Should Homebuyers Try to Negotiate for Home Warranties?

From Time:

The housing market has shifted, giving homebuyers more power. Sellers are more willing to make concessions, like providing buyers with home warranties. The inclusion of home warranties in real estate deals gives buyers peace of mind and doesn’t burden sellers financially. Home warranties are surging in popularity, and it’s now easier for buyers to negotiate for them.

Home warranties are commonly requested by buyers during negotiations with sellers due to worries about appliances. Repairs can be expensive, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Warranties can cover HVAC systems, kitchen appliances, water heaters, and more, providing security to new homeowners during the first year after purchase. However, they typically cost $600-$1,000 annually and involve service fees or deductibles.

Home warranties have limitations and don’t cover all appliances or unexpected issues like roof leaks. Payout maximums and consumer complaints about contractors and lack of coverage are common. Instead of negotiating for a home warranty, requesting a seller credit or focusing on inspection contingencies are recommended alternatives.

Sellers sometimes include home warranties in their home listings, and some real estate agencies have agreements with warranty companies, earning a commission for including warranties in deals. Buyers can negotiate with sellers to include a warranty, ideally choosing the warranty company themselves. If the seller doesn’t agree to pay for a warranty, buyers have the option to purchase it themselves at a cost of less than $1,000 annually.

It’s ultimately not worth walking away from a good house over a warranty negotiation that doesn’t go as planned.

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