If you’re selling your home, the last thing you want is some appliance or system to break down, creating the need for a potentially expensive repair right before you close. Many sellers turn to home warranties to protect their homes as they move toward closing, but choosing the best home warranty for sellers can be difficult if you’re not sure what to look for.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what we believe to be the best home warranty for sellers and why the options we’ve identified give home sellers peace of mind. We’ll also provide some average pricing for a warranty from each company based on quotes pulled by our secret shoppers.
What Are the Best Home Warranty Companies for Sellers?
We’ve analyzed all of the major home warranty providers in the industry to see which offer the ideal protection for people in the process of selling their homes. Below is a quick list of the companies we found to be the best.
Quick Tips When Shopping for Home Warranties for Sellers
If you’re selling your home, picking a home warranty that provides peace of mind that you won’t be on the hook for last-minute repairs is crucial. Below are some things we specifically recommend looking for in your home warranty plan.
- High coverage caps: As a seller, the last thing you want leading up to your closing — or worse, during an open house or showing — is a system or appliance breaking down and costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs. Choosing a home warranty with high coverage limits will help ensure you remain fully protected, even from larger breakdowns, repairs, or replacements.
- Comprehensive coverage: We also suggest you choose a plan that covers appliances and built-in systems rather than a cheaper one that protects just one or the other. A comprehensive home warranty covers everything in your home and is more likely to save you money and lower your stress level throughout the closing process.
- Transferable contract with lengthy workmanship guarantees: Finally, we suggest picking a plan that can be transferred to a new homeowner and comes with great service guarantees. Having a few months of coverage for any work completed will help instill confidence in buyers and may incentivize them to offer top dollar for your home. They’ll know they won’t be looking at expensive repairs shortly after closing.
Compare the Best Home Warranty Companies for Sellers
The table below offers a side-by-side look at our top picks for home protection designed for sellers. You can use this at-a-glance comparison to decide which option suits you best.
Company | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | Coverage Limit | Response Time | Rating | States Covered |
 | $46.83–$54.75+ | $85 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.0 | 49 states, excluding WA |
 | $49.99–$99.99 | $75–$125 | $6,000 | 24–72 hours | 4.5 | 50 States |
 | $49.99–$69.99+ | $65–$125 | $2,000 | 12–48 hours | 4.3 | 47 states, excluding NV, WA, and WI |
 | $60.42–$63.75+ | $60–$75 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.2 | 47 states, excluding NV, WA, and WI |
 | $30.00–$60.00 | $75–$125 | $3,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.3 | 49 states, excluding HI |
 | $39.99–$54.99 | $100–$125 | $2,000 | 24–48 hours | 4.1 | 48 states, excluding AK and HI |
 | $17.00–$60.00 | $65–$100 | $2,500 | 24–48 hours | 4.0 | 42 states, excluding AK, HI, MT, NH, ND, OK, SD, and WY |
 | $36.00–$46.50 | $75–$125 | $3,500 | 24–48 hours | 3.9 | 34 states, excluding AK, CT, DE, HI, IL, LA, ME, MA, MN, NH, NJ, NY, ND, RI, VT, and WI |
*Quote and cost data gathered January 2023. Cost data are updated and monitored continuously. Liberty Home Guard service fees vary based on your location and home and are not determined by higher or lower monthly fees.
Liberty Home Guard
4.5
Our Rating
Liberty Home Guard is our top pick for sellers looking to customize their plans, which is useful for unique homes or people who want coverage for things that aren’t typically included in home warranties. The company offers three base plans and 42 add-on coverages, so you can get protection for virtually anything you want in your home before you sell. This can help entice buyers who may be concerned about particular features in your home, and it provides you with some peace of mind even if buyers don’t assume the home warranty contract.
Liberty Home Guard (LHG) provides all the protection you need for the basics in your home leading up to closing, including the major appliances and home systems. If you’re only concerned about one or the other — appliances or systems — you can choose a basic plan that covers just one for less money. For complete home protection, you can opt for the premium coverage plan, which covers all appliances and systems for slightly more per month.
