Stock photo licensed from iStockphoto.com

Selling a Home With a Pool

Posted March 19th, 2014 under pitfalls, smart selling.

If you are selling a home with a pool, especially during the off-season, it is important to make sure that the pool area is properly enclosed and secured.

Many homes have pool areas that can be accessed directly from the home (without an extra fence), despite this being against the building code.

This can be an issue when your home is shown by a Realtor without you present. As the owner, you are responsible for any mishaps that occur.

Make sure you have prominent signs on doors and gates leading to the backyard, and keep the doors locked at all times with an extra safety catch. (You can get the complete safety regulations from the city.)

It's also a good idea to document any repairs or replacements for the pool (e.g. liners, filters, and other equipment), as well as whether the pool was opened and closed by a professional.

If you can provide a buyer with an estimate of annual maintenance costs, it will help them make an informed decision. A fence-sitter may be encouraged to buy a house with a pool if this information is clearly presented and ready for them to see when they view the home.

Want to know more about buying or selling a home with a pool? Just ask me, I'll be happy to help.