I heard from my friend, Ben, yesterday. 📱
Ben lives outside of Utah and had a real estate question. 🏡
By the way, thank you to everyone from around the country that trust’s me with your real estate questions! I get questions from all corners of the country and have connections with great Realtors from South Carolina to California. I can get you connected with someone good.
Do you have a real estate question? Email me at michael@mansellrealtors.com
On to Ben’s question ❓
His family is considering a purchase of a property that has a pool.
Does the pool add any value to the home? Will it be a problem years later when we go to sell it?
This question (not this exact question) is one of the more asked questions I receive as a Realtor.
“If I do X does this increase the value of my home?”
In most cases, you’re adding a feature to your home that is nice, but doesn’t add value.
Here’s the thing though!
Do you want it and/or like it? 💁♂️
Way too often we are strictly concerned about what is bringing added value to our homes instead of enjoying and living in your home. Your primary residence is your home/sanctuary first.
Yes, it gains value but it is not just an investment. It’s where you live!
The truth is square feet and location are the primary drivers of value.
Do you have a lot of square footage and your home is located in a great location?
That’s not to say that updates to kitchens, baths, etc. won’t increase value. Of course having those updates will increase the value. But, most of the things we do to our home is not updating major rooms such as kitchen and baths.
Back to the pool 🏊♀️
I told Ben, if you like a pool then buy a house with a pool.
A Buyer may stay away from a house with a pool because they don’t want the work to maintain a pool, or other reasons. Another Buyer may be looking for a pool.
So, if you want it and know you’ll use it then why not purchase a home with a pool?
We put in dark floors a few years ago when everyone else is putting in lighter floors. We wanted the dark floors, and we love them! A Realtor friend consulted me on a recent deck upgrade. She liked this other material better, but it was more expensive. She has no plans on leaving her home in the next 10 – 20 years. She loves sitting on her deck. I asked her when she is sitting on her deck is she going to wish she went with the other material that she likes better?
The point is, you spend so much time in your home (typically), so make it what you want. Stop worrying about if a feature will add value to your house.
If you like it, or want it, then do it!
