Home Warranty for Sellers: Worth It in Naperville?
A home warranty can be a smart, low-cost add when you sell, especially if your furnace, water heater, or appliances are getting older. It can make buyers feel safer and keep small repair fights from blowing up your deal. But it is not a cure-all. Here is our honest take for sellers in Naperville, Aurora, Oswego, and Plainfield, Illinois.
What a Home Warranty Covers (and What It Doesn't)
A home warranty is a one-year service plan. It helps pay to repair or replace things that break from normal wear and tear, like:
- Furnace and air conditioning
- Water heater
- Plumbing and electrical systems
- Kitchen appliances
It is not homeowners insurance. Insurance covers sudden damage, like fire, storms, or theft. A warranty covers things that just wear out.
According to Consumer Reports, basic plans usually cost about $300 to $600 a year, and there is a service fee each time a repair tech comes out.
Why a Home Warranty Can Help You Sell
Here is what we see in real deals:
- It calms buyers down. First-time buyers especially worry about a big repair right after closing. A warranty takes some of that fear away.
- It can save a deal after inspection. If the inspector flags an old water heater, a warranty can be an easy middle ground.
- It can cover you while you're listed. Many plans include coverage for the seller while the home is on the market, sometimes at no extra cost, as long as the buyer's plan is bought at closing.
The Honest Downsides
We would rather tell you the truth than sell you something:
- Claims get denied. A Consumer Reports survey found many warranty holders had claims denied or only partly paid. Old or poorly kept systems are a common reason.
- Some companies are a battle. We have used home warranties ourselves. Some companies insist on sending their own repair people, fix one part, then come back a week later for the next. We have seen people go three weeks without air conditioning in the summer. Miserable.
- It won't fix a bad price. A warranty is a nice extra. It does not make up for a home priced too high.
- Not every buyer wants one. On newer homes or new construction with a builder warranty, it may not move the needle.
If your systems are older, the bigger question is whether to fix things before you list. Our post on getting a home inspection before you list walks through that choice. And if repair requests do come in, here is what buyers usually ask for after the inspection.
What We Recommend in the Western Suburbs
We definitely recommend home warranties. In Naperville, Illinois and across the western suburbs, they are especially helpful when the home has older systems, when the buyer is a first-timer, or when the seller has already moved out.
The company matters a lot. Lately we have been leaning toward companies that let you hire your own repair person and then cut you a check. That way you are not stuck waiting on their schedule. We will walk you through which companies we trust and what each plan covers.
If you are the buyer asking for one, be specific. Every warranty has different levels and costs. If your offer just says "seller to pay up to $500 for a home warranty," who knows what plan you will end up with. Name the company and the plan level you want.
Either way, read the plan before you buy it. Look at what is excluded, the service fee, and the coverage caps.
How We Help Sellers Decide
At Team Elite Realtors, we look at the age of your major systems during our first walk-through and tell you straight whether a warranty is worth it for your home. We're Julia Corkey and Vickie Schoenfeld, and we're with Baird and Warner, which is still family-owned after five generations.
Thinking about selling? Get a free instant market analysis or book a consultation. You can also read what past sellers say in our Google Reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a seller pay for a home warranty? We recommend it in most cases, especially when the home has older systems or the buyer is nervous about repairs. It is a small cost that can keep a deal together. Pick a company that lets you use your own contractor if you can.
How much does a home warranty cost in Illinois? Basic plans usually run about $300 to $600 a year, plus a service fee for each repair visit. Prices vary by plan and home size.
Does a home warranty cover the seller while the house is listed? Many plans include listing coverage for the seller, often at no extra cost, as long as the buyer's plan is purchased at closing. Check the plan details.
Who is a Realtor near me in Oswego or Aurora who can help me sell? We'd love to help. We're Julia Corkey and Vickie Schoenfeld with Team Elite Realtors at Baird and Warner. Call 630-286-9777 or visit www.homesbyteamelite.com.
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Julia Corkey & Vickie Schoenfeld Team Elite Realtors at Baird & Warner
📞 630-286-9777 | 📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.homesbyteamelite.com
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