When a homeowner has to repair or replace a system or appliance in their home without a home warranty, they’ll often call numerous contractors, trying to find an expert and get bids for the project. Many people end up paying thousands of dollars for repairs or replacements, only to find that their contractor only did a portion of the job, the home was not up to code, or the cost of parts was too high. For the homeowner, this can be a huge setback, and it’s never worth taking on the contractor to get the job done, instead, we suggest to work with a home warranty company, click now and get all the details.
Instead, here are the top home warranty scams people should avoid.
Home warranties only cover minor repairs, so many don’t cover things like new carpeting, or minor appliances.
Always go with an independent inspector.
Always go with an inspector that you trust, especially if you’re just looking to replace a faucet or a water heater. Your home insurance policy will usually only cover minor repairs that have been done by a licensed contractor. If an inspector suggests they can do more for you, be sure to ask about extra costs.
Check with your home insurance company. If your home insurance does not cover this issue, you can get a quote by calling your insurance provider. If you choose to have an inspector inspect your home, and you’re satisfied with their recommendation, you should have a full home warranty from your home insurance company. If they do not provide a full home warranty, there is often a deductible that you will have to pay. When you call your insurance company and tell them you want a full home warranty, be sure to mention the home warranty scam and that it is not a part of the insurance.
Other scams include “pay-as-you-go” financing that may charge you late fees or require you to pay back interest or other charges. Don’t pay for services you don’t need. Always call your credit card company before making any big purchases. If you have to pay off a debt or bill early or after you’ve made your deadline, you may not receive the full value of the payment you’ve received. Always check your credit report carefully, and call the credit reporting agency to ensure that your information is accurate and complete. Don’t accept credit cards, cash, or other financial instruments as payment. Never offer to pay with any type of financial instrument or give cash or gift cards. You can’t use a credit card if it has been revoked or expired. If your credit card company refuses to honor a card for late payments, you can request a new card, or simply go without cash or gift cards for awhile. If you have a card that’s revoked, you can use cash to make payments as long as you don’t use it as your primary way of payment. A good example is a credit card that was revoked because you didn’t use it frequently enough. Another good example is a credit card that was revoked because you used it too much. Never give out your name, address, or other personal information to a stranger. Do not carry a check book or money in your pocket with you. If you find yourself in the situation of not having money for food, gas, or other basic necessities, you should find a way to get what you need before you have to walk to the local store. A few small businesses have opened in Detroit and are giving out food and other basic necessities in exchange for tokens they call “food stamps.” Check local news for updates on these opportunities. If you feel like you cannot use your card to buy something in the stores, you should call the bank that issued the card. Make
Speaking of Robert Thomas, now a ‘management assistant’ for Harford County’s department of Government and Community Relations, he and another famous has-been, former Harford County Executive Jim Harkins, were also SEEN recently in the pages of the Harford Examiner.
According to the story, Harkins and Thomas were among a handful of Republicans (Del. Barry Glassman and Sen. Nancy Jacobs rounded out the group) who were apparently erroneously named as supporters on an email that went out from Congressman Wayne Gilchrest’s office. Gilchrest faces opposition from part-time Harford County state Sen. Andy Harris and I guess the other Harford elected officials wanted to maintain some appearance of allegiance to Harris – although I don’t think he stands a chance against the affable and intelligent everyman, Gilchrest.
Requesting his name be taken off a political email is an unusual move for Thomas, who is the type of guy who probably takes pictures of himself on all the cameras and cell phones in Best Buy just because he likes to see his own name and face in public that much. I guess he’s looking to make another big plunge into local politics after things went so swimmingly last go-round.
Most of all, I like the idea of Harkins calling someone and demanding his name be removed. Is he for real? The best thing he can do for himself at this stage in his life is try not to move and hope no one will notice him. He fled from his county exec spot when Gov. Ehrlich opened up a six-figure department head spot for him at Maryland Environmental Trust. All those years as a sheriff’s deputy and state legislator prepared him to head up a state agency aimed at preserving land and protecting natural resources – just ask the folks living out near Gabler’s Shore in Perryman! Anyway, he promptly bolted for the position and took a handful of Harford County’s highest ranking directors with him.
The word on the street was that Harkins was so desperate to keep his nifty new job that he, even the most die-hard, blue-blooded elephant, turned his back on Ehrlich and literally waltzed into the O’Malley camp. It’s true, someone told me he was seen dancing at an O’Malley pre-election fundraiser party.
Apparently he must be pretty good on the dance floor because O’Malley spared him. Maybe that’s why he’s demanding his name be taken off the list of friends of Gilchrest, a Republican.
I wonder who will be SEEN next?