Understanding Home Warranties

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum

Anew buyer, in their home a mere 3 months, called in distress. “Our dishwasher just broke,” they said, “it’s going to cost a ton – we were not anticipating any bills this early in our purchase. What do you recommend?” “Hang on a second,” I responded, “let me check on something.” I quickly opened their transaction folder on my phone o nd the fle was looking for and sent it to the buyer. “Check your email,” I replied, “I just sent you a copy of your home warranty – give them a call – they will handle it for you.”

In Alameda County, sellers frequently include a one-year home warranty with the sale. While buyers are given a copy of the policy in their closing documents, many forget and end up paying for issues that would have otherwise been covered.

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When buying a home that includes a home warranty, it is important to peruse the policy to understand how it works and what it covers. As an example, some programs include an initial re-keying of the home (highly recommended), meaning new owners need not pay for a locksmith. Extra key copies are usually included.

In most policies, basic coverage includes fans (ceiling, attic, whole house, exhaust), central vacuums, electrical systems, garage door openers, garbage disposals, heating systems, instant hot water heaters, built-in kitchen appliances (microwaves, ovens, ranges, cooktops, trash compactors), pest control, plumbing, limited roof coverage, smoke detectors, subterranean termite treatment, telephone wiring and water heaters. Like all policies, there are exclusions and some repairs (eg. central air conditioning, appliances, hot water heaters) have limits on the amount covered. Overall, however, most basic plans are quite extensive.

Upgraded plans cover more including smart systems, enhanced slab leak coverage, etc. For those wanting more extensive coverage, it can be purchased for additional fees which vary depending on the coverage requested. Included in this category are refrigerators, washing machines and dryers, outdoor kitchens, septic systems, swimming pool equipment, well pumps and more.

I’ve personally used home warranties on numerous occasions. In one case, the range in one of our rentals stopped working. It was a 36” gas downdraft unit and there was literally only one option available – while very expensive, it was replaced by the home warranty company.

Home warranties are great: the irony is that many buyers never bother reading their policy and consequently do not know to call when problems arise.

Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association.

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By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener

My yellow Crookneck Squash grows about three to four inches long and then stops. The skin turns a darker color, and then they rot. They get lots of sun, and I’m watering daily. What am I doing wrong?

You have a vegetable disease called Blossom End Rot. Blossom End Rot is a common, non-parasitic disorder that attacks tomatoes, peppers, melons, pumpkins, squashes, and cucumbers. With melons, squashes, and cucumbers, the immature fruit rot like you described with tomatoes and peppers brownish, tan blotch develops at the bottom of the fruits. They won’t rot. They will mature and are edible. The application of high-nitrogen fertilizers that tie up the Calcium in the soil or a lack of Calcium is one cause. However, the primary reason is irregular watering and or wet soil erwatering is a signifcant problem with your plants. Blossom End Rot is problematical early on with squashes and

BUZZ BERTOLERO

THE