What To Check When Buying A Pool Home

Homes that have pools come with built-in fun, for everyone loves spending summer afternoons lounging in or around the water. A pool adds complexity to a property, however, and there are some things you should check if you're buying a pool home that's for sale.

Days Listed on the Market

Before you make an offer on any pool home that's for sale, check how many days the home has been listed as for sale. A real estate agent can get you this information, as it's a standard detail in MLS listings (which are the listings that real estate agents have access to).

In many situations, a pool home that's for sale will remain listed for quite a long time -- frequently longer than the average listing time for the area. This happens because the pool makes the home less attractive to some people. Even though many people would consider the pool an asset, certain homebuyers will see it as a liability and an item that they won't use.

Since some people won't want a home with a pool, the number of potential buyers for a pool home is lower, and sellers often have to wait longer for a buyer who wants a pool. If you're that buyer who loves the water and you find a home that's been listed for some time, you can make an offer below the asking price. The seller might be tired of waiting and accept your low offer.

Condition of the Swimming Pool

Of course, you'll want to make sure that a pool is in good condition if you're buying a home specifically for its swimming pool. Pools are like any home feature, and they require a little maintenance from time to time. A pool that has not been consistently maintained might need some repair work before it can be used again.

To make sure that the pool of the home you're buying is in good condition, include the pool in your home inspection. A home inspection makes sure the various systems and features of a house are in working order, and it notes the items that need attention or repair. Pools aren't a standard part of home inspections, but they can be added to an inspection for a small fee.

If a home inspector does find that a pool is in disrepair, this isn't necessarily a death sentence to your home purchase. Instead, you can use the information to negotiate a lower purchase price of the home and invest what you save in the pool.

To learn more, contact a resource like Roberts Real Estate.