It Just Snowed But I'm Thinking of a Pool

I will not hide the fact that I have always wanted an in-ground pool.  I love everything about the idea of putting one in, except, of course, the cost.  I can picture myself having coffee poolside in the morning sun, a swim after my yard work, grandchildren splashing in the water someday, sipping a cocktail on the decking as the sun goes down with the pool light reflecting off the house.  (I suddenly realize I’m Clark Griswald from the National Lampoon Christmas Vacation movie dreaming of how I’ll spend my yearend bonus.)

I know it’s a lot of work to maintain a pool.  I also know that my home insurance will go up, as will my water, electric and gas bill.  I know that in New England we only get to use a pool for three months a year, hence the gas bill for the pool heater.

So even with the negatives, I can still visualize the lifestyle changes a pool would bring to my home life – a little Palm Springs right here in New Hampshire.

I was googling (hmm, spell check doesn’t like that word) pros and cons of pool ownership.  I found an interesting thread on how a pool affects your home value.  I know appraisers often add under $10K to the value of a home for a well-maintained pool in New England.  This is far short of the $50K+ it takes to install your backyard oasis.  Obviously, it’s an investment that you don’t expect to get a lot of return from when you sell your home.  You do it strictly for the enjoyment.

I was shocked to read a comment on the thread from one RE agent adamant that a pool will negatively affect a home’s value.  The agent brought up all the negatives, including taxes, liability, expense and maintenance costs.  They went on to say that many people who buy a house with a pool incur the huge expense of filling it in.  Due to that, some homebuyers will spend more on a home without a pool.  Huh?  Is this agent selling homes in Alaska?  I bet this agent saw one poorly maintained home with a pool and it has stuck with them.  What a buzz kill.

I know a pool isn’t for everyone but I don’t think anyone will ask for a price reduction due to a pool – unless it’s in horrible condition.  If a pool doesn’t appeal to a homebuyer, I would expect that they would skip over your listing at best.  So maybe it could reduce the pool (pun intended) of potential homebuyers but overall I can’t see listing a home for less with a pool than the same house without a pool.

I’m with you Clark!  Don’t give up on the dream.  

Sandy LeRette – Realtor® ABR – Better Homes & Garden Real Estate / The Masiello Group – 436 Amherst Street, Nashua, NH  03063  cell: (603) 661-7301 email: slerette@masiello.com

Bob LeRette – Div. Sales Manager/ Real Estate – Boston.com & The Boston Globe,  617-929-2104 email:  robert.lerette@boston.com   & Realtor® - Better Homes & Garden Real Estate / The Masiello Group – 436 Amherst Street, Nashua, NH  03063