Old Republic Blog

Old Republic Home Warranty Earns a Buyer's Choice Award for Exceptional Claims Handling

Old Republic Home Protection — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 23:19:29 GMT

Old Republic Home Warranty received a 2026 Buyer's Choice Award from ConsumerAffairs — a nod to its outstanding performance in claims handling.

The Buyer's Choice Awards recognize brands that consistently exceed customer expectations, based on analysis of verified reviews collected on ConsumerAffairs. Using proprietary technology, ConsumerAffairs uncovers which brands create the strongest emotional connections with their customers, and Old Republic Home Warranty came out on top.

So, what sets Old Republic Home Warranty apart? High customer praise earned the company a Best Claims Handling award.

Here's what real customers had to say:

Nicole from Georgia: "I’ve had Old Republic since 2022. It’s easy submitting claims with them either by calling or doing it online. The response time is good. They always come back and take care of the issue if they weren’t able to take care of it the first time."
Eric from Washington: "Within 10 days, we had a new fridge that cost more than 4 times what we paid for the home warranty. Old Republic, you kept your word and did a good thing in honoring the contract and taking care of us. Thank you.”
Arman from Texas: “Old Republic is very good about handling claims. You don't feel like you're having to fight to get the warranty company to do their job.”

What do these reviews have in common? A consistent theme of smooth, dependable claims handling — exactly the kind of experience that defines a Buyer's Choice Award winner.

"At a time when many consumers feel uncertain about making big financial decisions, reviews play an even bigger role in building confidence," said Zac Carman, CEO of ConsumerAffairs. "The Buyer's Choice Awards recognize the companies that consistently earn that trust through positive, transparent customer experiences."

Whether it's the first interaction or ongoing support, Old Republic Home Warranty delivers service that helps customers feel confident!

Any references to non-Old Republic Home Protection (ORHP) websites are provided solely for convenience, and ORHP disclaims any responsibility with respect thereto. Reference to any specific brand, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by ORHP. ORHP does not receive compensation for providing third-party links. In Texas, ORHP is licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711, 800.803.9202, www.tdlr.texas.gov.Home warranties offered under the Old Republic Home Warranty brand are service contracts issued by Old Republic Home Protection Company, Inc.

Record-breaking Temperatures Predicted

Old Republic Home Protection — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:54:11 GMT

What the 2026 Summer Forecast Means for Your Air Conditioning

Recent weather forecasts suggest El Niño weather patterns may be coming in hot this summer! Above-normal temperatures are expected across most of the U.S. as a massive weather shift paves the way for El Niño, a phenomenon that typically occurs every 3-4 years in which strong Pacific winds escort sweltering heat across much of the country.

Is your air conditioning unit ready for its busiest season?

Can you comfortably afford to repair or replace an air conditioning system in the heat of summer? Air conditioning systems will likely be working overtime during these summer heat waves, which could increase the risk of compressor failure and place extra wear on capacitors and motors.

An Old Republic Home Warranty May Help

The right home warranty can save you hundreds—even thousands—of dollars in covered repair or replacement costs during the dog days of summer. With Old Republic, you can keep your cool during a heat wave, knowing your home’s air conditioning system is covered.*

Pre-season HVAC Tune-up Option

In addition to selecting a plan with air conditioning coverage, you can add the Pre-season HVAC Tune-up Option to your base plan at the time of purchase. This extra layer of protection covers one free air conditioning tune-up between February and April and one free heating system tune-up between September and November, helping you keep those essential systems in top shape all year long!

Swimming Pool/Spa Coverage Matters this Summer

Enjoy the pool without sweating surprise repair costs. During extreme summer heat, families may be spending more time cooling off in the pool. Add the Swimming Pool/Spa Equipment Option at the time of purchase, which includes the saltwater circuit board and cell coverage.

With record-breaking temperatures predicted, don’t wait to purchase a home warranty until it’s too late—there is a 30-day waiting period after purchase before coverage goes into effect.** Shop affordable Old Republic plans now and relax knowing your home’s covered systems and appliances are protected.

*This home protection plan is not insurance. It is a service contract regulated under applicable state law. Terms and conditions apply. Not available in all states. See a sample home warranty plan for coverage details, including service fees, limitations, and exclusions. Charges for non-covered items may apply.

**The 30-day waiting period does not apply to homes involved in a real estate transaction.

Is a Home Warranty Worth the Cost?

Old Republic Home Protection — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:01:22 GMT

Find out what reviews say about Old Republic.

Purchasing, renewing, or replacing a home warranty is one of the most important financial decisions a homeowner can make.

Whether you are buying or selling a home, or have been in your house for many years, one question stands out: Is a home warranty worth the cost, or is it an unnecessary expense?

