(Guest post by Harry Cline.)
Maybe you’re about to purchase a new home, and you’re wondering how you can best prepare for future home maintenance expenses. If you’re still on the hunt for that perfect property, Eastern Oregon Living can help!
It can be tough to save a large enough emergency fund to cover any unexpected costs associated with homeownership. This is why every homeowner should look into obtaining a home warranty policy. Here’s why having a home warranty policy is crucial and how you can keep all of your paperwork for your policy organized.
What is a Home Warranty Policy?
First, it’s important to understand exactly what a home warranty is and why you need one as a homeowner. Every house will have maintenance issues eventually, so you need to be prepared in case your home systems or appliances break down. This is where your home warranty policy comes in. If you’re having problems with your HVAC, electrical, or plumbing systems, your home warranty policy will provide coverage. The same principle applies if certain appliances break. There is no home warranty policy that is right for everyone – your final decision will be largely based on which company has the best warranty for you.
Determine Your Coverage Needs
Before you start looking for a home warranty policy, take some time to think about your specific coverage needs. You do not have to overspend on a policy that covers far more than you actually need. For example, while almost every standard home warranty plan will cover appliances and home systems, some plans also include coverage for pest control services, food spoilage, swimming pool maintenance issues, and more.
Outline Your Budget
How much does home warranty coverage really cost? That all depends on your individual policy, as the rates can vary greatly. A comprehensive plan covering both systems and appliances generally costs anywhere from $546 to $1,425 per year. Keep this in mind as you shop!
Seek Great Customer Service
In addition to shopping for a policy based on your budget and personal coverage needs, you should also browse company reviews before signing any contracts. You’ll want to ensure that you’re choosing a company that provides great customer service. After all, if you’re dealing with a serious home maintenance issue, you’ll want to be able to get in touch with a customer service representative immediately if you have any questions about your coverage. Look up reviews for any companies that you’re considering and see what customers have to say about their service.
How to Organize Your Documents
When you take out a home warranty policy or any other form of insurance related to your home, you’ll want to keep all of your paperwork carefully organized. It’s a good idea to store and categorize your home warranty documents with a digital system. That way, you’ll be able to find them easily should you ever need to make a claim. If you need to create new PDFs to keep everything organized, you can use an extract PDF tool. All you have to do is extract the relevant pages and then combine them into a new PDF so that you can see everything you need within a single document.
If you’re confused about how to pick the best home warranty policy, taking your time to research all of the possibilities will help you navigate the process. With these tips, you’ll learn about what a home warranty policy is, define your specific needs, and come up with an organizational system for all of your paperwork.
Are you thinking about moving? Eastern Oregon Living can help you find your new home! Fill out the contact form on our website to start your search.
