Lenexa, KS – When sales in the residential real estate market grow, often resulting in a shift towards a sellers’ market in many areas, no one should forget the basic economics of selling or owning a home. The National Home Service Contract Association reminds home buyers that the true cost of home ownership extends well beyond the sale price.
A home service contract provides needed peace of mind and budget protection at a time when they need it most, during the first year of home ownership. They also protect the seller and the seller’s agent from an unhappy and frustrated buyer who encounters a significant repair right after closing.
Home service contracts generally provide service, repair or replacement for items such as dishwashers, ovens, disposers, electrical and plumbing systems and most importantly, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), which may become inoperable due to normal wear and use. Coverage does not include preexisting conditions. At an average cost of $400 – $550 a year and service calls ranging from $50-$100, a home service contract can easily pay for itself with just one use, and is one reason they are highly recommended by real estate brokers for both the seller and buyer of a home.
There are many ‘unexpected’ expenses that add to the cost of home ownership – especially during the first year according to national data and the NHSCA. Jeff Powell, President of First American Home Protections says “We all love those ‘do it yourself’ television shows but the reality is that there are many home repair or replacement projects that occur in that first year which can, and should, only be done by a skilled professional. The true cost of owning a home includes items such as maintenance and repair. The average cost for those items in the first year of home ownership is roughly 1% to 2% of the purchase price. That can really cause a burden to homeowners who have just made what is likely the biggest purchase of their life. That is where a home service contract can really protect a homeowner’s bank account and provide peace of mind.”
The national median existing single-family home price for the first quarter of 2016 was $234,000. That translates to potential maintenance and repair bills ranging from $2340 to $4680 and higher. That figure is for maintenance and repair alone, and doesn’t even include items such as a major system replacement, insurance, property taxes, utilities, lawn care, pest control, or the purchase of new items such as furniture.
“Even in a sellers’ market, home sellers still can set their home apart from the rest by providing such coverage,” Powell said. “And home buyers still need and want to safeguard their budget. Why leave anything to chance when it’s a win-win for all parties involved?”
The National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA) is a non-profit 501(c) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. For more great industry, media and consumer information, visit https://homeservicecontract.org or call 913-871-5600.
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