With so many options to sort through, real customer experiences can help you figure out which home warranty companies and plans deliver. ConsumerAffairs collects verified reviews from homeowners across the country, including more than 2,000 for Old Republic. The insights below highlight why reviewers chose Old Republic as their home warranty provider and what they value most about our service.

5 Reasons Homeowners Say an Old Republic Home Warranty Is Worth It

An analysis of approximately 2,000 recent reviews reveals several key patterns in customer feedback about Old Republic’s plans and services:

1. Real Savings on Expensive Home Repairs

A single HVAC repair can cost $1,500 to $5,000, causing homeowners to lose months or years' worth of savings in a matter of hours. Old Republic may help plan holders save thousands on covered HVAC repairs or replacements, appliance failures, and plumbing issues. Looking at the bigger picture, spending $45 to $90 per month ($540 to $1,080 annually) on an Old Republic home warranty plan may cost significantly less than many potential repair costs, at the same time providing added confidence for plan holders that a sudden large expense won’t blow their budget.

2. Fast and Simple Service Request Process

Plan holders from other home warranty companies frequently report long wait times and a confusing claims process. Nearly 50 Old Republic reviews mention receiving covered services within 3 days, and many also say they were surprised by how smooth the service request process was. Reviewers said the covered service was fast and easy to access, which may be due to Old Republic coordinating directly with independent service providers rather than requiring homeowners to find their own contractors.

3. Coverage for the Systems that Break Down Most Often

According to recent home warranty statistics, 46% of homeowners reported an unexpected home issue in the past year, with HVAC systems being the most commonly impacted. Over 200 customers who left reviews were satisfied with Old Republic’s ability to handle common HVAC repairs. Many others also mentioned that they’ve used the service several times over the past few years.

4. Strong Value for Older Homes and Aging Appliances

Customers with older homes find Old Republic home warranty plans especially beneficial, helping them get their money’s worth for homes that might otherwise be an unpredictable investment. This is especially true for homes with appliances that are over 15 years old. Many reviewers said the coverage felt more valuable over time, especially as their homes and appliances aged.

5. Many Homeowners Switch to Old Republic and Stay

Over 230 reviewers said that they would recommend an Old Republic home warranty plan to a friend, with one noting that they “switched from another very large company after a less than stellar customer experience” and wished they’d known about Old Republic home warranty plans sooner. Reviews also point to frequent referrals from REALTORS^® and family members, suggesting many customers come to Old Republic through recommendations and choose to stick with it.

What to know before choosing a home warranty plan

Before you invest in a home warranty, consider these important factors:

Check state availability: Home warranty companies have different coverage areas. For example, Old Republic offers home warranty plans in 25 states and the District of Columbia, including:

• Alabama	• Louisiana	• Oregon
• Arizona	• Maryland	• South Carolina
• Arkansas	• Mississippi	• Tennessee
• California	• Missouri	• Texas
• Florida	• Nevada	• Utah
• Georgia	• New Mexico	• Virginia
• Idaho	• North Carolina	• Washington
• Kansas	• Ohio
• Kentucky	• Oklahoma

Review plan coverage details: Old Republic offers three distinct home warranty plans to current homeowners at different price points and with unique coverage options—Basic, Deluxe, and Elite. You can also add various optional coverage choices to your selected plan at the time of purchase. If you are buying or selling a home, view real estate plans here.

The Basic plan is the most affordable option. It covers several systems and kitchen appliances but excludes some items, such as washers and dryers, and air conditioning systems. Conversely, the Elite home warranty plans cover extra appliances and air conditioning systems. As a homeowner, you’ll want to weigh monthly expenses against the type, cost, and age of systems throughout your home.
Consider the claims process: Investigate how easy it is to submit a service request and how quickly service is provided. Old Republic customer reviews frequently mention shorter wait times and the convenience of submitting requests online, with many customers reporting that a technician arrived within 3 days.
Check coverage limits for high-value appliances: Check the appliance limits on each specific plan to make sure your needs are covered. For example, the Elite plan covers appliances up to $7,000 each, which may be high enough to cover repair and/or replacement costs for many appliances.

Why Choose Old Republic for Your Home Warranty Needs?

For many ConsumerAffairs reviewers, an Old Republic home warranty is worth the investment. This is especially true for plan holders who own older appliances or live in older homes.

Some reviewers referenced the monthly coverage cost (from $40 to $104, depending on the state-specific plan) alongside the higher cost of unexpected repairs, such as HVAC issues, when describing their experiences. Reviews also positively noted Old Republic’s fast service, smooth service request process, and reliable contractor coordination. Many Old Republic reviewers reported that the plan pays for itself many times over, and that they've come to see it as a nonnegotiable part of homeownership.

