Building a pool on your Summit NJ real estate property may be a dream for you and your family. The temptation to invest in a backyard oasis is particularly tempting during the hot summer months. The thought of enjoying cool waters and splashing fun right at home can seem like a dream – at first.

If you are planning on staying in your home for a while and want to enjoy a pool, then you should go ahead with the addition. Just remember that a pool gives only a small return on the investment and may actually shrink you potential buying pool for resale. That dream pool may end up costing you some sleep when it’s time to put your home in the Summit NJ listings.

Selling a home with a pool doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Like any other taste-specific feature, it just needs to be marketed properly. Look to your Summit NJ real estate agent for guidance and great marketing ideas.

Plan for the future owner
You will limit your group of buyers a bit if you install a swimming pool. Many buyers will have small children for whom a pool is a serious danger. Make sure you plan your pool decking to include some type of child proof gates or a barrier system for safety. Even if your children are older or grown up, make sure safety features will be easy to put in place for the next owner. A barrier will also help keep uninvited neighborhood guests (for whose accidents you may be liable) out of your pool.

Focus on the right buyers
Families with school age children will be a better target market than families with infants or toddlers. Focus your marketing efforts on those most likely to enjoy your pool. Talk to your Summit NJ realtor about how she plans to advertise your home and market your pool, too.

Minimize the maintenance
If there is any way to optimize the performance of the equipment, lower the utility usage or automate the cleaning process, invest in it. The biggest hurdle most buyers have to overcome in choosing a home with a pool is the maintenance. Do everything you can to make this a non-issue for your buyers. Make the upkeep as easy and energy efficient as possible.

Make it pristine
Like anything else in your home, you pool should be in top condition when it comes time to list. Make sure it is in perfect working condition. Pressure wash the decks and concrete surrounds. Not one spot of algae should be visible in the water or on the sides of the pool. Have any cracks professionally repaired. Take a look at the landscaping around your pool, too. Does it say luxurious retreat or concrete jungle?

If you are planning on adding a pool or buying a home with a pool already installed, talk to your agent about the future value of this popular amenity.