The most appealing thing about Liberty Home Guard, though, is that it has a huge selection of add-on coverages that you can use to customize your plan. For sellers, this is useful because you can protect things that most other companies won’t cover. For example, your buyer might be concerned about aging electronics, a wine cooler, a saltwater pool, or plumbing and light fixtures. These things aren’t coverable by most companies, but LHG has options for each.
Liberty has very affordable pricing for its plans, which also makes it a great choice for sellers looking to get ample protection for their homes without laying out a ton of money. It also just takes one quick phone call to customer service to transfer your warranty to a buyer, making it an ideal option for sellers looking to provide an incentive for buyers.
You can choose from three plans with Liberty Home Guard — one for appliances, one for systems, and one for both. We’ll explain what each option covers in detail below to help you decide which might suit your needs best.
- Appliance Guard: The Appliance Guard plan includes protection for appliances only, as the name suggests. It covers your refrigerator, range, stove, dishwasher, clothes washer, clothes dryer, built-in microwave, and garbage disposal. There are a few additional coverages for non-appliances as well, including garage door openers, exhaust fans, and ceiling fans. This plan is $49.99 per month on average.
- Systems Guard: The Systems Guard plan covers home systems, including your electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing systems. Your HVAC ductwork and water heater are included in the coverage. This plan totals around $54.99 per month with no add-on coverages.
- Total Home Guard: The Total Home Guard plan costs the most at $59.99 per month, but it also provides the most value for the money. For just slightly more than either of the previous two plans, you get coverage for everything included in both. This option provides total peace of mind for sellers who want to avoid last-minute repair expenses at all costs.
Liberty Home Guard has one of the most impressive selections of add-on coverages available in the entire home warranty industry. This is where LHG shines for sellers who want protection for items in their homes that aren’t typically protected by a home warranty. We’ll include a complete list of the 42 options below.
- Additional spa
- Carpet cleaning
- Central vacuum system
- Electronics
- Ejector pump
- Exterior power washing
- Freestanding ice maker
- Grinder pump
- Gutter cleaning
- Hot water dispenser
- In-fridge ice maker
- In-ground sprinkler system
- Lighting fixtures
- Outdoor generator
- Pest control
- Plumbing fixtures
- Pool and spa
- Pro-series refrigerator coverage
- Pro-series stand-alone freezer coverage
- Pro-series oven or cooktop
- Pro-series dishwasher
- Pro-series microwave
- Pro-series clothes washer
- Pro-series clothes dryer
- Re-keys
- Reverse osmosis water filter
- Roof leak (limited)
- Saltwater pool
- Second refrigerator
- Septic system pumping
- Small guest units
- Stand-alone freezer
- Swamp cooler
- Sump pump
- Trash compactor
- TV mounting (65 inches and below)
- TV mounting (up to 85 inches)
- Water dispenser water line
- Water softener
- Well pump
- Window washing
- Wine cooler
Liberty Home Guard won’t cover pre-existing problems, so it’s not going to cover last-minute repairs that crop up before you begin coverage. It also won’t cover problems that should have been prevented by proper maintenance or proper installation. Additionally, smart technology, routine maintenance, cosmetic repairs, and commercial appliances aren’t covered by LHG. There are some other per-item restrictions, which you can read about in the fine print in the company’s sample contract.
Liberty Home Guard offers simple coverage limits that don’t vary much among covered items. All appliances and systems get up to $2,000 of protection, and add-ons get $500. These limits are a bit higher than average, which is great for protecting sellers from costly pre-closing expenses.
Select Home Warranty
4.2
Our Rating
Select Home Warranty (SHW) is our top pick for sellers looking for protection for their homes at the most affordable cost. The provider has pricing that is well below average, especially for its premium protection plan, which covers all systems and appliances. The company’s coverage caps aren’t ideal, but the coverage you do get for the money makes SHW one of the best values in the industry.
Select Home Warranty’s appliances plan and systems-only plans are a little on the expensive side, but the combo plan is outstanding and provides excellent value for the money. This is what we consider to be one of the most affordable and comprehensive plans for home sellers, as it covers all major items that could present issues leading up to your closing, and it’s relatively cheap.
With the below-average pricing on its premium plan, you do get lower coverage caps ranging from $400 up to $2,000, so this plan is ideal for sellers who want an affordable solution for basic home protection prior to closing and don’t expect major problems to occur.
