Sarasota foreclosures hit the market with all kinds of surprises – both good & bad. You might discover a deal of a lifetime or you might buy yourself a money pit. To be safe, you must thoroughly inspect the property and buy a home warranty.

However, beware throwing your money away on a home warranty. Louise H. of Englewood, Florida, shares 5 home warranty buying tips and “gotchas” she discovers the hard way.

For 8 years, Louise paid for a home warranty, always paying on time each year for peace of mind. All in all, Louise paid nearly $4,000 on annual home warranty premiums…and she gladly wrote the check each anniversary.

Louise paid to cover costly home repairs she couldn’t afford without the home warranty.

She relied on her home warranty to cover costly home repairs:

1. AC system running about $5,000 to replace
2. Water heater running about $600 to replace.
3. Minor roof repairs easily running into $100s
4. Ice maker on a refrigerator requires $250-$300.
5. Microwave or dishwasher replacement is cheaper than repair ~$300.

Louise believed if a technician couldn’t repair the problem, the most Louise would pay was the $75.00 co-pay /visit. That’s how it was supposed to work…or so Louise thought.

After 8 years of paying premiums, Louise faced the unexpected.

Her AC broke down on a hot, humid July day in Florida. Do you have any idea how miserable Florida is in the summer?

Louise called Globe Home Warranty, which quickly dispatched an AC Technician. The old air handler (the unit in the garage hanging from the ceiling) and “duct-taped” compressor (the unit on a cement pad at the side of the house) had taken their last breath.

There was nothing the technician could do to repair both units. Okay, Louise thought, Globe Home Warranty would authorize replacement. To Louise’s shock, Globe Home Warranty refused to authorize replacement.

This, my friend, is the “gotcha” no one at Globe had ever disclosed to Louise…not once…not ever before. Globe Home Warranty rejected Louise’s claim because Louise did not have a professional service agreement on the HVAC system.
Not having a service agreement with a licensed HVAC contractor gave Globe Home Warranty an easy out…to a loyal customer who had paid Globe Home Warranty for 8 straight years with no other claim.

Before you blindly buy a home warranty (even a home warranty recommended by your realtor), do just a little homework:

1. Contact your local Better Business Bureau
2. Confirm www.badbusinessbureau.com
3. How much time do you have after closing on your new home to buy a home warranty? Many home warranty companies will not sell you a home warranty outside of escrow, whether you’re a buyer or a seller.
4. Ask “what if…” questions & get answers in writing. That is, what if my a/c goes out one day…one week…or even one month after I move in? How many co-pays will I have to pay before you replace?”
5. Talk to neighbors, friends & co-workers about their home warranty.

By no means is this an indictment of Globe Home Warranty. Many home owners over the years report similar rejection from other well-known home warranty companies as well. This is just one gotcha. Get 10 more “must-have” home warranty REALITY tips @ www.sarasotahomesforsalenow.com. I don’t want to see you pay diligently for 8 years, only to face a home warranty company’s “gotchas.” Louise felt betrayed…and rightfully so.

Sarasota foreclosures especially demand careful inspection on top of a home warranty. Instead of a home inspector, you might consider a licensed roofer, A/C contractor & electrician if you notice electrical fixtures appearing “ripped” from their mounts. A legitimate home warranty easily will provide the peace of mind you desire. Don’t rely on your home inspector to tell you when an appliance, A/C, plumbing issue or pool pump will stop working. Without a home warranty, any one of these issues will empty your wallet to repair or replace. If you or someone you know wants to buy or sell a house in or around Sarasota, Florida, please call me now. I want to be your realtor.

Author Bio: Sarasota Realtor Mike helps homeowners avoid foreclosure. Mike and his team also help buyers and sellers avoid costly mistakes as property values drop and 30-50% off 2006 “bubble” prices are not the bargains they appear to be. Contact me now at 941-914-9980 or Sarasota Real Estate | Sarasota Foreclosures

Category: Finances
Keywords: sarasota foreclosures,sarasota real estate,homes for sale,