For many people, Southwest Florida living involves a lot of time outdoors. While that may entail a round of golf or a trip to the beach on occasion, most families and even retirees spend most of their time at home. That makes a pool a popular feature for homes in Cape Coral, Sanibel, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples. But, is it right for you? This is something to sit down and think about as you prepare for what features you would like your next home to have. While having a pool is certainly popular, it is not without costs and drawbacks. Let’s look now at a few things to consider:
#1 Homes with an in-ground pool are more expensive. Right away, understand that homes with a pool have a higher asking price. A pool makes a house about 7% more expensive, according to real estate studies. For a $300,000 home, this calculates to be over $20,000 extra on the purchase price of the home. Does that make a nice house in your desired neighborhood out of your price range? Of course, when you turn around and sell it in the future it means you’ll be getting a higher asking price too.
#2 You’ll need to factor in monthly expenses. The initial cost of the home isn’t the only place a pool will hit your wallet. On an ongoing basis, you will either need to factor in the cost of having a pool company come once a week or do the maintenance yourself. Even if you aren’t opposed to doing it yourself, it isn’t without cost. You’ll need the right tools and chemicals to keep your pool clean so it can be enjoyed.
#3 You will probably spend more time at home. It isn’t all bad news, though. A pool can add value to your quality of life and enhance the enjoyment of your home. You can’t put a price tag on that! Think about how nice it would be to always have something for the kids to do, instead of taking them to the movies and playgrounds constantly. Pools aren’t just enjoyable for kids, of course. You can lay out in the sun, enjoy a cocktail poolside, and even swim some laps.
#4 It will make entertaining easier. Every birthday party can be a pool party! If you factor in the cost of regularly leaving your home to have fun every weekend, it may surpass the cost of maintaining your pool. If you’re a grandparent, your grandchildren will love spending the weekend with you.
#5 You will love your home! Above all else, you should absolutely love the home you are in. You don’t love your house right now, which is why you are looking to move in the first place. Don’t go through all of the hard work of purchasing a new home and moving, only to not love it again. Find a house that is absolutely perfect this time, which may mean it has a pool out back.
There is no right or wrong answer here, so whether a pool is right for you is a personal decision. When looking for your next home here in Southwest Florida, reach out to our dedicated Beattie Realty Team. We would love to discuss whether a pool home is right for you. And remember, if you decide that a pool is not good for you right now, you can always add one in later on with the help of our Remodeling Division. In fact, our team is so good at doing this, we recently won an award for Best Pool Design!