The Unexpected Homebuying Twist: A Swimming Pool
As real estate agents in Birmingham, we see it happen all the time — a family begins the search for their dream home only to find out it comes with a swimming pool. A pool is a major responsibility and can be quite costly. What do you do? Do you take on the extra work to live in your dream home, or do you continue the search? Let’s evaluate the situation.
(Are you looking for a home to flip? Here’s the scoop!)
The Hardships of Owning a Pool
Owning a pool comes with three big unavoidable costs: cleaning, power, and safety.
Cleaning: If you want to swim in your pool, or even enjoy looking at it, cleaning is a must. Without weekly cleanings, a pool quickly becomes a green, slimy bed for bacteria and bugs. Hiring help to clean a pool costs around $90 per week and guarantees a safe place to swim. You can reduce costs by cleaning the pool yourself, but it takes a great deal of knowledge and time.
Power: You may not realize this, but pools run on power, and that bill can get expensive. Pool heaters and filters run on electric, gas, or solar power. Ask around to find the option that best fits your budget.
Safety: Various precautions must be taken to remain up to the safety codes within a neighborhood. Pool owners are liable for the safety of whoever uses the pool (which is a risk in and of itself), and safety measures must be taken. These precautions could include a certain height fence, an alarm system, a pool cover, and more. Additionally, homeowners insurance will generally cover the pool with a small fee on your premium.
These, along with any repairs that may arise, are your basic costs included in owning a pool. Take a good look at your budget before you make an offer on a home with a pool.
The MANY Advantages of Owning a Pool
Life is all a balancing act. For every bad, there is some good. If you are someone who enjoys the outdoors, a pool comes with a whole lotta good.
Imagine having a real place to escape, right in your backyard. A pool gives a backyard living appeal. You can use it as a spot for relaxation, fun, socializing, or even working out. It provides an endless amount of function.
Another perk is the home value. Any real estate agent in Birmingham will tell you pools are a hit in the sunny South. While pools can decrease the value of a home in areas with short summers, in Birmingham, it only helps. Finding something fun to do during the long, humid summers can be hard — sometimes it’s simply too hot for any kind of physical activity at all. Pools are the best answer to enjoying a full and happy summer. In fact, pools are so popular that when well-maintained, they can add up to a 7% value on your home!
Hire a Real Estate Agent in Birmingham
Are you about to begin the search for your new home? Hire a professional to help you on your journey. Real estate agents have in-depth knowledge of their surrounding markets and can help you find the home of your dreams (with or without the pool)!
