Helping Clients Prepare for the Unexpected: Why a Home Warranty Matters

As real estate professionals, our role extends far beyond finding the right house or negotiating a strong offer. What we are really doing is guiding people through one of the most important decisions of their lives: homeownership. And once the sale is finalized, the reality of maintaining that home becomes very real, very quickly. While most buyers budget for their mortgage, insurance, and even cosmetic upgrades, few are truly prepared for the routine but often costly breakdowns that happen as part of everyday home life. A broken furnace in winter, a leaking dishwasher, or a malfunctioning electrical system can turn the excitement of a new home into a stress-filled ordeal. This is where the conversation around home warranties can play a meaningful role. It is not about pushing a product. It is about helping clients protect their homes, finances, and peace of mind. Why a Home Warranty Can Make a Difference for First-Time Buyers and Seasoned Homeowners Alike Homeownership comes with countless responsibilities, and the systems and appliances we rely on every day will not last forever. The average homeowner may not know that most appliances have a lifespan of nine to fifteen years, and even well-maintained systems like HVAC or plumbing can fail without warning. When something breaks down, the cost to repair or replace it can be steep. Water heaters, for example, can cost upwards of $1,000 to replace. A furnace failure might be closer to $4,000. For first-time buyers who have just spent most of their savings on a down payment, or retirees living on a fixed income, these expenses can be disruptive and even overwhelming. That is why some buyers and sellers choose to include a home warranty as part of the purchase process. For sellers, offering warranty coverage can make a property more attractive and ease concerns about hidden issues. For buyers, having a home warranty means they have somewhere to turn when problems arise. It creates a smoother transition into homeownership and can reduce the emotional and financial stress of unexpected repairs. A home warranty is not the same as insurance, and it does not cover every possible scenario. But it fills a gap by covering the kind of routine wear-and-tear failures that insurance does not touch. It offers homeowners a plan and often a bit of breathing room in moments when they might otherwise feel powerless. How to Evaluate Home Warranty Plans Without Feeling Pressured Not all home warranty providers are the same, and not all plans are created equal. Some are more transparent about what they cover, while others have fine print that can lead to confusion. That is why it is worth encouraging clients to take the time to evaluate providers and plans carefully, ideally before an issue arises. When researching options, it helps to focus on clarity and customization. For example,  Select Home Warranty Plans offer tiered coverage levels, allowing homeowners to choose what works best for them. Whether they want to cover just major appliances or extend coverage to electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC, there is flexibility to meet different household needs and budgets. It is also important for homeowners to understand what is not covered, and what their responsibilities are when filing a claim. Service fees, exclusions, and coverage limits should all be clearly explained. Having realistic expectations and a solid understanding of the plan’s details can help avoid frustration later on. When we guide clients through these decisions, we reinforce that we are not just focused on closing the sale. We care about their long-term experience as homeowners. That added level of care helps build trust and strengthens our professional reputation. A Thoughtful Conversation That Builds Trust and Confidence Introducing clients to the idea of home warranty coverage is more than just a closing-day conversation. It is part of helping them think proactively about the realities of homeownership and what it means to take care of a property over time. Whether they decide to purchase a plan or not, simply raising the topic shows that you are invested in their long-term success. You are helping them anticipate challenges they may not have thought about and giving them the tools to be more prepared. For some, the value of a home warranty will be peace of mind. For others, it is a financial buffer. Either way, it is worth having the conversation. And when you can point them toward plans that are transparent and adaptable to their needs, like those offered by Select Home Warranty, you are offering more than information. You are offering peace of mind. As real estate professionals, we have the opportunity to shape more than transactions. We can shape experiences. When we empower clients with options like home warranty coverage, we make sure their experience is one they can look back on with confidence rather than regret.