If you've owned a home around Lake Texoma for more than a minute, you know things break. The AC gives out in the middle of a North Texas July, or the water heater quits the week after closing. A home warranty is one way a lot of homeowners plan for those surprises, and it helps to have someone local you can call when they happen.
That's why we're glad to welcome HWA Home Warranty of America as one of our preferred partners. Their local Account Executive, Sonja Knight, works with homeowners, buyers, sellers and real estate professionals across Texas and Southern Oklahoma, which covers the whole Texoma region on both sides of the Red River.
What Is a Home Warranty, and Do Texoma Homeowners Need One?
A home warranty is a yearly service contract that helps cover the repair or replacement of certain home systems and appliances when they break down from normal wear and tear. It isn't the same as homeowners insurance. Insurance generally covers damage from events like fire or storms, while a warranty is aimed at everyday breakdowns. (For the insurance side, see our spotlight on The Brawley Agency.)
Whether a warranty makes sense is a personal call. Many buyers like the added peace of mind after closing, especially on an older home or one where the major systems are an unknown. Sellers often offer one as a perk for buyers. Either way, it's worth understanding your options before you need them.
About HWA Home Warranty of America
Home Warranty of America has been protecting homeowners since 1996 and offers plans in nearly every state. Their real estate business is built around local account executives who work directly with agents and their clients, and that's where Sonja comes in.
The Local Difference: Real Help When Something Goes Wrong
Plenty of companies sell home warranties. What sets HWA apart in our eyes is the local, personal service.
Sonja has 19 years of experience in the home warranty industry. In that time she has helped homeowners work through service issues and walked them through the process when something in the house doesn't go as planned. Because she's local and personally available, you get a real person who knows the product instead of a phone tree.
Her goal is to be someone you can count on before, during and after the sale. That might mean:
- Explaining what a plan covers so there are no surprises later
- Helping a homeowner understand their coverage when they need to use it
- Helping a real estate professional find the right protection for their clients
Home Warranty Help for Buyers, Sellers and Agents
If you're buying or selling a home in Denison, Sherman, Pottsboro, Durant or elsewhere around the lake, a home warranty can come up at a few points in the deal.
- Sellers: HWA offers free basic listing coverage while your home is on the market, for up to six months, with the option to extend if it takes longer to sell. You can add HVAC coverage during the listing period too. At closing, the coverage can transfer to your buyer. (Free listing coverage isn't offered in every state, so confirm the details for your property with Sonja.) Our guide to selling your Texoma home covers more prep tips.
- Buyers: HWA's buyer plans run for 13 months and start at closing, so you have coverage from day one, when you're also juggling moving costs and a new set of maintenance chores. Our Texoma home buying guide and first-time buyer programs page walk through the rest of the process.
- Real estate professionals: Sonja works directly with agents to set up coverage for listings and buyers, and she can be the go-to contact when a client has a service question after closing.
A warranty is often ordered as part of the contract and paid at closing. If you want one, bring it up with your agent early so it's written into the deal. Our closing process guide explains how the pieces come together.
What Does HWA Cover?
Coverage depends on the plan and the state, but HWA's plans are built around the systems and appliances that tend to break, including:
- Home systems: heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and water heaters
- Appliances: refrigerator, range/oven/cooktop, dishwasher, and washer and dryer
- Other items: garage door systems and more, depending on the plan
There are also optional add-ons buyers can choose from, such as septic tank coverage, which is worth asking about for rural and lake homes that aren't on city sewer. If you're new to septic, our guide to types of septic systems in Oklahoma is a good primer.
When something breaks, you can request service online any time or by phone. A local contractor from HWA's network contacts you to schedule, and you pay a set trade call fee per service visit. HWA also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its warranties.
Plan names, prices and what's covered vary between Texas and Oklahoma and by home size, so ask Sonja for the current brochure and sample contract for your state before you choose.
Questions to Ask Any Home Warranty Company
Before choosing a plan with HWA or anyone else, we'd suggest asking:
- What exactly is covered, and what's excluded?
- What's the trade call fee each time I request a repair?
- Are there coverage limits per item or per year?
- How do I request service, and how quickly can I expect a response?
- Who does the repairs, and can I use my own contractor?
- What happens if a covered item can't be repaired?
- Are there add-ons that make sense for my home, like septic, a pool or a well pump?
A good provider will answer these clearly and put the details in writing. Read the sample contract before you sign so you know how claims work. And remember a warranty doesn't replace a good home inspection. The inspection tells you the condition of the home today, and the warranty helps with breakdowns down the road.
How to Reach Sonja Knight at HWA
- Sonja Knight, Account Executive: (940) 727-1848
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: hwahomewarranty.com
- Facebook: Sonja K Hwa
- HWA service line: (888) 492-7359
When you call, let Sonja know you found her through Love My Texoma Home. You can also see all of our trusted partners on our Texoma Preferred Lenders & Vendors page. Shopping for a place around the lake? Browse Lake Texoma homes for sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can help me with a home warranty in Texoma?
Sonja Knight, Account Executive with HWA Home Warranty of America, serves Texas and Southern Oklahoma. Call her at (940) 727-1848 or email [email protected].
Is a home warranty the same as homeowners insurance?
No. Insurance covers damage from events like fire, wind or hail. A home warranty covers repair or replacement of covered systems and appliances that wear out from normal use.
Does HWA offer coverage while my home is listed?
Yes. HWA offers free basic listing coverage for up to six months, with the option to extend, and you can add HVAC coverage. Confirm availability for your property with Sonja.
How long does HWA's buyer coverage last?
HWA's buyer plans run for 13 months, starting at closing.
Who pays for the home warranty in a sale?
It's negotiable. Sometimes the seller pays as a perk for the buyer, and sometimes the buyer buys it. Talk with your agent about writing it into the contract.
Can I add septic coverage?
HWA offers optional add-ons, including septic tank coverage. Ask Sonja which add-ons are available for your home and state.
You're never required to use any lender or vendor we feature. Compare your options and choose who you're comfortable with.
