Do Homes with pools sell for More $? (Houston: real estate, how much)

[LindaIL]

Wondering if homes with in-ground pools generally sell for more $ or about the same as a comparable home without a pool (in the same neighborhood)? If so, typically how much of a price difference is there? It seems pools are pretty costly to put in if your house doesn't already have one.

[Schumacher713]

They usually sell for less money. I know it sounds crazy that after you spend 40K putting in a pool to a 300K house that is lowers the value of the house, but it does. You never get your money back from putting a pool in the house. I will put one in my next house though. I just want one.

[PedroMartinez]

Does Adding a Pool Add Value to My Home?

"A pool adds very little, if any, value to a home."

[hendersj31]

This is from my realtor. Her firm

Homes with pools do sell for more (not always thought) and they typically sell faster. She has been a realtor for 30 years in the Houston area. I asked the same question about a year ago and that is what I was told.
There are many other factors however. Everything is selling fast now and many areas selling over asking price with bidding wars.

[Cbink]

It depends on your neighborhood. In some areas it can detract value. In others it can add value. You will not get your money back though. The figure I've always been quoted is up to 25%, so if you spend $50k on a pool you may attract up to $12.5k premium on the house.

[HoustonBornNRaised]

I've been selling real estate for over ten years, and I have never personally seen a pool detract from a home's value.

For a mid-range home ($150k - $250k), they'll typically add about $10k - $20k in value. In certain markets they'll bring in more, and in certain markets, they'll bring in less. You're not going to sell a $1.5m home with a pool, and only get $10k - $20k back on it. There are way too many variables involved.

I sold my last house 2 1/2 years ago. We installed a $40k pool, with a pergola. We got $10k back on it.

Pools are not an investment, by any means. I would never have put in my pool, expecting to sell two years later. We sold the house for more, but our gain, was your typical seven year market gain, and only a little bit of pool.

To answer your question - keep in mind that there will be buyers who will absolutely not want a pool (like me), and they can limit the buyer pool, whereas anyone wanting a pool, will look at a house with one already installed, or one with a yard large enough to install one, is that's the route they're willing to take.

[vwgto]

An old/outdated pool can hurt, that is for sure.

[testmo]

if you are wanting to put in a pool, go all the way for flagstone/tile decking all the way around, patio, space for outdoor kitchen, and landscaping. that is what everyone else is doing so anything much less will pale in comparison to buyers

[Cbink]

Originally Posted by testmo

if you are wanting to put in a pool, go all the way for flagstone/tile decking all the way around, patio, space for outdoor kitchen, and landscaping. that is what everyone else is doing so anything much less will pale in comparison to buyers

I agree, the problem is they are getting real expensive. Most pool builders round this way at least wont get out of bed for less than $50k and that doesn't cover the extras you're talking about.

[LindaIL]

Thanks for all of your responses! So, looks like it's best to buy a home with an existing pool if you want a pool.