Do You Need a Home Warranty?

When buying or owning a home, you’ll likely encounter the question: “Should I get a home warranty?” This decision often depends on the age of the property, the condition of its systems and appliances, and your personal risk tolerance. For homeowners and buyers in Bend, Oregon, where the climate, lifestyle, and housing stock offer a range of considerations, a home warranty can offer peace of mind in some cases, but it isn’t always necessary.

Here’s what you need to know about how home warranties work, when they’re worth it, and when they may not be the right fit.

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of specific systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. 

• HVAC systems
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
• Water heaters
• Kitchen appliances
• Washers and dryers

Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers unexpected events like fires or natural disasters, a home warranty is designed to protect against internal system or appliance failures. It’s usually offered for one year at a time and can be renewed annually.

Home warranties aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but in certain scenarios, they can provide real value. For many Bend buyers—especially those purchasing older homes or investment properties—a home warranty may be a smart layer of protection during the first year of ownership.

• You’re buying an older home with original systems or outdated appliances.
• You’re new to homeownership and want coverage for repairs while adjusting to ongoing maintenance.
• You’re selling your home and want to offer a warranty to attract buyers and add confidence to the transaction.
• You’re managing a rental property and want to minimize the cost of sudden repair needs.

Not all warranties are created equal, and coverage varies by provider and plan. Most standard plans cover core systems and kitchen appliances, but additional coverage may be available for:

• Pool and spa equipment
• Second refrigerators or wine coolers
• Well pumps
• Septic systems
• Roof leaks (limited)

Many providers offer add-on protection that allows you to customize your plan based on your specific home and lifestyle. If you're living in a home in Bend with a hot tub, radiant heating, or energy-efficient upgrades, make sure your plan accounts for these features.

One of the most common misunderstandings about home warranties is what they don’t include. 

• Pre-existing conditions
• Improperly maintained equipment
• Cosmetic issues (like dings, dents, or discoloration)
• Structural problems (like foundation or framing issues)

Also, warranties generally won’t cover the full cost of replacing high-end appliances if they exceed a capped reimbursement amount. If you’re buying a luxury home in a Bend neighborhood like Tetherow or Awbrey Butte, you’ll want to read the fine print to make sure coverage matches the value of your home’s systems.

If something breaks in your home and you have a warranty, the process is typically straightforward:

1. You file a claim through the warranty company’s portal or phone line.
2. The company assigns a service technician, usually from a pre-approved list.
3. You pay a service fee, similar to a deductible.
4. The technician evaluates and repairs or recommends replacement.

You usually don’t get to choose the contractor, and in some cases, repairs may be delayed depending on technician availability or parts sourcing.

This can be a downside for homeowners in Bend who already have trusted local service providers—or who live in rural areas where vendor availability is more limited.

A home warranty is one way to plan for unexpected repair costs, but some homeowners prefer to manage those risks on their own. For example, setting aside an emergency repair fund may offer more flexibility than a warranty contract—especially if your home’s systems are newer or under manufacturer warranties.

If you’re financially prepared to handle minor to moderate repair costs, a home warranty may not be necessary.

However, for buyers without that cushion—or those who value the convenience of calling a single number when something goes wrong—it can be a worthwhile investment.

Bend’s housing stock is varied. Many homes are new construction, especially in developing neighborhoods on the east side, where warranties may be redundant with builder coverage.

Others, like mid-century homes or custom builds from the early 2000s, may have aging systems and outdated appliances where a warranty is more beneficial.

• You're purchasing a home with no recent upgrades to systems or appliances.
• You want cost certainty during your first year of ownership.
• You prefer not to vet and hire contractors yourself when issues arise.

• You're buying new construction or fully remodeled homes.
• You already have service contracts or manufacturer warranties in place.
• You have savings earmarked for repairs and prefer not to deal with third-party approvals.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your financial situation, your risk comfort level, and your home’s specific condition.

Navigating home warranties and other aspects of real estate transactions requires personalized guidance, and Amanda Johnson is here to help. Based in Bend, Oregon, Amanda combines market insight with a thoughtful, client-focused approach to buying and selling homes in Central Oregon.

If you're considering a home purchase and wondering whether a home warranty is right for you, reach out to Amanda Johnson today. With her local expertise and dedication to your best interests, you’ll be well-equipped to make smart, confident choices for your next move.