Category: Home Warranty

Home warranties have many benefits for homeowners that protect their homes and offer peace of mind.  When it comes to buying and selling homes,  both buyers and sellers can benefit from having a home warranty.  One might think that, when selling a home, a home warranty would only benefit the buyer who will take over the home but, in fact, it benefits everyone.

The first and most important benefit for sellers is that it offers a competitive edge in the housing market.  When you go to sell your home, you want to sell it quickly and for top dollar.  With a home warranty, buyers will be that much more attracted to your home because they will feel safe and covered should something go wrong and they will also know that you have taken good care of your home.  If they are considering a similar home in the neighborhood, having a home warranty may give your home the competitive edge it needs to be out the other home.  Additionally, having a home warranty may help lessen the amount of negotiations with the buyer after an inspection because they will feel covered should something go wrong.  Another benefit for sellers is that the home will be covered and protected should something go wrong or break while the home is listed or in escrow.

The seller is certainly not the only one who benefits from a home warranty, the buyer benefits immensely from purchasing a home with a home warranty.  First, purchasing a home is very expensive and you will be spending money on not just the home but on moving expenses and decor. If you purchase a home that has a home warranty, you will not need to worry that a huge repair will pop up, costing you money you may not have readily available.  A home warranty protects home buyers from additional costs for surprise repairs.  Additionally, buyers will have peace of mind that their new home is covered should something break down.

When you move into a new home there is a lot to learn about the new home and having peace of mind that your home is protected is priceless.  An existing home warranty will also make home ownership easier.  When things break down, it can be very frustrating to try to find a reliable and knowledgeable handyman or repairman that can do the job. When you purchase a home with a home warranty, you simply need to call the home warranty company and let them handle it from there.  They will send a trustworthy and experienced handyman to handle your job and will handle all of the legwork.  A home warranty is simply a good choice for both home sellers and home buyers.

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At one time, there was a big boom of popularity for trash compactors and they seemed to be the “appliance of the moment.”  These days, we may not see them in as many homes.  But, are trash compactors still worth the investment?  Do they really help and how much? Are you making multiple trips outside to deposit full trash bags? Trash compactors just may be the appliance you have not given much consideration, but should. Trash compactors have been around for a few decades now and work to compress trash to help significantly reduce the amount of trash bags you use.  A trash compactor compresses trash so much that about 6 bags of trash are compressed into one bag of trash.  Yes, that means no more taking out the trash every day.  And, not only will it save you time because you will have one less chore to take care of, but it will also save money because you will not go through as many trash bags.  Additionally, if you are conscious of “going green” in your home, trash compactors are a green choice because they reduce the amount of trash bags you use and your trash takes up less space in landfills. One con of owning a trash compactor is that not all trash can be placed in the trash compactor, making additional waste disposal options necessary.  Items like glass, jars, bottles cannot be placed in the trash compactor and could cause damage to the compactor if placed inside.  SFGate addresses some additional cons of trash compactors, “A trash compactor bag filled to capacity may weigh 30 to 50 pounds, which can be a bit cumbersome, especially for children or the elderly. Regular trash bags cannot be used in a trash compactor because such bags are not designed for the extreme pressure used to compress trash in a compactor. Special trash compactor bags are necessary, requiring a purchase of a specific size designed for your compactor model. They also may smell bad, due to items within the compactor sitting for a while. Charcoal filters reduce some of the odor, but require replacement every six months or so.”  So, ultimately, like many different appliances, there are pros and cons. What will help determine whether or not a trash compactor will be a worthwhile investment is your lifestyle and preferences.  If you like to be eco-friendly, if you prefer not to make as many trips out to the curb with the trash, and if you want to reduce the amount of trash bags you use, a trash compactor may be a worthwhile investment for your home.]]>

The first way to keep your home cool during the summer but not overspend on the cost of cooling is to set your thermostat as high as possible, while still feeling comfortable.  You may not feel a major difference between 76 degrees and 78 degrees, but even a two degree difference on a regular basis can make a major impact on the cost to cool your home.

Next, when you are away from home, set the thermostat higher so that money is not wasted cooling an unoccupied home.  Also, during the evening when temperatures are cooler outside and you are asleep, consider setting your thermostat even one degree higher.  It is unlikely you will notice the difference while you are asleep, but over time, this could yield significant savings.

If you have a somewhat consistent schedule (you wake and leave for work around the same time each day and go to bed around the same time each day) you can program your thermostat and then make adjustments as needed.  The bulk of the work with programming will be done and you will not even need to think about it!   If you plan to leave for a summer vacation, be sure to adjust your programming so that it is set for a higher temperature the entire time you are away as there will be no need to continually cool your home if you are not there.

It is also important to regularly change your air filters to keep your HVAC unit functioning properly and help you save on energy costs.  Energy Star discusses how important it is to change your air filter, “Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.” When you take advantage of the programmable features of your thermostat and plan ahead according to your schedule, you can enjoy significant energy savings during the warm summer months.

