Will Having a Swimming Pool Help You Sell Your Home? Farrell on Real Estate

After living through our recent heat wave here in Fairfield County, one might seriously contemplate installing a backyard pool (or perusing one of the 60 homes on the market in Darien with a pool).

There is no denying the appeal of stepping out your back door for a cool refreshing plunge on a 90-degree day without the need of packing the car with towels, sunscreens and umbrellas.

And a beautiful pool can certainly add a “wow” factor to a home. But aside from the subjective good and bad of pool ownership (which can include newfound popularity and extra maintenance), what does it mean for your real estate value?

There is no easy answer to that question and a pool may or may not add value to your property. The real answer lies largely with the needs of the buyers looking at it.

If a buyer is not really interested in a pool, it will not add to his or her perceived value. Some buyers are afraid of the safety risks and others may see a pool as a maintenance cost.

On the other hand, a pool can be on the list of someone’s “must-haves.” Not having a pool can be a negative factor and not having one will negatively affect the home’s value because a buyer may expect a pool as a basic feature.

Pools are generally of particular value if:

1. You live in a higher-end neighborhood where most of your neighbors have pools.

2. The pool doesn’t take up your entire yard, leaving room for a swing set and/or a garden.

3. The style of the pool fits with your home and neighborhood, and it’s well maintained.

4. You can attract a buyer who wants a pool in their new home.

You may or may not recoup your investment in installing a pool, but a pool can add to your family’s enjoyment of your home, which does not have a price tag.

The family fun and memories made poolside are indeed priceless for many homeowners. Depending on your prerogative, and the weather, it may be time for you to take the plunge …

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Diane Farrell is a realtor with Houlihan Lawrence in Darien. A 20-year town resident,  she is a board member of the Tree Conservancy of Darien. Her marketing and public relations business, Farrell Marketing and Media is based in Darien. You can reach her at dfarrell@houlihanlawrence.com or (203) 984-0644.

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See also:

Farrell on Real Estate:

• When the Price is Right in Selling Your Home — and When It Isn’t: Farrell on Real Estate (May 24)
• A Look at the Darien Rental Market: For Those Not Looking to Buy, Limited Choices: Farrell on Real Estate (May 9)
• Parks Make Darien a Nicer Place To Live and Can Help Property Values (April 26)

Darien home sales:

• Intervale Road Home Sells for $1.6 Million and Other Darien Home Sales (June 28)
• Gardiner St Home Goes for $1,249,000 and Other Darien Home Sales (June 21)
• Devon Road House Sells for $1,173,600 and Other Darien Home Sales (June 15)

Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Reports:

• Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: June 21 to 28 (June 29)
• Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: June 14 to 21 (June 21)
• Darien & Rowayton Real Estate Report: June 7 to 14 (June 14)