Swimming Pools a Hot Feature for Homes to Have

Summer temperatures are making backyard swimming pools a hot topic among those buying and selling homes in our area. While a pool may be a cool idea in many ways, it requires some extra attention on both sides of the sales equation.

There are three kinds of homebuyers: (1) Those who absolutely don't want a swimming pool in their backyard, (2) those who definitely do want a pool and (3) those who haven't thought about it but are willing to when they see the right home. For buyers in the second two categories, here are some things to think about when considering the purchase of a home with a swimming pool:

• Whether or not you'll have to pay more for that home with a pool depends on the neighborhood where you're looking. A 2003 study in the Philadelphia area said pools added 8 percent to the price of a home, but a lot has happened in the housing market since then. Your Realtor will be able to counsel you about the impact of the pool on the home's value.
• Check out the condition of the swimming pool and its surface or liner and the age of the filter and other maintenance equipment.
• Review the impact of the pool on the homeowner's water and electricity costs. Again, your Realtor can help you compare bills for the home with a pool to homes in the neighborhood without a pool.
• Check with your insurance broker about the cost of insurance.
• Does the home comply with local safety and other codes?
• Bring in a reputable pool maintenance expert to look over the pool and equipment, and listen to what he or she has to say.
• Think about the investment in time as well as money: Are you ready to commit to the responsibilities of pool ownership, including maintenance and watching your kids...and possibly the neighbors' kids?

For many people, a pool means a great place to throw a party and a private place to cool off and relax. For those folks, a home with a pool in the backyard can be a great buy.

But how do you attract that person to your home if you're selling a home with a pool? Again, your Realtor's expertise in target marketing will help you find that person. Here are some things for sellers to think about:

• Reread everything buyers think about and get ready for the questions those tips create.
• Dismiss the idea that your home will bring many extra dollars (or lose many extra dollars) because of your beautiful pool.
• As it is with the rest of your home, staging is all-important. Make your pool area looks like an idylic summer retreat that nobody can resist.
• Work with your pool maintenance team and your Realtor to be sure your pool is ready for the scrutiny a new buyer will give it. If it needs resurfacing or your filter needs replacing, either take care of it or be prepared to adjust your pricing accordingly.
• Have documents ready to show how well your pool is maintained and how little it costs to maintain it compared to how much you enjoy it.
• Make sure it's sparkling clean. That means no discolored bottoms, no leaves floating in the pool.

Two final thoughts: First, if you're thinking about putting your home on the market this fall or winter, take some photos of the pool with and without people. Second, think about your response if someone is interested in  your home only if you get rid of the swimming pool.

A swimming pool can make a home unique, but before jumping into a sale, make sure you work with a Realtor and other professionals to make sure you don't find yourself in over your head.