This week on Moving Fort Wayne, Brad sits down with Scott Kellenberger of Home Warranty, Inc. to demystify one of the most misunderstood tools in real estate. Scott breaks down what a home warranty actually covers, how it differs from homeowner's insurance, and why both buyers and sellers benefit from having one in place. Whether you're a first-time buyer, preparing to list your home, or settling into a property with aging systems, this conversation will help you protect your investment with confidence.

Key Takeaways

● A home warranty is a mechanical service contract, not insurance; it covers items that turn on and off due to normal wear and tear

● Remember the acronym PEACH: Plumbing, Electrical, Appliances, Cooling, and Heating

● Home warranties and homeowner's insurance work in tandem; insurance covers the structure and catastrophic loss, while a warranty covers mechanical failures

● Home Warranty, Inc. offers a 14-month initial term (industry standard is 12 months) with renewable annual coverage after that

● Homeowners pay a $100 deductible per claim; the warranty covers repair or, if the homeowner prefers, applies the repair value toward an upgrade of their choice

● Unlike many warranty companies, Home Warranty, Inc. lets homeowners choose their own contractor, which matters most during peak demand seasons

● First-time buyers and buyers of homes with older mechanical systems are ideal candidates for warranty coverage

● Heating and cooling claims account for roughly 50% of all warranty claims; appliances make up another 30%

● Listing coverage protects sellers during the listing period, preventing the "sweep it under the rug" temptation and ensuring buyers receive a mechanically sound home

● Warranties do not cover structural items like foundation cracks or roofs; that's what homeowner's insurance is for

● Any homeowner can purchase a warranty directly, even without an active real estate transaction

Guest Info

● Name: Scott Kellenberger

● Title: Representative

● Company: Home Warranty, Inc.

● Bio: Scott Kellenberger represents Home Warranty, Inc. (also known as Home Warranty of the Midwest), a national home warranty firm operating in 45 states since 1999. He partners with homeowners and real estate professionals to provide mechanical service contracts covering plumbing, electrical, appliances, cooling, and heating systems.

● Phone: 260-433-4027

Resources

● Home Warranty, Inc.: https://www.homewarrantyinc.com

● Ruoff Home Mortgage (episode sponsor): https://www.ruoff.com

● Noll Team Real Estate: https://www.thenollteam.com

Connect

● Podcast: Moving Fort Wayne

● Host: Brad Noll, The Noll Team: https://www.thenollteam.com

● Guest: Scott Kellenberger, Home Warranty, Inc.: https://www.homewarrantyinc.com

● Also check out Brad's other podcast, Student of the Game, for small business strategy and leadership

#MovingFortWayne #FortWayneRealEstate #HomeBuying #RealEstateTips #TheNollTeam #HomeMaintenanceTips #SpringHomeCare #MidwestHomes #HomeInspection #HomeOwnership

Since 2003, Noll Team Real Estate has been helping people in the Fort Wayne area find the freedom to live the lifestyle they want. Despite changing markets and business tactics, we have remained true to this better and improved business model by focusing on building relationships and serving others in everything we do. Whatever stage of life you are in, our goal is to provide you with the wisdom and tools necessary when buying or selling a home. We put you first to ensure an enjoyable and profitable experience.

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