’ve personally had very positive experiences. A big part of that is choosing the right company and connecting through an agent who knows a real service rep. That way, if something gets complicated, I can step in and help escalate the issue. That connection matters more than people realize.
A Real-World Example: Our Very Difficult Dishwasher
We’ve had a double-drawer dishwasher (first a cheaper model, then a Fisher & Paykel) that has been nothing but finicky. After it failed again, we called in the home warranty company, paid our $95 service fee, and they replaced both pumps and a handful of other components. When the issues continued, they returned at no charge—twice.
Eventually, the tech discovered that the original 2012 drain installation wasn’t correct. That part was on us. We fixed the plumbing, but the dishwasher itself still wasn’t right. Instead of dragging out more visits, the warranty company simply called us and said:
“We’re replacing the unit.”
I expected a partial reimbursement and a do-it-yourself shopping trip. Nope. They arranged delivery of a brand-new—and better—dishwasher. No shipping fees. No hassle. Just resolution.
That alone covered years of premiums.
What Home Warranties Typically Cover
Coverage varies, but most plans include:
- Ovens & stoves
- Range hoods
- Built-in microwaves
- Refrigerators (often including extras or garage fridges)
- Dishwashers
- Air conditioning systems
- Water heaters
- Optional: washers, dryers, extra appliances
Keep in mind: full HVAC replacement is rare, but warranties often help significantly with the cost. Some plans even include one free annual AC tune-up, which is like giving your system a doctor’s check-up before problems get expensive.
Why We Always Request Home Protection Plans for Buyers
When I represent buyers, I always ask for a one-year home protection plan. Not because agents make money on them—we don’t—but because it protects our clients if something breaks shortly after move-in.
If the inspector missed something or bad timing strikes (and it does!), having a warranty in place prevents a lot of frustration and unexpected expense.
And trust me, a buyer with a broken AC the week after closing is not a happy buyer.
Why Sellers Should Consider Pre-Listing Coverage
Sellers can benefit too.
Many warranty companies offer free or low-cost listing coverage while your home is on the market and under contract. That means if something breaks during that period—say, the AC dies two days before closing—you’re covered.
This protects you from having an expensive surprise derail the transaction. And at closing, the buyer gets a full one-year plan. It’s goodwill, peace of mind, and frankly, smart risk management.
Additional Perks You Might Not Know About
Different companies offer different extras, but some include:
- Free or discounted re-keying
- Annual HVAC maintenance
- Surge protection and electronics coverage
- Plumbing add-ons
- Extra appliance coverage
- Pool/spa equipment options
A lot of these benefits alone exceed the cost of the plan.
My Recommendation
Home warranties aren’t perfect, and they’re not one-size-fits-all. But in my experience—as a homeowner, a landlord, and an agent—they’re absolutely worth considering. They save time. They save stress. And they can save you thousands.
If you’re thinking about buying one, renewing one, or adding one to your real estate transaction, I’m happy to help guide you or connect you with a trusted rep.
David Dorman, Broker-Associate
CENTURY 21 Carioti
“When you hire David Dorman, you GET David Dorman.”
📞 407-948-8295
🌐 www.daviddorman.com