As the dog days of summer are upon us, I have had several clients ask if swimming pools add value to a home on resale. The answer is a resounding.............. maybe. For this purpose, let's consider in ground pools only and leave above ground pools for another day.
The first consideration is "what is the norm for the area?" If you are in an area like Las Vegas, a pool may be a necessity and not having one could cost you value and cause delays in selling (extra mortgage payments-uggh). For the rest of the country with milder climates the answer is a bit cloudier. According to The Wall Street Journal's Real Estate Journal " They (pools) do tend to add value to a home -- about 7.7%, according to National Association of Realtors statistics. Regionally, in-ground pools will add about 5% to the value of a home in the Northeast part of the country, about 6% in the Midwest and 7.5% in the Southeast and West. In the Southwest, a swimming pool will add nearly 11% to the home's value."
With pool construction cost approaching $25,000 or more, don't expect to recoup the entire expense of a pool on resale. After all most pools are added for the social and family enjoyment they bring and less for value. One recent client told me having the pool for the last 3 years had kept him in the best shape of his life and saved him a fitness club membership. He had received more enjoyment from his pool than any up fit he had made. To him the enjoyment and family time was worth far more than the money it had cost him to install the new pool.
A homes value also comes in to play when considering buying a new pool. Homes in neighborhoods that resale from the mid to low hundred thousand range are not likely to gain any value from the addition because of the added expense associated with pool maintenance and supplies. You just might be the most popular house on the block however on those hot summer days while the kids are out of school.
Finally, consult with pool contractors in your area. Find out what style and quality of pool similar neighborhoods are installing. Deviating too far below might have a negative effect on the value of your home if buyers looking for pools perceive your pool to be less than what they can get else where in the price range.
So, should you make the plunge and buy that new pool, do so with the knowledge that the hot summer days will be a lot more bearable and your home will rarely be with out friends. That may be the greatest value to your home after all!
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