Give Your Listings the Platinum Advantage! We announced our new Certified Pre-Owned Home Program launching in April.  Platinum Home Warranty and Advantage Inspection Service, two of our corporate partners, have developed a strong tool for you to use during your listing presentation that will separate you from your competition.  Together they have created a new “Certified Pre-Owned Home Program” that will help real estate agents add value to their listings and gain an edge on the competition. This is a pivotal moment in real estate where we are quickly changing into a buyer’s market.  For listing agents and their sellers this means more inventory, more competition, longer selling times and related issues that arise because of those lengthened times on the market. A Platinum Advantage ”Certified Pre-Owned Home”  will go through a comprehensive inspection prior to being put on the market. The inspection will uncover anything from potential deficiencies with any major mechanical systems in the home as well as termite issues. These deficiencies will be readily listed comprehensively by the seller, earning the home a “Certified Pre-Owned Home” status which will greatly reduce a buyer’s anxiety about potential unknowns.  Buyers will also receive $150 credit on their buyer warranty policy by choosing to stay with Platinum. Sellers benefit as well, by offering a home that stands out above the competition with its excellent condition both cosmetically and mechanically.  Combine this with the Platinum Home Warranty package during the listing period and sellers will greatly reduce expensive repairs in the future or canceled offers.  To participate in this great program sellers must remain with their HomeSmart listing agent in order for the package to apply.  Buyers must hold their warranty through Platinum to be eligible for the buyers discount and termite warranty. Program Details: During your listing presentation you’ll present the benefits of the program to the seller.  Prior to the listing going “live” the following will be put in place*: -A Special Warranty Sellers’ package from Platinum Home Warranty -A 500 point home inspection and termite check by Advantage Inspection Services -One year termite warranty for buyer (if home has no evidence of termite infestation) -Preventative termite treatment (optional) -A sign rider and certificate at your listing indicating that the home is pre-certified Are you ready to add value to your listings? Call for pre-certified pricing details 602.733.5000 Platinum Home Warranty is the premiere Arizona Home Warranty program in the Valley, with the best factory trained technicians in the industry. The company prides itself on being the only company to offer 24-hour emergency response time guarantee to have a technician to the door when homeowners need it most. Visit platinumhw.com for more information. Advantage Inspection Service has the most experienced team of inspectors in Arizona and has been performing inspections locally since 1988.  The company is fully insured and serves as your home consultant following the inspection. Visit azinspect.com for more information.  ]]>

Why I Choose Platinum Home Warranty By Neil Brooks With hundreds of transactions under my belt, I’ve seen all kinds of crazy things happen to homes, which have caused issues with my clients…and as any REALTOR knows, when your clients have issues, they become YOUR issues! With this in mind, it’s extremely important for you to have a relationship with your home warranty company…one you can rely on when you know what hits the fan with your clients…not only for your clients well being, but to reduce your own liability. As a HomeSmart agent, you’re in the unique position to be aligned with a real estate company (HomeSmart) that OWNS ITS OWN HOME WARRANTY COMPANY! That’s right, Platinum Home Warranty is a sister company of HomeSmart, and they are there for you and your client. I personally recommend them to ALL of my clients because their service is not only top notch, but extremely professional. I make sure that each of my listings has the FREE listing coverage…something that has made me look like a ‘real estate god’ to my clients, time and time again. I’m also excited about the new Pre-Certified Existing Home certification for my listings, which will give me a competitive edge over my competition with my listings!]]>

When a new home purchase price is set, certain factors can increase or decrease its value. Features such as fireplaces, pools and finished basements add to the overall beauty of a home; however, these immunities come at a cost. Wood and cool burning fireplaces must be serviced and cleaned, pools must be chemically treated and basements are prone to water damage. Home builders, realtors and sellers know that home warranties are an attractive incentive for buyers, which is why they frequently offer them. A lot of new home buyers were formerly renters. It is easy to overlook how expensive home maintenance is, especially when you have never maintained a property over an extended period of time. Previous homeowners might look to purchase a new home because they want to experience maintenance free living, but this is only possible to a certain degree. New home warranties are prepackaged service plans that enable homeowners to select the amount of coverage they need. For instance, some homeowners might only need a home warranty that covers electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling because they already have a comprehensive appliance warranty. There are many new home buyers that specifically seek out homes that have warranties. Just because a home has been recently constructed doesn’t mean that it is perfect. Defects can remain unknown even after an inspection has been performed, and it is not always possible to prove that the seller is responsible. While new home buyers are afforded a number of state and federal protections, getting compensated for home repairs in a timely manner is another story. Home warranties can be purchased as a way to offset these costs, which can be of great benefit if you have just closed on a home. Many new home shoppers prefer home warranties because they help to open up new opportunities. Buying a home that has lower maintenance costs can allow you to buy a more expensive home in a more desirable location. You might even be able to take a vacation or make improvements to your home more easily. Homeowners know that they will eventually need to have their stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, washers and water pumps replaced, even if it is many years down the road. They also realize that it will cost money to keep their appliances up and running in the meantime. Although homeowners can receive tax breaks on their home maintenance costs, they know that their finances have to be in good enough shape to afford these costs as they come up. Well constructed new homes can stand the test of time, helping their owners to enjoy maintenance-free lifestyles. Since all of the appliances and systems were purchased and installed at the same time, there is a good possibility that they will need to be replaced at around the same time. Not all homeowners are independently wealthy, and major repairs can place a huge strain on the finances of the average American family. With a mortgage and other household expenses to pay, a home warranty will aid you in tracking your money down to the last dollar. Discover all of your options by comparing different home warranties available on the market.]]>

