Real Estate is about relationships and relationships need nurturing. Over the years I have tried to be creative in choosing thoughtful gifts for my clients and I have discovered the gift that truly keeps on giving – a gift that allows me to continue to provide customer service long after the close of escrow – the Home Warranty. No matter how thorough the inspections on a property are during the escrow, one cannot see through walls or anticipate that something that currently works perfectly will continue to do so.

There are a few great reasons that I provide coverage to my clients after they have moved:

  1. In today’s Real Estate world of Short Sales and REO’s (bank-owned properties), where the property has often been vacant for six months to a year or more, less and less information about a property is disclosed to the potential buyers. This can leave many questions unanswered about the home even after inspections are performed.

  2. Once an escrow is closed, many Sellers disappear. If I have done my job correctly, my Buyer client does not need to contact the Seller for any problems. They have a warranty company to call.

  3. Warranties are important for Sellers as well. My Seller clients love the fact that they have a cushion between themselves and the Buyers for anything that might happen after close of escrow in that first year.

This summer I sold a home in San Anselmo that was at least one-hundred-years-old and belonged to the same family that had built it. I represented the Buyers, who were expecting their first child this month. After all the inspections were done, the systems seemed to check out fine, and we came up with a game plan for minor repairs. The weather in July was very warm, escrow closed, and my clients were on their way to living happily ever after. However, just a couple of weeks later the weather turned so they decided to try out the hot tub. To their dismay, it wouldn’t heat! As this was their first home purchase, I was the first person they called. We got in touch with the home warranty company and, thankfully, not only did they have the spa repaired, but they also waived the first service fee. A few months later, the furnace thermostat died. No worries though, the warranty company took care of it in record time. Now October is here, the baby has arrived, and the couple has peace of mind, focusing on what really matters.

A home warranty does not cover everything, however it will protect against unexpected home repairs for system components and major appliances that likely are not covered by your homeowners insurance.

If you’d like more information about Home Warranties, please call me. The added sense of security when you purchase or sell a home can be an invaluable gift.

Posted by:Rebecca Celli