Before committing to a home warranty, savvy homeowners should know exactly what they're paying for — and what they're not. According to a recent article on the Redfin Blog, there are eight essential questions every buyer should ask before purchasing a home warranty, including what systems and appliances are actually covered, whether hidden exclusions or annual caps could leave you holding the bill, how the claims process works, and whether you get to choose your own contractor. Redfin also advises asking about how older equipment is handled, what the cancellation and renewal terms look like, whether roof or water intrusion coverage is included, and — perhaps most importantly — what the company's real-world reputation looks like when it comes time to actually file a claim. Reading the fine print and asking the right questions upfront can save homeowners from costly surprises down the road.