Select Home Warranty also offers service guarantees that last for 90 days, while many competitors only have guarantees that last for 30 or offer none at all. The average time to close on a financed real estate transaction is 90 days, so the guarantee from Select Home Warranty is perfect for helping avoid additional service fees and repair costs on shoddy workmanship.
The longer service guarantee can also help entice buyers to move forward with the purchase of your property, as they’ll see that the likelihood of recurring issues popping up shortly after closing is low.
Finally, Select Home Warranty makes it easy to transfer your warranty to your buyer if they intend to keep coverage going.
Select Home Warranty offers three plans. One covers only appliances, one covers only home systems, and the comprehensive Platinum Care plan covers everything. We’ll break down specific coverages included in the three care plans from SHW below.
- Bronze Care plan: The Bronze plan covers appliances only. It includes protection for your fridge, oven, range, built-in microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, and garbage disposal. The total per month for enrollment in this plan is $60.
- Gold Care plan: The Gold plan is best for sellers who are confident in their appliances but may have concerns about their aging home systems. This option covers your electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing systems, plus your water heater and HVAC ductwork. The Gold plan is also $60 per month.
- Platinum Care plan: The Platinum Care plan is just $4 more than the other two options at $64 per month. It’s by far the best value from the company, as it includes the appliances and home system coverages from both the Bronze and the Gold plans. Your garage door openers and ceiling fans are also covered to add even more value.
Select Home Warranty provides a few add-ons you can choose from to customize your coverage a bit. We’ll include a list of the available optional coverages from Select Home Warranty below.
- Central vacuum systems
- In-ground sprinklersStand-alone freezers
- Pool
- Septic system
- Sump pump
- Spa
- Well pump
Select Home Warranty won’t cover problems that could have been avoided by proper maintenance, so it’s not a stopgap solution for appliances and systems that haven’t been taken care of. It also won’t cover issues resulting from bad repairs or installation processes in the past.
There are some other exclusions based on the covered item, like plumbing stoppages only being covered if they occur within 100 linear feet of an access point. There are also exclusions for individual add-on products, so we recommend reading through the contract before signing to ensure you get the protection you need.
As mentioned above, the coverage limits are lower with SHW than you’d find from many competitors, although we do think the coverage for the price is still excellent. The coverage limits reach up to $3,000 for your HVAC system but hover around $500 for most other repairs.
American Home Shield
4.2
Our Rating
American Home Shield is best known in the home warranty industry for having high coverage caps or, in some cases, no limit to the coverage it will provide. This is great news for sellers who want total peace of mind that they won’t be shelling out hundreds or thousands of dollars for expensive repairs that could pop up before they get to the closing table. This is especially good news for people selling older homes, as repairs and replacements for aging systems and appliances tend to be more expensive.
AHS offers unlimited coverage for your plumbing and electrical system, which sometimes come with the highest repair costs, especially if you have an issue with your main sewer line, leaks, or major stoppages. It also includes coverage of up to $5,000 for your HVAC system — more than double the industry average — and $2,000 or $4,000 per covered appliance, depending on the protection plan you choose.
AHS also has fewer exclusions than most other companies, which means those high coverage caps are still likely to be available to you, regardless of the cause of the problem you’re experiencing.
Overall, AHS is more expensive than most other providers, but we feel that the peace of mind you get and the potential for unlimited coverage makes its plans well worth the investment. This is especially true for sellers looking to avoid expensive repairs that might otherwise complicate the closing process.
AHS has three plan options available. ShieldSilver covers just your major home systems, ShieldGold covers most major appliances and systems, and ShieldPlatinum covers everything in the other two plans but includes higher coverage caps and some additional coverages. We’ll explain what you get with each option below.
- ShieldSilver: This is the most affordable option from AHS, coming in at either $79.99 or $89.99 per month, depending on the service fee you pick. It excludes appliances, but it covers most home systems and their components. These include your plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems, HVAC ductwork, water heaters, plumbing lines, most fixtures, electrical breakers, exhaust and ceiling fans, garage door openers, doorbells, breaker boxes, and electrical wiring throughout your home.
- ShieldGold: The ShieldGold plan includes everything in the previous plan, plus most of your major appliances. These include your fridge, stove, cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, hot and cold water dispensers, washers, and dryers. You can expect to pay between $99.99 and $109.99 per month for this plan.
