A home warranty may help when a covered system or appliance stops working, but every plan has limits, exclusions, and service fees.

Before closing, read the actual contract. Check what is covered, how claims are handled, and whether older equipment or existing problems are excluded.

If something breaks, call the warranty company before hiring your own contractor. Paying first and asking later may leave you with the bill.

I like home warranties, especially during the first year. I just want buyers to understand exactly what they bought.