“How important is having a pool when selling a home in La Cañada Flintridge and how much value do buyers place on it?”
This is an excellent question that does not always have a clear answer. It has been my experience that buyers either desperately want a pool or they strongly do NOT want a pool. That being said, both types of buyers are generally willing to compromise if the house itself fits all their other needs. Remember that the overall value of the property is going to be determined more by the condition and marketing of the home itself than it will be by the inclusion or absence of a pool.
The biggest factor that influences the added value of a pool is the size and configuration of your lot. If you put a pool in but are able to keep a large area for grass or landscaping, then buyers who don’t want a pool may still be willing to move forward. The same is true for buyers specifically looking for a pool – if it is easy to install a pool in the future and they love the house, they will likely still purchase it without an existing pool. All this said, neither type of buyer will be happy if the pool takes up the majority of your usable outdoor space.
I recommend taking some caution if you are considering installing a pool specifically to add value to your property. The cost of a pool installation varies so wildly depending on the size and design that it is difficult to say whether you will make a profit or even get a dollar for dollar return when selling. Currently the inventory in La Canada is so low that the lack of a pool isn’t likely to overly influence a buyer unless something about the lot makes it extremely difficult to install one in the future.
If instead you are planning on staying in your house for at least five years and plan to use the pool often, the value it adds for your own enjoyment will likely outweigh any concerns about the rate of return on your investment. As long you are careful about the design and location of the pool, the overall value of the home will definitely increase.
Kari Carson
DRE #01903828
(818) 424-5537
Neighborhoods Served: La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, Glendale, Pasadena, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Greater LA area