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In some parts of the country, selling a home is easier if it has a pool. In many cases, however, selling a home with a pool, pond or even high-maintenance landscaping will take some extra work. In one study of similarly priced houses in the same community, homes with pools stayed on the Multiple Listing Service an average of 76 days, while homes without pools sold in an average of 53 days.
Make maintenance seem minor
The problem is that some buyers can’t see beyond the maintenance and expense of a pool or pond. Buyers with young children might also have safety concerns. And while landscaping may make a property appealing, it can also make selling a home more difficult if buyers don’t think they can maintain it themselves or afford a lawn care company.
On the other hand, some buyers will be specifically looking for a pool, and others will be on the fence. Your job when selling a home with a pool is to make this feature look as inviting as possible.
One thing you can do while selling a home is make the pool appear as low maintenance as possible. Make sure the pool and any surrounding tile or landscaping is in impeccable condition. Water stains around valves or flaking paint from the bottom will make selling the home more difficult. Adjust the chemicals so the pool is sparkling clear, and keep the water cleaned of leaves and insects while you’re showing the house. Keep hoses neatly coiled and out of sight. Place nice patio furniture around the pool and set a tray of tropical drinks on a table, reminding buyers of how relaxing it can be to kick back around the cool, clear water.
In the same way, increase your chances of selling a home with a pond by ensuring the pond is seen as an amenity, not a liability. A peaceful, serene setting with clean water, healthy fish and attractive plantings will be just what some buyers want. Features such as solar-powered lights or pumps can help minimize fears about expenses that can torpedo the home sale.
Target the right buyers
Talk to your real estate agent about his or her plan for selling your home. Does he plan an open house in which he can promote the home directly to agents, showing them how clean and well-maintained your pool or pond is? Has she thought about advertising in local publications read by pool owners or people with school-age children as another means of selling your home?
If your property is in good condition, the right buyer will jump at it. Smart marketing by your real estate professional will increase your chances of finding that buyer when you’re selling a home.
Published on January 16, 2007Read full article at realestate.com