GLVAR president gives tips on home warranty

A: Your question leads me to believe you’ve either had a negative experience with such a company, or that you’re at least having a difficult time finding a good home warranty firm with a presence here in Las Vegas.

The good news is that we do have some good and reputable home warranty companies in Southern Nevada.

Unfortunately, I can’t give you a list of names and numbers here in this column. In my role representing the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors, association rules and ethical guidelines prevent me from recommending any one home warranty firm to you here.

To find companies affiliated with the GLVAR, visit LasVegasRealtor.com/site/links.asp?catid=7.

I also can give you an idea of what you may want to look for in a good home warranty. In talking to the real experts in this area, I’ve got a few tips for you.

* Visit the GLVAR office at 1750 E. Sahara Ave. to pick up the various brochures that are located in the lobby and to visit the Web sites of the group’s affiliates to find out more about their home warranty policies and prices.

* Realize cost of home warranty coverage varies from company to company. So, it’s best to contact several companies for competing price quotes. Coverage costs vary depending on the service and on the size and type of home. To give you at least a rough idea, prices may start at a few hundred dollars per year for a basic home warranty policy for a single-family detached home in Las Vegas.

* To better compare each company’s services, contact each home warranty company you’re considering to ask the same key questions to find out what their warranties cover, including exclusions and limits of liabilities.

* Ask for a sample copy of the company’s contract so you know exactly what is covered, what copay costs are involved and what you’re buying.

* No matter what company you choose, read the contract carefully.

* In contacting these companies, look for promptness, reliability and the quality of their customer service.

* Also ask your family, friends, co-workers and your Realtor for their thoughts and recommendations.

As a real estate professional here in Nevada for nearly 30 years, I can tell you it’s important to have a good home warranty, just as it is to have a good Realtor, especially in today’s challenging housing market.

Sue Naumann is this year’s GLVAR president and has worked in the real estate industry for nearly 30 years. The trade group has nearly 14,000 members. To ask her a question, e-mail ask@glvar.org. For more information, visit lasvegasrealtor.com.