In this day and age there is a warranty available for most any product or service. While you don’t necessarily need a warranty or guarantee on small ticket purchases, purchasing a warranty on more expensive items is usually a wise investment. For most Americans, the purchase of a home is the largest purchase they will ever make. So it only makes sense to buy a Mesa home warranty as well.
Home warranties are beneficial to both sellers and buyers. Properties that are offered with a Mesa home warranty typically sell faster than those without and appraise for a higher amount. Home warranties give both parties peace of mind and allow buyers to purchase a property with confidence. Before signing any contracts, however, it is important t do your research. Here are a few questions to ask before purchasing a home warranty.
How long has the company been in business? The more years of experience a company has, the better the chance that they will continue to service their home warranties. A start-up company, on the other hand, may not be in business long enough to honor the contract. If a third party is guaranteeing the warranty, it is important to know its history as well.
Is the company licensed? A Mesa home warranty is essentially an insurance policy and the State of Arizona requires them to be licensed.
How long is the warranty? Most home warranties remain in effect one year from the closing date. Many homeowners experience major problems with mechanical systems two or three years after the sale, however. If you feel that you may want to extend coverage, be sure to ask if that is an option.
How are claims handled? You want to purchase a Mesa home warranty from a reputable company that makes the claims process easy and efficient—one phone call should do it all. Look for companies that offer a 24-hour hotline that can dispatch a technician and begin filing your claim. If the home warranty company doesn’t have 24-hour emergency service and you call an “unauthorized” company to perform the repairs, you may not be eligible for reimbursement.
What exactly is covered? Most home warranties include built in appliances such as the dishwasher, garbage disposal, hot water heaters, etc. Plumbing, electrical wiring and other mechanical systems are typically covered as well. If other major appliances such as the refrigerator, washer and dryer are included in the sale of your home, you may need to purchase additional coverage for these items.
Can the warranty be voided? Some companies require proof of proper maintenance from the homeowner or else they can void the warranty. Often times the maintenance also has to be performed by specific companies. Beware of home warranties with clauses such as these; they are often just used as a sales ploy or marketing gimmick.
As with any part of the real estate transaction, be sure to read the contract carefully before signing anything. Make sure that you have adequate coverage and feel comfortable with the company providing the warranty. If you have any additional questions or concerns about the Mesa home warranty, be sure to ask your Realtor.