Home Warranties: DFW Buyers and Sellers Guide

Key Takeaways

Home warranties cost $350-700/year with $75-100 service call fees

HVAC coverage is essential in Texas—repairs can cost $500-$3,000+

Sellers offering warranties can help sell homes faster

Particularly valuable for first-time buyers and older homes

Always read the contract for exclusions and limitations

Protection and Peace of Mind

Home warranties provide valuable protection for buyers and sellers in DFW transactions. Understanding how they work helps you make informed decisions about whether one is right for you.

What is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract covering repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear.

Cost Overview

Item	Typical Cost
Annual Contract	$350-$700
Service Call Fee	$75-$100 per visit

Standard Coverage

Typically Included

✅ HVAC systems (heating and cooling)
✅ Electrical systems
✅ Plumbing systems
✅ Water heaters
✅ Refrigerators
✅ Ovens and cooktops
✅ Dishwashers
✅ Garbage disposals

Optional Add-Ons (Additional Cost)

Pool and spa equipment
Septic systems
Well pumps
Washer/dryer
Additional refrigerators

Common Exclusions

❌ Pre-existing conditions
❌ Improper installation
❌ Lack of maintenance
❌ Cosmetic issues
❌ Code violations

Benefits for Buyers

Home warranties provide financial protection against unexpected repair costs.

Why It's Especially Valuable in Texas

HVAC systems work hard year-round
Texas climate increases system stress
Single HVAC repair: $500-$3,000+
Water heater replacement: $1,000-$2,500

Who Benefits Most

First-time buyers unfamiliar with home maintenance
Buyers with limited savings for emergencies
Buyers of older homes with aging systems
Those who want predictable budgeting

Benefits for Sellers

Offering warranties helps sell homes by reducing buyer concerns.

Key Advantages

Demonstrates good faith to buyers
Reduces post-closing disputes
Provides a resolution mechanism for issues
Useful negotiation tool—offer warranty rather than making repairs

Cost vs. Benefit

Item	Detail
Typical Seller Cost	$400-$600
Benefit	Faster closing, fewer repair negotiations

Choosing a Provider

Evaluation Criteria

Financial strength of the company
Coverage details and limitations
Service network quality in DFW area
Claims process ease and speed
Customer reviews and ratings

Popular Providers

American Home Shield
Choice Home Warranty
First American Home Warranty
Texas-based regional companies

Comparison Tips

Compare these factors across providers:

Coverage scope
Pricing and service fees
Response times
Customer reviews
Contract terms

Texas-Specific Considerations

Regulatory Protection

Texas regulates home warranty companies with consumer protections, providing oversight and complaint resolution processes.

Climate Impact

DFW climate increases system stress
HVAC runs 6-8 months annually
High usage = higher repair likelihood
HVAC coverage is essential in Texas

Filing Claims

The Process

Contact warranty company (phone or online)
Pay service fee ($75-$100)
Company dispatches contractor within 24-48 hours
Contractor diagnoses issue and determines coverage
Repair or replacement completed

If Your Claim is Denied

Request written explanation
Review your contract terms
Contact provider's appeals process
File complaint with Texas REIA if necessary

Get personalized warranty advice. Text WARRANTY to (832)-346-9569 for guidance on whether a home warranty makes sense for your situation. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out.

Working with EnterActDFW

We help clients navigate home warranty decisions with:

📋 Provider recommendations based on your needs
📊 Coverage analysis for your specific property
💰 Cost-benefit evaluation
🤝 Negotiation strategies for including warranties in deals

Next Steps

Ready to discuss home warranties? Contact EnterActDFW today for expert guidance on protection options in the DFW market.

Information current as of November 2025. Home warranty terms vary by provider. Read contracts carefully before purchasing.