How to Get Most Value out of Your Pool When Selling Your Home

Mar 12, 2020

There are factors to consider or rather, look at when selling your home. These factors include: if your house is ready from day one, what things or items need renovating, what items need to be added to increase your home’s value, finding the right real estate agent, and choosing the right time to sell, among many others.

The most important point is the items that will increase your home’s value when added or renovated. This could be renovating your kitchen, bathroom or installing a pool. You would agree that there’s nothing like having a cool and clear swimming pool to dive into on a really hot day.

A well-marketed in-ground pool can increase your home’s value by as much as 7%. If you’re a homeowner and you are thinking of how to get the most value from your pool or yet-to-be installed pool when selling your house, below are some ways to go about it:

Know the different pool types (for those who are about to install a pool)

There are two main types; in-ground and above-ground. An in-ground pool is expensive and timely to install but it’s the most permanent way to add value to your home; especially when it complements the design of your home. An above-ground pool is quicker to install than the in-ground pool and most of these pools can be DIY installed; but this type of pool won’t provide the value you need when it’s time to sell because it isn’t permanent.

Have the right location

Location, apparently, is a real estate’s yardstick; so it has a major role in assuring buyer’s interest in a home with a pool. Therefore places with warmer climates would make the perfect locations for pools. According to Dave Ramsey, “pools can help a sale when you live in a higher-end neighborhood where your neighbors have pools and when you live in places like Florida, Arizona or Hawaii.” Being near a beach also helps to get some home value; i.e. many buyers who are attracted to the beachside lifestyle are likely to pay more for a house with a pool. If you live in an area with buyers who are most likely to want a pool, like families with younger children, a swimming pool is an added rationale that could boost your home’s appeal and value.

Identify your buyers

When advertising your home for sale, it is essential to identify your target buyers. This requires getting a reliable real estate agent who would realize that the people who would be interested in getting a house with a pool are high-end buyers, middle-aged buyers with teenagers and couples or families that are health fanatics. High-end (luxurious) buyers would be more likely to buy a house with a pool than mid-range buyers, Middle-aged buyers with teenagers will definitely enjoy having a pool because of their restless kids and Health fanatics see a pool and see a means of exercise and relaxation.

Consider the neighborhood you live in

Even if you have the finances to install a pool, you have to put your surroundings into consideration. If you live in an upscale neighborhood where swimming pools are common and in great demand, then it is a great decision. Besides if you live in an environment where pools are common, not having one would be unappealing to possible buyers. Also, in-ground swimming pools are certainly a nicer choice in neighborhoods that attract families, so installing a pool to your family home would make it attractive to another family with kids when yours have left home and you are geared up to economize.

Maintenance

A poorly maintained pool (i.e. broken pool tiles, poor water filtering system etc) will definitely decrease your home value. Therefore, before putting it up for sale, make sure there is a good maintenance routine, all necessary repairs are made and the necessary equipment like pool covers, pool vacuum cleaners etc, are available; learn more at ThePoolInsider.com. It is actually ideal to choose fiberglass when remodeling because it is durable and its low maintenance.

Refurbish your pool

This factor has an aesthetic effect on your home value. Make it look nice; change the color of the tiles, add pool accessories like diving boards, slides etc, install Jacuzzi by the pool and fix up the yard surrounding the pool.

Yard size

When installing and/or renovating your pool, put into consideration the size of your yard or property. Choose a pool size that is in equilibrium with your yard. A large pool in a small yard would be a terrible choice because some buyers would probably want to have some space in the yard to put up decorations and all.

Pool safety

Pools are a lot of fun but parents with kids are concerned about safety. It would be ideal if you put a fence around the pool, a pool cover or a pool alarm. Your home value will increase if you have all of these objects to provide safety.

Maintenance

Know the right time to sell

The best time to sell is when the weather heats up, when you know there are potential buyers, and when home renovations are complete; at this point, your pool should have gone through the necessary repairs it needs to and it is rendered fully functional.

Know the benefits of having a pool and project them to your buyer

Having a pool saves you from spending money on beach vacations and private club memberships. You could decide to channel those funds into pool maintenance or a staycation. Not only does having a pool at home helps to cool off during summer, it offers great entertainment; i.e., cocktail parties, family barbeques etc. It is also the best form of exercise, a stress and anxiety reliever, a way to teach your kids how to swim and is also great for you and your family’s psychological health. It keeps your family happy and healthy, helps you to get vitamin D; keeps you out all day in the sun, adds a visual appeal to your yard, and relaxes your body through aquatic therapy