I consider it a positive... by offering up front sellers have coverage and I control the cost of the warranty before a buyer's agent writes a contract asking for a more expensive warranty.

I often wrestle with this. If you offer it, what are you subliminally saying to a buyer? Buyers are worried about all the big ticket items being old.

I don't think they are a bad thing but I'm surprised that they are now advertising on TV to the 'unhandy' on this planet as peace of mind. Big amount each year on a townhouse as example.

In the FB AR Peeps group we posted about Amazon offering a home warranty now.

Coming from the auto industry, my opinion is on what is the cost.

Most times if you put that amount of money in the bank it would cover something that broke.

"You're damned if you don't and you're damned if you do!"

It can be seen as a marketing strategy....  

They use to be common, but seem to have lost some appeal these days. Sellers should just be prepared to provide one. Some buyers will request one, others don't care. There is a benefit to activating one during the listing as a benefit / protection to sellers.

Positive and possible a good risk management tool.

Offering it how?  Seller to Buyers. Agent to Seller? Buyer/Seller to split the cost?  Sellers coverage during the listing period? 

I do not see a benefit in my market. In the scheme of things ... it is mice nuts. 

That said, if an outstanding offer comes to the seller and it includes a home warranty, the seller will likely agree to pay it. 

Donald,

I’ve not found it to be a positive in getting more showings, offers or a better price.

I think it can signal the seller is highly motivated which may produce lower offers.

I prefer to discuss it with the seller and have them plan to offer it if needed as a part of what they do to resolve inspection issues.

Typically they pay to resolve a big issue or two and then offer the home warranty in lieu of fixing a bunch of nickel and dime stuff.

A question each year from my E/O carrier . . . "How many residential transactions included a home warranty?" 

They find it a risk reduction tool and so do I.

I've always thought of it as positive. How could it be misconstrued as negative Donald Urschalitz ?

Positive in my opinion.

It shows support for your seller; might be helpful as a listing tool.

Explain to me, please, how it could be considered a negative?

Donald,

I have not seen it done in the luxury arena.  This is another one of those questions where "it depends" on the market. A

You cannot find fault with a free insurance coverage especially since the stakes are so high on Real Estate purchases. 

I've tried that in the past, it didn't help me at all

I think it is a positive but what is your goal here?  Home warranty, clean home inspection, bonus to buyers agent... do any of these things really work? 

Positive, never could be a negative...it's a bonus!

If the seller is paying for it, then why not? Anything you can get for free is worth it.

I think it's positive to offer one. 

it's a positive..... 

Positive to get the listing.  Let buyers feel they are protected.

What problem does it solve?

Often warranties are offered on new construction when everything is covered by mnfg warranty.

I offer (not advertise) home warranty when the appliances merit a backup plan.  Those homes updated 9 years ago are good candidates for home warranties.

I generally tell my sellers be preparted to pay for one as part of the negotiations.

I quit recommending them long time ago. 

Positive. If the buyer doesn't want it they do not have to take it.

So many variables here. Each warranty company has different coverages and exclusions. Read them carefully.

Condition and age are other factors to be considered.

Your call!

I'd say it's a positive. It can be turned into a negative if the buyer starts nitpicking what is covered.

Positive.

Donald Urschalitz it can be positive, but it depends on the property.

In our area, it is standard practice for a seller to provide a home warranty to a buyer.

If the listing agent offers to provide the warranty, it can save the seller several hundred dollars.

It is simply a matter of personal preference.

A positive, for sure as it gives buyers an added comfort level

Most buyers agent will write an amount on the contract that seller is to pay for a home warranty for the buyer for one year.  The amount varies and buyer has the liberty of selecting his/her own warranty. 

It's part of the contract out here in Cali.

I wish I knew, we sell condos.

I dont offer them, but I do suggest that sellers offer them sometimes.

It can't hurt, and makes the buyers feel a sense of security.

I'd say it's helpful, but not likely to be a big factor.

They can be a good thing especially in a home that is a dated