- ShieldPlatinum: The ShieldPlatinum plan is the most costly option from AHS at $129.99 or $139.99 monthly, but it covers the most items. You get protection for everything in the previous options, plus roof leak coverage, up to $250 for code violations and permits, a free AC tune-up every year, and unlimited refrigerant refills. This option also comes with $2,000 of coverage extra per appliance for a total of $4,000 each.
American Home Shield isn’t the best option if you’re looking for plan customization options, as it only offers four:
- Pool equipment
- Septic pump
- Spa equipment
- Well pump
The coverage includes discounts on air filters as well, although you might not need to use those discounts if you have the Platinum Plan, which includes a free AC tune-up each year.
American Home Shield provides some of the best peace of mind in the industry, in part because it has very few exclusions for coverage. Unlike most other providers, it won’t deny coverage for issues that result from a lack of maintenance, component age, or problems related to corrosion or rust. It also covers undetectable pre-existing conditions and removal fees for old or damaged items. The only things it won’t cover are intentional damage, cosmetic issues, known pre-existing issues, and mismatched components in your home.
You get unlimited coverage with AHS for your plumbing and electrical systems, $5,000 of coverage for your HVAC system, and $2,000 or $4,000 of coverage per appliance, depending on the plan you choose. All of these coverage caps are well above average, which is why we chose AHS for the best coverage limits.
Choice Home Warranty
4.1
Our Rating
Choice Home Warranty (CHW) is our top pick for sellers looking for a high payout rate. This is a trustworthy company known for accepting claims on all covered items and rarely denying coverage. The company also has relatively high coverage caps, and all of its plan options protect appliances and home systems. This is somewhat uncommon in the industry, but it provides sellers with the full protection they need to avoid unexpected repair or replacement costs no matter which plan they choose.
This company has high payout rates, meaning more claims are approved and paid out. CHW is considered one of the more trustworthy companies in the industry based on the high proportion of claims that are accepted.
Those claims also get paid out with above-average coverage caps, reaching up to $3,000 for each covered item. This is higher than most companies offer and it helps protect you from unusually high repair costs. With below-average plan pricing, the high coverage limits mean you’re as protected as you can be from last-minute repairs and replacements.
Choice Home Warranty’s plans also all include major appliances and home systems, so even the cheapest option will provide robust coverage and provide reassurance that you won’t be needlessly spending money just before you close. Even the Basic Plan covers plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, as well as all major appliances except for your fridge.
This provider also has over a decade of experience and is considered a trustworthy company. Additionally, there is nothing in the CHW’s contracts that prevents you from transferring to the buyer after closing, so this can be a great option for giving buyers confidence that no large out-of-pocket expenses will crop up after closing.
Choice Home Warranty has two plans available: a Basic Plan and a Total Plan. The Basic Plan includes most major home appliances and systems, and the Total Plan includes just about all appliances and systems in your home. We’ll include a list of what’s included with each plan below.
- Basic Plan: The Basic Plan covers all systems in your home except air conditioning. It provides basic coverage for your plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, including water heaters, plumbing stoppages, jet bathtubs, and heating and air conditioner ductwork. You also get protection for quite a few appliances, including your oven, range, built-in microwave, dishwasher, and garbage disposal. Some electronics are covered as well, including exhaust fans, garage door openers, and ceiling fans. This plan averages around $46 per month.
- Total Plan: The Total Plan includes everything in the Basic Plan and adds protection for your refrigerator, clothes washer, clothes dryer, and your AC system. Since refrigerators are often required to be functional for financing, this is a better option for sellers, in our opinion. The Total Plan is only a little more expensive at $55 per month.
Choice Home Warranty offers a handful of optional add-ons to customize your coverage. This is great for home sellers who want to maximize protection on components in their homes that they believe may be at risk of experiencing an issue in the near future. We’ll include a list of the add-on coverages provided by CHW below.
- Additional refrigerator
- Additional spa
- Central vacuum system
- In-ground sprinkler system
- Pool or spa
- Roof leak coverage (limited)
- Septic system
- Septic tank pumping
- Sump pump
- Stand-alone freezer
- Well pump
You can also pay extra per month to get coverage for larger homes above 5,000 square feet.
