Conduct a pre-market inspection
I wish I could have a blanket recommendation on whether or not to do a pre-market inspection. There are many variables as to whether you should do one or not. However, if you do opt to do one at this point, here is some information for you.
Pre-market inspections can be fantastic especially for single family homes in hot markets. This means you pay an inspector to inspect your home before it goes on the market. The cost for this is usually between $400 – $700. It allows us to fix any items that come up in the inspection report before the home goes on the market. Sometimes buyers will even waive doing their own inspection if they can read your inspection report. If you’d like to do a pre-market inspection, let me know and I will arrange for it. If you want, I can even be present for the inspection so you don’t have to take any additional time off work.
Please let me know if you would like to do one.
Want Home Warranty Coverage While Your House is Listed?!
As part of the Shaina McAndrews Team's comprehensive service, we offer America's Preferred Home Warranty, which when purchased, we offer our seller clients complimentary seller coverage as soon as your listing goes active on the MLS. This seller coverage is at no cost to you unless you choose to order the optional Seller's Preferred Upgrade, which you can pay for at closing—no upfront costs required.
Here’s how it works:
Immediate Protection: Seller's coverage starts once your home is listed, giving you peace of mind knowing that any unexpected major system or appliance repairs or issues will be covered while your home is on the market and until it closes.
Buyer Appeal: Including a buyer's warranty can significantly boost your home's attractiveness. Homes with warranties tend to sell faster and often for more money because buyers feel more secure with their purchase. It can also decrease negotiable items from their reply to inspections.
Easy Process: We order it for you! Just tell us you'd like to move forward with one. NO UPFRONT COSTS! Pay the buyer portion of the policy at closing out of the proceeds from the sale of your home.
Using the Policy: It is a $100 deductible for any claim.
Additional Benefits:
One of the standout features of this warranty is that you or the buyer can use their preferred contractors for any repairs. This flexibility is a major selling point and can make a huge difference in buyer satisfaction.
What is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is not the same thing as homeowners insurance, nor is it a replacement for homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance covers major perils such as fires, hail, property crimes, and certain types of water damage that could affect the entire structure and/or the homeowner’s personal possessions. On the other hand, a home warranty is a separate contract covering repairs and replacements on systems in your home, usually for a period of one year (note if you’re buying new construction that has never been lived in before then usually the builder will give you a one year warranty and after that the home warranty kicks in for a certain amount of time).
What does a home warranty usually cover?
Policies differ based on which company your warranty comes from, but in general, a home warranty will cover your home’s appliances and systems such as oven, dishwasher, HVAC, electrical and plumbing. The home warranty usually does NOT cover exterior issues such as the roof, water intrusion due to a roof issue, fencing, decking, landscaping, anything in a detached garage, etc. The cost and coverage of a home warranty can vary widely. In general, warranties usually range between $500-$1000 and are good for one year from the purchase date. Also, while home warranties cover many of your new home’s crucial systems and appliances, those items must be in working order before the contract is entered into with the warranty company. When you buy a home warranty, consider premium and optional coverage to customize the plan to fit your needs, especially if your home has more than one oven, dishwasher, a wine fridge, etc. These extra appliances may not be covered under the standard warranty.
Who pays for the home warranty?
That depends. Sometimes we negotiate for the seller to provide a home warranty as part of the contract negotiations. In that case, the home warranty would be provided and paid for by the seller. You’ll then receive the details of the home warranty at the closing. If we did not ask for a home warranty as part of the contract, then you need to decide if you want to purchase one separately.
How much does a home warranty cost?
The cost of the home warranty depends on several factors such as how old your home is, how big it is, and what you want covered. Usually the cost is between $500 – $1,000. In addition, if something breaks and the home warranty company needs to come out, there is usually a service fee call of approximately $75-$200 per trip. With most warranty programs, there are no additional fees to repair an item beyond the service fee call.
What if an appliance can’t be repaired and needs to be replaced?
The home warranty company will try repairing the item first. If that doesn’t work and the appliance needs to be replaced, they will usually replace the item with a model that has similar features. For instance, if you have a fridge that has an ice machine and a water dispenser you’ll get one with the some features. However, it most likely won’t be the same brand. For instance, American Home Shield normally replaces all appliances with a GE brand. Therefore, if you have a Subzero fridge, you’re most likely not getting another SubZero (unless you got an upgraded plan). Instead, you’ll get a GE fridge with similar features. If you really want a Subzero, most warranty companies will give you the cost of the GE fridge in cash and you can put it towards purchasing the Subzero on your own.
Where can I buy a home warranty?
When you use America’s Preferred Home Warranty, we order it for you when you list with us!
When a home warranty is understood and utilized for its intended purposes, it can be the easiest way to save on home repairs and reduce the extra stress that comes with buying or selling a home.
More information on America’s Preferred Home Warranty:
America’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW) is one of the fastest-growing home warranty companies in the country, and for three very good reasons:
1. Control
Homeowners are in control because they Choose Their Own Licensed Contractor for All Covered Repairs.
2. Security
APHW gives homeowners security through our ListSecure® Program, which protects them with warranty coverage for the duration of their listing and two years of post-sale legal protection.*
3. Easy Claims
Their Easy Claims process provides 24/7/365 Person-To-Person Service.
