What You Need to Know About Selling a Home With a Pool
When we were teenagers, we all envied the kid with the giant swimming pool in the back yard. We never even considered the idea that there could possibly be any downside to having that piece of paradise on the other side of your back door. As adults, we tend to see things from a different angle, though. We see pools for what they are: a luxury, of course, but one that comes at a price. So, if you’re thinking of having a pool installed in that future backyard oasis, be sure to consider all of the pros and cons, especially the effect it will have on your home’s resale value.
A pool is not always a plus in the eyes of a buyer.
You could own the perfect 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home on the best street in the most sought-after suburb of Chicago, but if the pool in the backyard spooks the family that is touring your home, they’re going to move on the listing down the road. It’s a fact that the parents of today are much more cautious than previous generations, and that pool just might be more than their babyproofing nerves can handle.
A damaged pool means a damaged property.
Parents or not, today’s buyers are more cautious, in general. That includes worrying that they might find latent defects after closing. The slightest sign of an issue with the pool will set off alarm bells for most buyers, because even the smallest leak can lead to foundation problems (and worse).
Pool maintenance can be overwhelming for many homebuyers.
If they’ve owned a pool before, your buyers already know how much work is involved. This can go in either the “pros” or “cons” column, depending on their past experiences. The ones that are most deterred by pool ownership, however, are the ones that have heard stories but actually have no idea what it takes to keep a pool in great shape.
With all of that said, though, the fact remains that pools are a beloved part of the American dream. That summertime experience just can’t be beat, and for some, it’s well worth the work and risk. If you’re hoping to sell a home with a pool, be creative in your approach to making the property more attractive to buyers. For example:
- Opt for an inspection prior to listing, and have the report out and available anytime a Realtor™ is showing the property.
- Make sure the pool meets all safety guidelines, including a perimeter fence with a self-latching gate. If you don’t already have one, it’s worth the investment if you want your home to sell quickly.
- Offer to throw in a one-year prepaid pool maintenance contract to any full-price buyer.
Of course, these are just a few of several tactics that will give your home the competitive edge. At Eric Booth Realty, we know what it takes to sell high end properties fast and for the best possible price. If you’re faced with the challenge of marketing a home with a pool, give us a call. We’re happy to help!