One of the best parts about choosing CHW as a seller is that the company imposes relatively few exclusions on its customers. Like most other providers, it won’t cover pre-existing problems, but there are no other major exclusions. This is great news for sellers because it means you’re more likely to be covered if your home needs what would normally be an expensive home repair.
CHW also has higher coverage caps than most other companies in the home warranty industry. All items in the available plans are covered for up to $3,000 each, and add-ons get up to $500 of coverage each. These caps are higher than you’ll see from other providers, which means you get maximum protection for your home to avoid expenses leading up to closing.
AFC Home Club
4.2
Our Rating
For sellers who want both protection against last-minute repair costs prior to closing and a means of providing a solid home protection plan to entice buyers to close, we recommend a home warranty from America’s First Choice (AFC) Home Club. The company has some of the longest service guarantees in the industry, so one of its plans is likely to instill the most confidence in buyers, not to mention keep you as the seller protected leading up to closing.
AFC Home Club’s claim to fame in the home warranty industry is the length of its workmanship guarantee. Instead of the typical 30 to 90 days offered by most competitors, it guarantees its work for the length of your contract, which is either one or three years.
This is great for sellers because it provides coverage long enough to account for offers falling through and also instills the most confidence in buyers for any last-minute repairs. With shorter guarantees, a buyer may question the effectiveness and longevity of services provided to fix appliances or major systems throughout the closing process.
Perhaps most importantly, AFC Home Club makes it easy for sellers to transfer their plans to buyers, so the person purchasing your home can maintain coverage and that service guarantee for up to three years following the sale. Few companies provide home protection plans that are as enticing to new buyers.
This company has lower coverage caps than many competitors, but the plans are priced very aggressively to keep up-front and long-term costs to a minimum, so this is a great option for sellers looking to avoid small unexpected repairs throughout the closing process. However, it may not be ideal for larger repairs that could crop up, especially in older homes.
AFC Home Club offers four plans ranging from a super-cheap $33 per month to $52 per month for total coverage. Depending on the one you choose, you can get protection for appliances, home systems, or both. We’ll explain what’s included in each option below.
- Silver Plan: The Silver Plan is an appliance-only option, so it offers the least coverage, but it’s also the cheapest option at $33 per month. It offers protection for your fridge, oven, cooktop, garbage disposal, garage door opener, washing machine, and clothes dryer.
- Systems Plan: The Systems Plan, as the name implies, excludes all appliances and instead covers your major home systems. These include your heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems, plus your HVAC ductwork and water heater. The Systems Plan comes out to an average of around $40 per month.
- Gold Plan: The Gold Plan is the first option from AFC that includes both systems and appliances. It covers everything in the Silver and Systems plans, plus your dishwasher. This plan costs $47 per month.
- Platinum Plan: The Platinum Plan is the best value for the money, although it’s the most expensive. It costs $52 per month but covers everything in the previous three plans plus ceiling fans, microwaves, plumbing stoppages, and stand-alone ice makers.
AFC Home Club doesn’t have the best selection of add-on coverages, but there are ten to choose from for a customizable protection plan. We’ll list all of the add-on options available from this provider below.
- Central vacuum
- Double oven
- Electronics
- Hot water dispenser
- In-ground pool/spa
- Roof leak (limited)
- Septic system
- Stand-alone freezer
- Well pump
- Sump pump
AFC Home Club won’t make payouts for issues that come up as a result of improper maintenance or poor repairs in the past, cosmetic repairs, or pre-existing issues. This is pretty standard in the industry.
There are quite a few additional exclusions based on the specific covered item, so we recommend reading through the company’s sample contract and looking at coverages for different items before signing your contract. Thankfully, the company has detailed coverage information on its website for easy access.
The coverage limits offered by AFC aren’t the best for some systems and appliances. Some coverages are as low as $250 per year, although others reach up to $3,000 per year. Again, we suggest you take a close look at the contract you receive before buying to make sure the coverage matches your expectations, especially considering the age of your home and the quality of your appliances and systems.
