Beyond the Closing Table: How One Call Saved My Buyer $400

There’s a reason I always advise buyers to consider a home warranty - even if the seller hasn’t offered one, even if the buyer has to pay for it. Whenever a property gets new occupants, something goes. Count on it. A change in usage always seems to trigger a system or appliance rebellion.

A deductible is infinitely better than the cost of replacing an appliance - or despondently following a plumber around your new home, praying the invoice won’t rival your down payment.

And while you might think the lesson here is “get a home warranty”, it’s not.

I got a message from a buyer: their washing machine wasn’t working - on top of the dishwasher that had already given up (that one I knew about). I asked if they’d made warranty claims for both. The dishwasher was covered, since it had been noted as operational in the inspection report. But the washing machine? Not covered. The appliance tech said it needed to be replaced, but because the inspector hadn’t noted it as functional, the warranty company initially refused the claim.

Did my buyer expect me to pay for a washing machine? No. Did she think it was my fault the warranty company wouldn’t handle it? No. Did she expect me to fix the problem? Also no. She was simply letting me know.

And technically, I could’ve ignored it, celebrated the good news about the dishwasher alongside that shrugging emoji, and moved on with my day.

But that’s not my style.

I called the home inspector first - I had a fair idea why washers and dryers never seem make it onto inspection reports, but I wanted to be sure. Then I called the home warranty sales rep - you know, the one who shows up to brokerages with stacks of glossy flyers and the occasional box of bagels.

An hour later, I was back on the phone with my buyer, sharing the good news: the warranty company agreed to give her $400 toward a new washing machine - and they waived the deductible.

My license may say salesperson, but that barely scratches the surface of what I do. I’m a service provider - and living proof that your agent can still pull off small miracles, even after you close.

The takeaway? Stay in touch.