A home warranty plan will allow your buyer to relax, knowing all the comforts inside and around their home are being backed by a warranty they can trust and service they can depend on. We know a home is personal, so at Platinum we take the needs of our clients personally. Platinum’s core commitment to excellence has designated this boutique local company to become the premiere warranty company in Arizona. Help your clients avoid the surprise of expensive repair bills by recommending someone you trust.

Platinum is the leading home warranty program in the Valley with the best on-staff factory-trained technicians in the industry. We pride ourselves on our ability to offer a 24-hour Emergency Response Time Guarantee, ensuring that we’ll have a technician at your door when you need it most. Our service team is standing by 24 hours a day, seven days per week, so no matter when something goes wrong you will have that team of professionals heading your way in a hurry to make sure your house is up and running.

Our home warranty plans cover all types of items in homes, so neither you nor your clients have to incur the high price of repairing or replacing these items if and when they break. We do 90% of the work with our technicians to provide you fast and reliable service. Don’t waste time replacing and repairing appliances yourself when you can work with a company that does the work for you. Contact us today for more information and we will get to work on your project, coming up with a complete policy for you and your home.

“Platinum Home Warranty helped me close my deal quickly by fixing the air conditioner immediately after it was red tagged by the home inspector.” – Donna M., Glendale Realtor

Platinum Home Warranty is second-to-none in customer service. Their representatives are courteous and friendly every step of the way. The technicians are prompt, competent and friendly. They exemplify “Service with a smile.”- Katie M. Phoenix Homeowner

New home constructions come with state of the art appliances, upgrade HVAC systems and are frequently built with energy efficient materials. People purchase new homes for a plethora of reasons, but one major motivator is a home warranty. New homes that come with a warranty cost homeowners fewer out of pocket expenses. While older homes also qualify for home warranties, there are a number of restrictions and pre-existing conditions that are taken into consideration when plan costs and coverage rates are calculated. Homeowners that choose to have their houses custom built can also find independent warranty companies and purchase a plan directly. Home warranties provide comprehensive protection, and buyers can choose to extend their plans when the original coverage runs out. When you first get a new home warranty, you will need to check the guidelines. Although most repairs will be covered, you cannot assume that servicing and other fees will be included. If your warranty was automatically included with the purchase of your home, there will be no additional fees or premiums for you to pay. Homeowners that purchase their warranties direct are expected to keep up with their payments or else they risk losing coverage. Once you understand your home warranty’s guidelines, scheduling repairs will be extremely convenient. You will be given a customer service phone number that you can access whenever you want to have your home repaired. Some warranties require homeowners to work with a list of approved vendors, but others allow homeowners to choose the companies that they want to work with freely. Find out what types of coverage restraints you may face, such as 30-day waiting periods and exclusions. Some consumers confuse homeowners insurance with home warranties. While both of these products do help homeowners to pay for repairs, they are actually quite different. A homeowner’s insurance policyholders is required to submit claims in order to be reimbursed for its expenditures. These claims must be approved before a check is cut by the homeowner’s insurance company. With homeowners insurance, property owners might have to wait months before even being partially compensated. The homeowners insurance claim process can be further complicated by a denial. With home warranties, very little paperwork is needed to get approved for home repairs. The guidelines detailed in home repair service plans tell homeowners what is covered versus what isn’t. A service technician can be sent to your home the same take that you make a repair request, and rarely are homeowners required to pay any money. If any of the guidelines included in your home warranty or unclear, you should immediate seek clarification. If you are about to purchase a new home, find out if it comes with a warranty included. While new homes are considered easier to maintain, there are a lot of things that can go wrong soon after moving in. Buying a warranty for your new home will allow you to free up more money and alleviate stress. It will also help to streamline the home repair scheduling process, so you won’t have to keep close tabs on your contractors or feel obligated to check behind their work. A home warranty won’t replace homeowners insurance, but it can work as a great second line of defense.]]>