Our Ratings of the Best Home Warranty Providers for Sellers
The table below provides a brief explanation of how we ranked the companies we’ve reviewed above. Keep in mind that these rankings are based on general home warranty coverage and not the protection plans as they pertain specifically to sellers.
| Ranking Factors | Liberty Home Guard | Select Home Warranty | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty | America’s First Choice Home Club |
| Plans and Coverage (out of 24) | 25.5 | 20.0 | 22.0 | 18.5 | 21.0 |
| Affordability (out of 22.5) | 20.0 | 22.5 | 21.0 | 20.5 | 20.5 |
| Customer Experience (out of 18.5) | 14.5 | 15.0 | 12.5 | 14.5 | 17.0 |
| Company Reputation (out of 17.5) | 14.5 | 12.5 | 12.0 | 8.0 | 12.5 |
| Claims Process (out of 12.5) | 10.5 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 12.5 | 8.0 |
| Availability (out of 5) | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Total Score (out of 100) | 89.1 | 84.5 | 83.1 | 79.0 | 84.1 |
How Much Do the Top-Rated Home Warranties for Sellers Cost?
The average cost for a home warranty that protects you as a seller is around $60 per month, but the total can range from $33 up to around $80 monthly. The service call fee, which is similar to a deductible for homeowner’s insurance that’s paid per service call, ranges from $65 up to $125, with an average of approximately $85.
Keep in mind that your total costs will vary based on a few factors, which we’ll discuss below.
- Coverages: The items included in your coverage plan will play a significant role in your total monthly cost. Basic plans — which typically cover either home appliances or systems — tend to be the most affordable, while plans that provide more robust protection will, of course, cost more.
- Service warranty: The warranty that comes with the work completed by your provider’s contractors will affect your pricing as well. Home warranty companies that hire reliable, reputable, and licensed professionals will pay top dollar for those services. Higher expenses naturally equate to higher prices charged to you as the homeowner.
- Coverage caps: The coverage limits, which are the maximum dollar amounts your provider will pay out per covered item, are another important cost factor. Companies that offer superior protection with higher coverage caps will charge more for the heftier protection.
- Exclusions: Finally, your monthly price will be influenced by the exclusions in your home warranty policy. All home warranty service providers have exclusions, and those with more items or scenarios excluded — like plumbing stoppages from pipes freezing or tree root intrusion, which are more often covered by home insurance — will cost less because they cover less.
- Service fees: The service fee is like a home insurance policy deductible in that you pay it up front before coverage kicks in. Generally speaking, the lower your service fee, the higher your monthly cost will be.
The graphic below provides a quick visual representation of the pricing of the home warranty providers we’ve reviewed above.
What Do the Top-Rated Home Warranties for Sellers Cover?
The specific coverage you get with your home warranty will depend on the company and plan you choose, the add-on coverages you opt for, and more.
However, most of the warranty packages from the companies we’ve reviewed above include coverage for your major home systems, including plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical, and your appliances, including refrigerator, oven, cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer, and dryer.
Since your buyer’s financing can depend on the state of your home systems and, in many cases, the presence of a refrigerator that’s in working order, we recommend specifically looking as a seller for the coverages described below.
- Refrigerator protection: Many lenders won’t close on a deal if there isn’t a working refrigerator in the property’s main kitchen. Choosing a home warranty that covers issues with your fridge can help ensure your closing moves forward smoothly, even if you do have a problem.
- Plumbing system protection, including water heater: Your plumbing system being in good working order and leak-free is another stipulation many lenders have for closing. Having your plumbing system included in your home warranty is a great option for some added peace of mind. Water heaters are also often expensive to repair and replace and are required for closing as well, so having coverage for this fixture is also recommended.
- Electrical system protection: Your buyer will very likely conduct a home inspection prior to closing, which will illuminate any issues with your electrical system. Having coverage for this home system can save you money on repairs the inspector recommends for safety and proper functionality. Just be sure your home warranty plan covers conditions that may have been present but undetectable before signing up.
- Roof leaks: Finally, roof leaks can cause catastrophic damage and prevent your buyer’s lender from moving to the closing table. Coverage is usually an add-on, but we recommend paying for this protection, as it will very likely be worth it if you do run into an issue.
The table below includes a side-by-side look at the coverages offered by the providers we’ve mentioned above. This should help you decide which company is right for you based on your home.