Any references to non-Old Republic websites are provided solely for convenience, and Old Republic disclaims any responsibility with respect thereto. Reference to any specific brand, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by Old Republic. Old Republic does not receive compensation for providing third-party links.

AI at Home: Energy Efficiency

Old Republic Home Protection — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:18:44 GMT

AI-powered energy apps can help homeowners reduce waste by turning everyday energy use into clear, actionable insights. By learning behavior patterns, identifying inefficiencies, and automating smart decisions, these apps can make it easier to lower utility bills and reduce strain on home systems:

Sense

The Sense app connects to a home energy monitor and tracks the household electricity usage in real time using intelligent pattern recognition to identify which devices are drawing the most power.

Enjoyelec

This app lets you monitor and manage connected devices. From HVAC and lighting to smart plugs, you can improve efficiency and coordinate usage to reduce excess load across systems and lower energy bills.

Nest Thermostat

This app integrates with the Google Nest app and uses AI to optimize heating and cooling schedules based on your time at home. Over time, it learns your routines, leveraging your habits to reduce energy waste.

Any references to non-Old Republic Home Protection (ORHP) websites are provided solely for convenience and ORHP disclaims any responsibility with respect thereto. Reference to any specific brand, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by ORHP. ORHP does not receive compensation for providing third-party links.

Epic Holiday Barbecue Tips

Old Republic Home Protection — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:14:12 GMT

Long days, warm nights, and summer holidays make this the prime time for backyard barbeques with friends. With the right preparation and relaxed attitude, your summer barbecue will be one that guests continue talking about long after the grill cools down.

Master the Menu

An epic barbecue begins with a smart, crowd-pleasing menu. Balance classic favorites like burgers with standout items like marinated chicken, ribs, or grilled veggies. Prep marinades, chop toppings, and portion sides ahead of time so you’re not scrambling once guests arrive.

Grill Safely and Strategically

Keep the grill clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking and flare-ups. Use a two-zone grilling setup with one hot side and one cooler side so you can sear meats and then let them finish cooking without burning. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure food is cooked safely, especially when serving poultry.

Create a Festive Atmosphere

Great barbecues are about more than food. Create ambiance with fun music, plenty of seating, and easy shade. Keep drinks cold and accessible, and include small touches like themed napkins or string lights to elevate the vibe.

Negotiation Tips to Help You Get the Best Real Estate Deal

Old Republic Home Protection — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:07:54 GMT

In a competitive housing market, strong negotiation skills can make the difference between a good deal and a great one. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind as you strengthen your position and secure the best real estate deal possible.

Do Your Research

Knowledge is power, especially when it’s time to negotiate. Analyze recent sales in the neighborhood to determine a realistic market value. Research the difference between a buyer’s and seller’s market to help dictate how aggressive or flexible your strategy should be.

See It in Person

While modern technology makes virtual tours feel realistic, nothing can help you determine if a home is suitable for your needs quite like being there in person.

Ask for a Home Warranty

Ask the seller to include a home warranty that covers systems and appliances, especially in older homes. Home warranty plans can save time and money down the road on covered repairs and replacements.

How Remote Work Continues to Affect Real Estate Trends

Old Republic Home Protection — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:23:09 GMT

In the pandemic era, remote work shifted from a short-term solution to a long-term societal norm with a palpable impact on residential real estate. In 2026, there are more than three times as many work-from-home jobs as in 2020, despite rising return-to-office (RTO) mandates.

The rise of remote work didn’t just change where people want to work; it changed where people want to live.

The Donut Effect

The post-pandemic remote work surge decentralized urban centers traditionally occupied by office space. Buyer focus began shifting to outlying areas, often within reasonable driving distance to larger cities, for hybrid employees who spend a few days a week on site. This phenomenon has been dubbed “The Donut Effect." One survey indicates that approximately 58% of remote workers migrated to surrounding suburbs, with only 29% moving to smaller cities, and just 4% retreating to rural areas.

The Need for High Speed

More households may have opted for suburban neighborhoods rather than rural areas due to limited internet access. Most remote work requires a high-speed internet connection—a necessary feature still lacking in many outlying areas farther from more populated towns.

Affordability Crisis

As demand for larger homes outside city limits increased, so did real estate prices. Some reports indicate that remote work accounted for up to 60% of real estate price increases in 2020 and during the first three years of the pandemic. The most recent data available indicates a slight decrease in home prices since 2023, but nowhere near pre-pandemic levels.

