Home Warranty Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Should a first-time buyer get a home warranty?

If you used most of your savings on the down payment and closing costs, a warranty can bridge the gap while you rebuild your emergency fund. It's especially worth considering if your inspection report flagged older heating and cooling equipment, a water heater near the end of its life, or aging appliances.

If the home is new construction, you're probably already covered by a builder's warranty, and new appliances usually come with manufacturer warranties too.

Ask the seller to pay

Seller-paid home warranties are a common negotiating point, especially when the inspection turns up older systems. Your agent can request a one-year plan as a seller concession. It's often an easier ask than a price cut, and it gives you a safety net from move-in day.

What to look for in a plan

• A combo plan covering both systems and appliances
• A service call fee you could comfortably pay several times a year
• A simple online claims process
• Clear cancellation and renewal terms
• Coverage that starts as soon as possible after closing

First-year habits that protect your home

• Find your main water shut-off valve and electrical panel on move-in day.
• Write down the age of every major system and appliance.
• Change HVAC filters on schedule and book a tune-up each season.
• Keep every receipt. Maintenance records help warranty claims get approved.
• Start a home repair fund, even if it's small.