Seller Tips

Should I Offer a Home Warranty When Selling My Lake Nona Home?

By Aileen Torres, Broker Associate | Keller Williams Advantage III Realty

Home warranties come up in almost every listing conversation I have. Sellers ask if they should offer one. Buyers ask if they can request one. And sometimes they end up on the table as part of a negotiation without either side really understanding whether it's worth it.

Here's what you actually need to know as a Lake Nona seller.

What Is a Seller's Home Warranty?

A seller's home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances if they break down during the listing period and through the first year of the buyer's ownership. The seller purchases the policy and it transfers to the buyer at closing.

Most home warranties cover:

• HVAC systems (heating and air conditioning)
• Plumbing and water heater
• Electrical system
• Major appliances: dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, garbage disposal
• Some plans add washer, dryer, and pool equipment for an additional cost

A standard plan costs between $400 and $700 per year, depending on the coverage level and provider. The seller pays at closing from proceeds, so there's usually no upfront out-of-pocket expense during the listing period.

Why Lake Nona Sellers Should Think About This Carefully

Lake Nona is a competitive market with a lot of new construction. Storey Park, the Isles of Lake Nona, Laureate Park, and other communities have builder activity alongside resale inventory. New construction homes come with a builder warranty. Resale homes do not.

That gap matters to buyers. A lot of the people shopping in Lake Nona are relocating from out of state. They are buying remotely or with limited time to do in-person due diligence. The reassurance of knowing major systems are covered for the first year reduces their hesitation about buying a resale home versus going with a builder.

A home warranty does not make a bad listing good. But it can tip the scale when a buyer is choosing between your home and another option. For $500, that can be worth it.

When a Home Warranty Makes the Most Sense

When a Home Warranty Might Not Be Worth It

Not every seller needs to offer one. Skip it when:

• Your home is newly built or all major systems were recently replaced. Buyers will see the ages on the inspection report and they already know systems are new.
• You're in a hot market where your home is receiving multiple offers quickly. The warranty is not going to change the outcome when the home is selling fast.
• The $400 to $700 would be better spent on professional cleaning, minor repairs, or a staging consultation that improves your online presentation. Fix the problem that's visible before you insure the problem that might happen.

How to Use a Home Warranty Strategically in Negotiations

Here's where it gets interesting. You don't have to volunteer a home warranty in your initial listing. You can hold it in reserve.

If a buyer comes back after inspection asking for a $1,500 HVAC credit because the unit is 9 years old, you have options. You can offer the credit. You can offer a repair. Or you can offer to provide a one-year home warranty covering the HVAC instead. For $500 you've addressed their concern without giving up $1,500 in proceeds.

That's a meaningful difference when you're working on a net proceeds goal. The warranty is most powerful when it's the answer to a specific buyer concern, not just a marketing line in the listing description.

A Note on What Home Warranties Don't Cover

This is important for sellers to understand so you're not overpromising to buyers. Home warranties do not cover:

• Pre-existing conditions that were visible and documented in the inspection report
• Structural issues (foundation, roof)
• Cosmetic issues
• Code violations
• Damage from lack of maintenance

Be honest with buyers about what's covered. A warranty that doesn't actually cover their specific concern isn't going to reassure anyone.

The Bottom Line for Lake Nona Sellers

A home warranty is a $400 to $700 expense that can solve a $1,500 negotiation problem and close a deal that might otherwise fall apart over inspection concerns. In a market like Lake Nona where buyers are comparing resale homes against new construction with builder warranties, it's a smart tool to have in your pocket.

Whether you should include it from the start or hold it as a negotiation tool depends on your specific situation. That's the kind of conversation worth having before you list, not after you're already under contract and counting on it.

Aileen Torres | Broker Associate | Keller Williams Advantage III Realty | (407) 434-1213 | [email protected] | aileenhomes.com