What This Means for Agents

If there’s one thing successful real estate agents understand well, it’s how to pivot. Here’s how to translate remote work data into real business scale:

Track migration trends. Get ahead of the curve. Use data from U-Haul, Zillow, and Redfin to identify relocation trends in your area.
Highlight work-from-home amenities. Sell the lifestyle, not just the house. Include a “Remote Work Ready” section in every listing description and stage at least one area of the house as an office space, even if it’s in a multi-purpose room.
Advertising high-speed internet. Verify internet providers in the area and include actual speeds in the listing, such as “Zoom-Ready Home with Gigabit Fiber Available!”

Post-pandemic work-from-home trends are quickly becoming a permanent cultural feature. Dive into the details of your local market and use this information to your advantage as you continue scaling a successful real estate business.

The Home Seller’s Summer Checklist

Old Republic Home Protection — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:32:13 GMT

The summer months are peak season for the real estate industry, with longer days and motivated buyers. However, increased buyer activity also means increased competition. Sellers who proactively prepare their homes can help their listings stand out in a crowded market.

Check out these tips to help ensure your home shines from the first showing to the final offer.

Enhance the Curb Appeal

First impressions matter! Freshen up the landscaping, power-wash the driveway, hang new house numbers, and apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door. Replace worn-out welcome mats and add seasonal flowers to give the place a fresh feel.

Clean and Brighten

A bright, clean home feels larger and more welcoming to potential buyers. Deep clean every room, including windows, baseboards, and ceiling fans. Open curtains and blinds to let natural light flow and add fresh touches like crisp white towels, neutral bedding, or a bowl of seasonal fruit for a move-in-ready ambiance that appeals to buyers.

Maintain and Repair

Minor maintenance issues can be a red flag for buyers. Walk through the home and address small repairs such as dripping faucets, squeaky doors, or cracked caulking. Ask your agent about a home warranty with seller’s coverage to protect yourself against surprise repair and replacement costs while the home is on the market. Home warranty coverage that transfers to the buyers after the close of sale can also make your listing stand out in a competitive market.

Stay Safe

Open houses and showings mean unfamiliar visitors may be walking through your home. Keep pets safely secure or temporarily relocated during showings, and store valuables, medications, and important documents out of sight. Taking simple precautions can help ensure a safe showing experience for everyone involved.

By taking the right steps, you can present a clean, welcoming, and well-maintained home that captures buyers’ attention during the busy summer real estate market.

This home protection plan is not insurance. It is a service contract regulated under applicable state law. Terms and conditions apply. See your current state plan for pricing, coverage, and exclusion details. Charges for non-covered items may apply. In Texas, Old Republic Home Protection is licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711, 800.803.9202, www.tdlr.texas.gov.

Reducing Digital Clutter and Screen Fatigue

Old Republic Home Protection — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:54:26 GMT

In today’s connected world, screens are an unavoidable part of daily life. From work emails and video meetings to social media and streaming, constant digital exposure can lead to eye strain, headaches, and mental fatigue. Reducing digital clutter and managing screen habits can help restore focus, comfort, and overall well-being.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

One of the simplest ways to reduce eye strain is the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away. This practice gives your eye muscles a chance to relax and reduces fatigue from prolonged close-up work.

Adjust Screen Brightness

Many people unknowingly use screens that are too bright or poorly matched to their environment. Excessive brightness can strain the eyes, while screens that are too dim can cause squinting. Adjust your screen brightness to match the room's lighting and enable features like “night mode” or “dark mode” when available.

Consider Blue Light Glasses

Blue light emitted by screens may contribute to eye fatigue and disrupt sleep patterns, especially when used late in the evening. Blue light glasses are designed to filter out a portion of this light, potentially reducing discomfort and improving nighttime relaxation.

Common Home Inspection Issues: Help Avoid Problems Before Listing

Old Republic Home Protection — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:50:06 GMT

A home inspection can play a major role in how smoothly a sale moves forward. For sellers, unexpected inspection findings can lead to delays, renegotiations, or even lost buyers. Understanding the most common problem areas—and addressing them before listing—can help protect your timeline and your bottom line.

Major Systems

Inspectors pay close attention to a home’s major systems, including heating and air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, and roofing. Aging or poorly maintained systems often raise red flags. Leaking pipes, outdated electrical panels, malfunctioning furnaces, or roofs nearing the end of their lifespan can concern buyers.

Structure

Structural issues are among the most serious findings in a home inspection. Cracks in the foundation, uneven floors, sticking doors or windows, and signs of water damage can signal underlying problems. Sellers should inspect basements, crawl spaces, and attics for moisture, sagging, or visible damage, and make repairs where possible.

Safety

Safety-related issues are common inspection findings and often easy to fix. Loose handrails, exposed wiring, and trip hazards are frequent callouts.

Taking time to correct known issues before listing can help avoid last-minute fixes and keep the home sale negotiations running smoothly.