. In our market, Sellers often offer a home warranty with their listing. It is an insurance policy we have had on our own home for years. There are always going to be things not covered or pro rated but decades of experience has shown us ....and our Clients that it is a small investment 
compared to an entire repair or replacement cost of the items covered. From the garage door opener that decides not to open, furnaces that don't provide heat..air conditioners that are less than cool...pro rated or not, the cost of the policy makes good economic sense.
We had Sellers include a home warranty...and generously for these Buyers also included a riding lawn mower and a power mower as "gifts" which could just have easily been sold.
Part of the offer to purchase in Wisconsin has a section for a home warranty that says the offer includes a policy up to the amount of $XXX and the Selling agent completes the dollar amount. In large homes with extra things that the Buyer may want to include in the warranty...pool, hot tub, additional appliances...the number may be larger. Most usually, the coverage is basic and if the Buyer...or the Buyer's agent wishes to add.
coverage, they may do so at their expense at closing.
The Selling agent wrote the contract, acknowledging our Sellers' warranty gift "up to $XXX." Up to...by any definition does not mean...the highest limit of a policy to include everything at that rate. It does mean the Sellers choose to provide a policy UP TO that amount. The Selling agent requested a copy of the policy provided by the Sellers and then proceeded to complain that the Seller had not purchased additional coverage. Say WHAT ? Someone gives you a present ...it isn't good enough so you complain and want a BIGGER one...a MORE EXPENSIVE one...?
We chose not to tell the Sellers about what we think is distasteful behavior...was it the Agent or the Buyers ? Buyers generally do not know the levels of coverage...and Agents should neither assume or promise the highest level to them when they are not paying the bill.
We never had an Agent or a Buyer look a "warranty gift" in the ..."mouth"....and hope we don't ever again...it does leave a bad taste in your own mouth...and would in the mouths of the Sellers if they knew....
This has been a Professional Services post from Sally K. & David L. Hanson, Broker Associates with EXP Realty honored to be serving Southeastern Wisconsin for all things real estate.
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