Becoming a homeowner for the first time is a huge milestone—full of excitement, pride, and the sweet satisfaction of having a place to call your own. But here’s what no one tells you: appliances break down, often when you least expect it, and especially when you’re new to the game.
Whether you just moved into your dream townhouse in Maryland or your first family home in Massachusetts, understanding how to handle appliance breakdowns is essential. It’s not just about knowing how to reset a circuit breaker or clean a filter. It’s about knowing your options, avoiding costly mistakes, and being ready for the unexpected.
That’s where home warranty companies in Maryland and Massachusetts come in. A solid home warranty can help you deal with the realities of homeownership—especially those surprise appliance failures.
Here are 7 things no one tells first-time homebuyers about appliance breakdowns—and how a home warranty plan can save your sanity (and your wallet).
1. Appliances Don’t Care That You Just Moved In
You might assume everything in your new home should run perfectly for at least a few years. After all, didn’t the inspection go well?
Here’s the truth: appliances can start failing immediately, especially if they weren’t used regularly before you moved in. Dishwashers, ovens, and washing machines are mechanical. If they’ve been sitting idle, they may struggle once they’re back in regular use.
Pro tip: Home warranty companies in Maryland often see claims from new buyers within the first 30 to 60 days of move-in—usually for HVAC, fridge, or washer issues.
2. You’re Now the Repairman—Or Paying for One
As a renter, a broken appliance meant a quick call to your landlord. As a homeowner? You’re the landlord now. That means you’re responsible for scheduling repairs, vetting contractors, and covering the cost.
If your refrigerator suddenly stops working and you’re not covered, you could be facing a $300+ repair—or worse, a full replacement. The same goes for microwaves, garbage disposals, or dryers.
That’s why so many first-time homeowners in Massachusetts are signing up with home warranty companies right away. Plans from providers like ServicePlus can cover everything from diagnosis to parts and labor.
3. Small Issues Can Snowball Fast
That weird noise your dishwasher is making? Or the slightly longer drying time from your dryer? These may seem minor, but they’re often early signs of serious failure.
First-time buyers often ignore these clues, thinking it’s normal. But what starts as a hum or rattle can quickly become a costly breakdown.
A home warranty encourages you to act early—before minor issues become major headaches. Home warranty companies in Massachusetts routinely advise policyholders to report problems as soon as they notice something off.
4. Emergency Repairs Are More Common Than You Think
When your HVAC quits in the middle of a Maryland summer or your furnace stops working during a cold Massachusetts winter, it’s not just uncomfortable—it’s urgent. Emergency service calls can cost double or triple the standard rate.
Most first-time homeowners aren’t prepared for these expenses, and without a network of trusted contractors, finding reliable help fast can be tough.
Home warranty plans include pre-screened local technicians—and many offer 24/7 emergency service. That’s one reason home warranty companies in Maryland are becoming a go-to resource for new buyers.
5. You’ll Spend a Lot More Without a Warranty
Let’s break down some average appliance repair/replacement costs:
- Refrigerator compressor: $700+
- Oven control panel: $400+
- Water heater: $1,000–$1,500
- Washer/dryer repair: $200–$500
These are real-world prices—and if multiple items break in the same year (which they often do), you could be looking at thousands out of pocket.
With a home warranty, you typically pay a flat service fee per issue (often under $100), no matter how expensive the repair. Home warranty companies in Massachusetts and Maryland can easily save homeowners $1,000+ per year.
6. You Might Invalidate the Manufacturer’s Warranty
New appliances often come with a manufacturer’s warranty—but only if properly maintained. First-time homeowners sometimes void this warranty by:
- Skipping filter changes
- Using off-brand parts
- Ignoring signs of trouble
And when that coverage ends (usually after one year), you’re on your own—unless you have a home warranty to fall back on.
Home warranty companies encourage preventive care and will often help cover appliances after the manufacturer’s warranty expires, keeping you protected longer.
7. Not All Warranties Are the Same—Choose Wisely
Some first-time buyers assume all home warranty companies offer the same thing. In reality, coverage varies widely by provider and state.
You want a company that:
- Covers appliances and systems you use every day
- Has a strong network of local technicians in your area
- Offers clear terms and affordable service fees
- Is responsive and easy to deal with when you need help
In both Maryland and Massachusetts, ServicePlus is known for flexible coverage, fast claims processing, and competitive pricing. First-time buyers love that they don’t need to navigate breakdowns alone.
Final Thoughts: Be Ready Before Something Breaks
No one expects their dishwasher to leak or their water heater to stop working two weeks after move-in—but for many new homeowners, that’s reality. Instead of being caught off guard, be proactive. A home warranty provides an easy, affordable way to protect your investment, reduce stress, and keep your appliances running like new. If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Massachusetts or Maryland, don’t wait until the first breakdown. Connect with one of the top-rated home warranty companies in your state—like ServicePlus—and start your new chapter with confidence.
