Sales Up for Home Warranty Contracts

A total of 261,902 home warranty contracts were sold for existing homes in California last year, an increase of nearly 50,000, or 23%, over 1995, according to the Home Warranty Assn. of California.

Home warranties, which cost an average of $350 in Southern California, typically cover a home’s plumbing, heating and electrical systems, most built-in appliances and water heaters for one year after the close of escrow.