Are Swimming Pools really a deterent when selling a house? (credit, neighborhood)

[RJ17015]

I've read many of the posts from those realtors out there, and am surprised that a swimming pool would be a negative when selling a house. But our neighbor said the same thing, he tried to sell a few years ago, and the pool was a negative. BUT in my mind, he has a ranch (which usually attract retired individuals - because no stairs) and they have a lined pool - not gunite.

When we sold our house in CA - the pool was an asset, the only time we've had a pool. Up north couldn't justify a pool because could only be used a few months of the year.

We were seriously entertaining a gunite pool here, with all the latest cleaning devices, which usually make them pretty maintenance free (we did this in CA), since we don't have a community pool, and we all enjoy sitting pool side during the warm months.

But after my husband heard it may be a deterent in selling, and after all we just went through to sell our house in MI - he's now saying "maybe not."

We've got a good size house (over 4000+ sq. foot) on a huge lot, but no community pool - so I would figure IF we ever sell it would be more of a family home - since there are 5 bedrooms and 4 baths, 3 car garage, so I would imagine our house would attract families instead of retired couples, which would want a pool.

Sorry to ramble - any thoughts?

[moneill]

Traditionally that is what agents have said. A pool is not an asset and may be a deterent.It definitely will not add value to your home. So the money spent is money you feel is worth spending to have a pool in your backyard.

[beachme]

Swimming pools do not add value to your home. But I wouldn't say it is bad either. There are people out there that want their own pool and there aren't many homes in this area with them so it is nice if someone is looking for a pool.

[scjj]

We have a pool and when we had our house appraised it clearly showed on the appraisal the other comps got a +$40,000 credit for NOT having a pool. They add no value. So whatever you spend, consider it money that you will not get a return on like a kitchen or a bath remodel. Between that and just generally being a yearly expense and a huge increase in our electric bill every summer, I would never have another one. After 6 years the thrill of having one has worn off and my kids rarely even use it. My daughter would rather go to the beach with friends.

[SCDweller]

As a realtor, I just wanted to agree with the above posts. The money you spend will not be gained out of it when you go to sell. It is purely for your enjoyment!

[pcamps]

+$40.000 credit for not having a pool ?????????????????. I cannot believe that for one minute.
We bought our home because it did have a pool , we also know it does not add to the value of the home having one.
Like us i think there are lot of families who are relocating who would love to have a pool in the back yard.

[scjj]

Yep, I didn't want to believe it either, but it's there. I just relooked at the appraisal. It lists our house and another with "inground" under the pool category and two other homes without pools have "none" +$40,000 in the credit category. In the notes it says adjustments were made to the homes that lack a pool.

[pcamps]

Originally Posted by scjj

Yep, I didn't want to believe it either, but it's there. I just relooked at the appraisal. It lists our house and another with "inground" under the pool category and two other homes without pools have "none" +$40,000 in the credit category. In the notes it says adjustments were made to the homes that lack a pool.

Strange we have just had our appraised, and the pool we have in the back yard as not had any effect on the value of our home against the competion in the same neighborhood.

[hotkarl]

Pools usually do not decrease the actual value of a home, they absolutely affect it's sellability though. Some people want a pool, some don't. I very rarely see middle ground, like someone not caring either way if there is a pool or not.
And like was stated in the previous posts, you will not get a return on the investment.

[RJ17015]

Originally Posted by scjj

Yep, I didn't want to believe it either, but it's there. I just relooked at the appraisal. It lists our house and another with "inground" under the pool category and two other homes without pools have "none" +$40,000 in the credit category. In the notes it says adjustments were made to the homes that lack a pool.

Are you sure you're reading the appraisal correctly? We recently had an appraisal and I was reading it incorrectly, I thought we were less in value because we had a larger house -- finally my DH explained to me that it was showing we were worth MORE because of the square footage - but they were showing +$20K - for a smaller house - they were saying our house was worth $20K ADDITIONAL because we had a larger house. It sounds like you're doing the same thing -- but I could be wrong. But they showed the + under the smaller house listing -- saying our house is worth that much more than the other house -- confusing!