The Pros and Cons of Homes with Pools

Buying Kelowna real estate with a swimming pool can enhance your quality of life.

The water is the perfect temperature and sparkling clean, plus you don’t have to pack up the car and drive somewhere to share a crowded beach with a bunch of strangers. Yes, owning Kelowna real estate with a swimming pool does have its advantages, but before you insist that your next home has one, there are a number of things you should consider.

While there is definitely a quality-of-life factor that comes with owning a pool, there are also some potential pitfalls. Our friendly Kelowna realtors are here to lend their insight. 

Property Value

There’s often debate over whether a pool really adds value to a home. Of course, for the person who installs the pool, there’s the upfront expense of building it. An in-ground pool can easily cost $30,000 to $50,000 at the bottom end, and the prices go up from there.

If you have an Okanagan property with a pool and you intend to use it for years to come, the investment will pay for itself in terms of quality of life (it’s hard to put a price tag on happiness). On those scorching summer afternoons, you and your family will be able to cool off at your leisure.

In terms of a home’s resale value and return on investment, there are probably better ways you could spend your money. However, if you can afford it and it’ll provide you endless summertime pleasure, then go for it.

Other factors that can affect the value and marketability of homes with pools include:

  • Proximity of nearby public pools, lakes or rivers
  • Availability of pools in your neighbourhood (is it the norm)
  • Does is fit well with the property (is there space for it)?

Pool Perspective

When it comes to selling Kelowna real estate that has a pool, its value ultimately lies in the eye of potential homebuyers. For instance, a home with a pool might be an attraction for families with teenage children, or for couples who like to entertain social gatherings.

On the other hand, families with toddlers or senior couples might view a pool as a liability. The reality is, not all homebuyers want a pool. In fact, some home viewers will intentionally steer away from Kelowna real estate listings with pools.

Marketing Homes with Pools

If you’re selling Okanagan real estate that has a pool, there are a number of things you should do to help market it:

  • Clean the pool and deck thoroughly before taking photos for the listing
  • Mention any recent upgrades (i.e. new liner or pump)
  • Advertise other features that are geared towards your target market

If you are looking for more information buying and selling Kelowna real estate, check out our post: Kelowna Real Estate and the Effect of Supply and Demand.

Finding Kelowna real estate with the right amenities to suit your lifestyle can be a challenge. At Quincy Vrecko & Associates, we take the time to listen to your preferences and help you find desirable homes in the best locations. Call us to discuss the wish list for your next property.

 

4 Tips for Selling Kelowna Real Estate in Autumn

Keeping a tidy yard is a great way to boost curb appeal when selling Kelowna real estate in the fall.

Next to spring, autumn is the best time of year to sell Kelowna real estate. Most families have returned from summer vacation, the kids are back in school and life for most people returns to some semblance of ‘normal’. Also, other than Thanksgiving, you don’t have to worry about any major holidays disrupting the status quo.

There’s usually a flurry of activity this time of year in luxury real estate, so if you plan on listing a property, you need to ensure you’re well positioned and that you’ve done everything possible to give your home a chance to sell quickly, and for top dollar.

Our Kelowna real estate specialists have come up with a handy to-do list to get you on potential homebuyers’ shortlists.

1. Maintain your yard

With the onset of autumn comes the dropping of leaves. Your yard is one of the first things homebuyers will notice when they pull into the driveway, and here are a few maintenance items that’ll help you make a good first impression:

  • Rake leaves
  • Keep lawn manicured
  • Clear paths of overgrown vegetation
  • Prune trees and shrubs
  • Dig up gardens and flowerbeds as needed 

It’s particularly important to keep your lawn clear of leaves and debris as a buildup of mulch and organic matter can kill grass, which will lead to unsightly brown spots.

2. Add colour with flowers

If you have a green thumb, or know someone who’s adept at gardening, adding a splash of colour to your property with fall flowers is a great way to make your home stand out. 

Certain varieties of chrysanthemums (also known as mums) bloom as late as October, while hydrangea shrubs are known to keep their vibrant blue and purple blossoms until the first frost. 

Placing fall flowers such as marigolds, mums and cone flowers (aka Echinacea) in pots along walkways or by entranceways gives homes a warm, welcoming feeling. Add pumpkins to the arrangement for the complete harvest motif.

3. Inspect the HVAC system

If you haven’t already started using your HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) to heat your house, it wouldn’t hurt to test it before you place your home on the Kelowna real estate market. It’s likely been months since you last used it in spring, so at the very least you should check the filter and replace it.

The last thing you want if for a potential homebuyer to walk through and notice a dusty smell when your furnace kicks in.

 4. Clean the fireplace of your Kelowna Real Estate

If your home uses either a wood or gas fireplace as a main or supplemental heat source, it would be a good idea to give it a thorough cleaning to remove cobwebs and make the glass inserts sparkle. 

To give your home a cozy feeling, turn your gas fireplace on when people are walking through.

For other helpful pointers when selling Kelowna real estate, be sure to read our Home Staging Tips.

Are you preparing to list your luxury property on the Kelowna real estate market? Come and talk to the experts at Quincy Vrecko & Associates. We have the knowledge and experience to list your home competitively to ensure you receive maximum value on your investment.