So, What is the Best Home Warranty for Sellers?
In our opinion, Liberty Home Guard is the best home warranty for sellers. The company has above-average coverage caps to deliver ultimate peace of mind leading into closing, its plans are highly customizable with over 40 add-on options for unique homes, and the company has a great service warranty that’s transferable to new homeowners. This can incentivize buyers to offer top dollar for their new homes and rest easy that they won’t be subject to issues soon after closing.
We’re confident that any of the providers we’ve discussed above will serve you well if you’re selling your home. If you’re not sure that one of these companies is right for you, we also recommend checking out First American Home Warranty and Cinch Home Services, which are runner-ups for this list.
We suggest starting the process by getting a free quote from Liberty Home Guard and then seeking out estimates from the other providers to compare.
We get lots of questions from sellers just like you about home warranties and their value in the home-selling process. We’ll answer some of the most common ones we see below.
FAQs About Best Home Warranties for Sellers
What is a seller warranty?
A seller warranty is a protection plan offered by the seller of a home that guarantees proper functionality of the home systems and home appliances throughout the property’s time on the market and for a specific time period after closing.
What is the difference between a seller warranty and a home warranty?
A seller warranty is essentially the same thing as a home warranty; it provides protection for appliances and systems with some restrictions and coverage limits. The only difference is when the warranty is purchased. Anyone can buy a home warranty at any time, but a seller warranty refers to a home warranty that a seller buys when they put their home on the market. A seller warranty is also usually meant to be transferred to a buyer after closing. Some home warranties can also be transferred, but it’s less common.
In some cases, the real estate agent will pay for the seller warranty in an effort to sell the home more quickly, but it’s still considered a seller warranty.
What is the best home warranty for sellers?
In our opinion, Liberty Home Guard is the best home warranty option for individuals selling their homes. This company has robust coverage options, high coverage caps, and a high payout rate, so you get ultimate peace of mind leading into closing. Plus, the company makes it easy to transfer its service contracts, so you can pass that peace of mind onto buyers to incentivize them to offer top dollar and buy your home with confidence.
Are home warranties a waste of money for sellers?
In our opinion, no. A home warranty serves two key purposes for sellers. First, it shields you from high repair and replacement costs for systems and appliances that might be required to be in good order for closing. If you run into an issue leading up to closing, you could be covered by your home warranty and save hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Second, it instills confidence in your buyers and gives them more reason to pay more for your home. A buyer that knows they’re insulated from potentially expensive problems post-closing may be more likely to offer more for your home or move forward with closing in the event of an issue.
Methodology: How We Rank Home Warranty Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our home warranty company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — whether you’re looking for low-cost coverage, a hassle-free repair process, 24/7 assistance, or all of the above.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and discussions with real estate professionals and repair contractors.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across six categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched more than 60 home warranty providers to develop the following formula:
- Plans and Coverage (24 points): A home warranty provider can earn the maximum point value in this category if it offers multiple robust plans that cover all basic systems and appliances and optional add-on coverage. We give bonus points to companies that cover uncommon items, such as electronics and roof leaks.
- Affordability (22.5 points): When evaluating costs, we not only consider monthly plan prices, but we also take into account the cost of add-on coverage, service fees, and whether companies offer free cancellation periods or money-back guarantees. If a provider allows potential customers to view sample contracts before getting a quote, that transparency earns more points in this category.
- Customer Experience (18.5 points): A home warranty company must give its customers ample support when they experience issues. We gauge overall support by looking at customer reviews and conducting homeowner surveys. We also go through the quotes process with each company and take meticulous notes about the friendliness of salespeople, how detailed each quote is, and how often the provider contacts us after giving a quote.
- Company Reputation (17.5 points): In this category, we look at a combination of customer reviews and reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We also consider the years of company experience, how satisfied its employees are, and whether it has been hit with any consumer rights violations or lawsuits.
- Claims Process (12.5 points): We score providers highly when they offer short response times, multiple ways to file claims, and around-the-clock availability. Companies can earn bonus points if they have a good reputation for quick and easy claims processing.
- Availability (5 points): Providers that serve more areas can have experience dealing with a wider range of homeowner headaches. A company earns the maximum points in this category if it offers services in most U.S. states.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
