Why Should a Home Warranty Be on Your Checklist?
Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones — but along with the excitement of getting your keys comes a wave of new responsibilities. As a first-time homeowner, you’re not just responsible for your mortgage and property taxes — you’re also the one who has to fix or replace anything that breaks inside your home.
Many new homeowners learn this the hard way when a major appliance stops working or the heating system breaks down just months after moving in. That’s why adding a home warranty to your new home checklist can be one of the smartest decisions you make.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what a home warranty is, how it works, and why every first-time buyer should consider one — plus what to look for when searching for the best home warranty near me and how to compare home warranty price options.
What Is a Home Warranty, Anyway?
A home warranty is a service contract that helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing major home systems and appliances when they break down due to normal wear and tear.
Think about the big-ticket items in your home: your HVAC system, water heater, electrical system, refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, washer, and dryer. Over time, all these essentials can fail — and they’re not covered by your homeowners insurance if they simply wear out or break down from regular use.
A good home warranty bridges that gap. It gives you a safety net so you’re not hit with a huge, unexpected repair bill when something stops working.
How Does a Home Warranty Work?
It’s simple:
You choose a plan that covers the systems and appliances you want protected.
You pay a yearly or monthly premium — your home warranty price — and a set service fee each time you request a repair.
When something breaks, you file a claim online or by phone.
The warranty company sends a trusted, pre-screened technician to diagnose the problem.
If it’s covered, they fix it or replace it — you just pay the agreed service fee.
It’s a hassle-free way to handle repairs without scrambling to find a contractor or pay sky-high emergency rates.
Why First-Time Buyers Shouldn’t Skip It
Buying your first house is expensive enough — so why spend more on a warranty? Here are four good reasons:
1 You Don’t Know the History
Even with a thorough home inspection, you can’t see inside every pipe or wire. The appliances may look good now, but you don’t know how hard the previous owners used them — or whether they did proper maintenance.
A home warranty protects you from unexpected surprises your inspection may have missed. If the dishwasher dies or the water heater leaks a month after you move in, you’re covered.
2 You’re Probably Not a Repair Expert
Most first-time buyers aren’t seasoned DIY pros. When something breaks, you’ll need a reliable contractor — fast. A home warranty saves you the stress of searching for “home warranty near me” or last-minute repair help. The warranty company does that work for you by dispatching a vetted pro.
3 You’ll Avoid Budget Shock
New homeowners often underestimate how much repairs really cost. Replacing a water heater can run $1,000–$1,500. An HVAC system can cost $5,000–$10,000. Even a simple fridge repair might be $300–$500.
With a warranty, you pay just the flat service fee — not the full price of the repair or replacement. That helps keep your budget predictable, which is crucial when you’re adjusting to mortgage payments, utility bills, and new expenses.
4 Peace of Mind Means More Enjoying, Less Stressing
You worked hard to buy your first home — you should enjoy it, not worry about what will break next. A warranty lets you focus on decorating, hosting friends, and settling in, knowing that unexpected breakdowns won’t drain your savings.
Finding the Best Home Warranty Near You
When you start your search, you’ll likely type “home warranty near me” to find companies that serve your area. Here’s what to look for:
Comprehensive coverage: Make sure the plan covers the systems and appliances you rely on.
Transparent pricing: Compare home warranty price plans and know exactly what’s covered — and what isn’t.
Good reputation: Look for companies with great customer reviews and a reliable network of contractors.
Easy claims process: You should be able to file claims online 24/7 and talk to real people if you need help.
ServicePlus, for example, offers flexible plans tailored to different budgets, so you can choose the coverage you need and skip what you don’t.
How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?
Home warranty price depends on where you live, how much coverage you want, and which company you choose. On average, you’ll pay about $400–$700 a year — or around $40–$60 per month — plus a service fee of about $60–$125 per claim.
Considering that just one major repair can cost thousands, most homeowners find the investment worthwhile for the peace of mind alone.
Final Thoughts
Buying your first home is exciting — but it’s a big responsibility, too. A home warranty helps protect your investment and your wallet from costly surprises, especially when you’re still figuring out the true costs of homeownership.
Before you close on your new home, take time to research the best home warranty near me, compare home warranty price plans, and pick the right protection for your family. It could be the smartest thing you check off your to-do list — after getting those shiny new keys, of course.
ServicePlus makes it easy for first-time buyers to get affordable, reliable coverage with flexible plans, straightforward pricing, and a trusted network of local contractors ready to help when you need it most.
It could be the smartest thing you check off your to-do list — right after you get those shiny new keys in your hand.
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