What your buyers are Googling about home warranties

A guide to the home warranty questions clients are already asking online

Your homebuyers are researching home warranties before, during, and after their real estate transactions. They’re typing questions into Google and, increasingly, into AI tools like ChatGPT, which often surface incomplete or competitor-driven answers. By the time they raise a question with you, they may already believe something inaccurate.

That’s actually an opportunity for you as their real estate agent. When you can answer these questions clearly and correctly, you shape the conversation before an algorithm does it for you. This article works as a home warranty FAQ, giving you prepared, accurate responses to the five or six most commonly asked questions. Keep it handy, or share it directly. Either way, it helps you show up as the resource your clients trust and gives you another way to step into the role of trusted advisor throughout the buying journey.

Let’s get to the questions.

Do I need a home warranty if I already have homeowners insurance?

What you should know: This is the most common point of confusion in the category. The two products cover different things. In the home warranty vs. homeowners insurance comparison, insurance handles sudden events like fire, theft, and storm damage. A home warranty covers the mechanical breakdown of systems and appliances from normal use.

What to say: “A home warranty covers things that homeowners insurance doesn’t. Your insurance protects against disasters like fire or theft. A home warranty covers the everyday breakdowns your insurance won’t, like your furnace or refrigerator failing from normal wear.”

Is there a waiting period before I can use the warranty?

What you should know: Many providers impose a waiting period (often 30 days) before coverage becomes active. This gap catches buyers off guard when something breaks right after move-in. The Assurant Home Warranty stands apart here with a no-waiting-period policy when purchased through a real estate transaction, so coverage is effective from day one of ownership.

What to say: “That’s sometimes the case, but not with an Assurant Home Warranty. Coverage starts on day one, so it’s active the moment the home is yours.”

What does a home warranty cover?

What you should know: Coverage is centered on major home systems and everyday appliances (depending on the purchased plan) that fail from normal use. That typically includes heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems, plus appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and washers and dryers. Some plans even cover garage door openers and doorbells. Plans vary, so it’s worth reviewing the specific agreement to see what’s covered. Premium plans may also cover roof leak repairs, surge protection, lost house keys, and other essentials.

What to say: “A home warranty covers the systems and appliances you rely on daily, like your heating and cooling, electrical, plumbing, and kitchen appliances. When a covered item breaks down from normal use, you file a claim and a qualified technician handles the repair or replacement.”

Can I buy a home warranty at any time, or only at closing?

What you should know: Many buyers think a home warranty is something you can only get at closing. That's not quite true. Home warranties are available from different companies at different times, and the timing depends on who you buy from.

Assurant Home Warranty is available only during a real estate transaction. So if you want this coverage without a waiting period, you'll need to put it in place while you’re buying your home. Some other providers offer plans after you’ve already moved in. Keep in mind, the benefits and coverage vary from one company to the next. It pays to compare so you know exactly what you're getting.

What to say: “Home warranties work differently depending on the provider. Assurant Home Warranty is available only during your home purchase, so that’s the window to lock it in.”

Is a home warranty worth it on a new construction home?

What you should know: New homes come with builder and manufacturer warranties, but those are limited and often expire within a year. A home warranty extends protection into the years when systems and appliances become more likely to need repair.

What to say: “Builder warranties are helpful, but they’re limited and usually expire within a year. A home warranty for new construction picks up where those leave off, covering repairs in the later years when breakdowns are more likely. It’s a way to keep protection continuous rather than facing a gap. Some home warranties offer cost savings on new homes less than five years old. Assurant Home Warranty is one of them.”

Do you have a home warranty you recommend?

What you should know: Buyers value a confident, specific recommendation from agents they trust. Pointing to a reputable provider with strong financial backing and a clear coverage process reassures them. Assurant brings decades of experience and a no-waiting-period policy that helps remove a common source of frustration.

What to say: “I recommend looking at the Assurant Home Warranty. It’s backed by a financially strong, established company. Coverage starts on day one with no waiting period. And their claims process is straightforward. It’s the kind of protection I feel confident pointing my clients toward.”

Why this matters for your credibility

Understanding how home warranties work is one thing. Being ready with the right answer at the right moment is what sets you apart. When a buyer comes to you with a question they found half-answered online, a clear and accurate response reinforces that you’re the expert in the room, not the search engine.

That credibility compounds. Every question you answer well is a small deposit in the trust your clients place in you, and trust is what drives referrals and repeat business.

Consider creating a condensed version of this home warranty Q&A to include as a handout with listing packages. You can also present it during the offer period to help streamline negotiations on price or seller allowances. By being prepared for these conversations, you can help buyers feel more confident and support your goals of quicker closings and more satisfied clients.

 

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