With summer around the corner and a milder-than-expected winter behind us, many of you might be considering sprucing up your property to take advantage of the impending upswing in the real estate market in the coming months.

Summer is typically peak time for home buying and selling, but after record-breaking market activity during the pandemic, real estate sales have cooled off and are yet to rebound to the same levels.

Nonetheless, pent-up demand for housing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and across various urban pockets in Canada, along with better borrowing conditions, is expected to drive home sales in the second half of 2024. If you are a prospective home seller, now is the time to start planning for or undertaking any renovations that might be needed to improve the saleability of your property for prospective buyers.

In the next few blog posts, we will share information on the different kinds of upgrades homeowners can undertake to attract more buyers and get a better price for their homes.

This summer, your home's swimming pool could be its top selling point

As summer approaches, home sellers with swimming pools in their backyards hold an enviable edge in the real estate market. If you are considering selling your home this summer, your swimming pool should be showcased as your home’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Especially for prospective buyers with growing or young families.

Here’s a deep dive into some of the ways you can market your swimming pool’s appeal for potential buyers:

Safety First

Before you invite prospective buyers for a viewing, make sure the safety features of your pool, such as fencing and alarm systems, are installed in accordance with local building codes. Add incremental barriers to ensure the safety of children and animals, along with child-friendly accessories like pool toys and a slide, which can be a major selling point for families.

Regular Pool Maintenance=Better Selling Price 

You can showcase the investment potential of your pool by listing the regular maintenance and upgrades you have done. Spotlight its low-cost maintenance features, such as energy-efficient pumps and automatic cleaners. Make sure the pool, the deck, and the grout all look well-maintained. Trim nearby trees and clean up the surrounding landscaping. Before scheduling any viewings, have the pool inspected and sealed off by professionals.

Visual Appeal

Showcase your backyard as a refreshing oasis during the sweltering summer months by adding comfortable poolside lounge chairs, umbrellas for shade, and lush landscaping to create a resort-like ambiance. Use professional photography to enhance the visual appeal of your pool as the main attraction of your outdoor space.

Highlight features, such as waterfalls, lighting, and surrounding amenities to make sure your listing stands out. You can also stage your pool area as the perfect spot for holding outdoor gatherings by adding a barbecue grill, outdoor dining set, and string lights for hosting memorable summer soirées by the pool.

Staycation Destination

For homebuyers who plan to purchase the property as an investment with plans to rent it out later, a house with a pool in the backyard can be staged as a private resort that is perfect for fun-filled staycations without ever leaving home. You can also turn your backyard into a private wellness retreat, incorporating elements, such as a sun deck for yoga or a lap lane for fitness enthusiasts.

Timing is Important

If you are planning to sell your home this year, and have a pool, selling in the summer would be advisable and also help you secure a better sales price. Also, if other homes in your neighborhood do not have a pool, your sales prospects improve considerably. If you are selling in the winter or cooler months, prospective buyers might not consider a backyard pool a particularly attractive feature unless the installed pool is a heated one. Home sellers should plan accordingly.

If you are a prospective seller with a property that has a pool or a prospective buyer who wants to buy a house with a pool, get in touch with RE/MAX Royal Team Sachdeva Realty for more information.

Have a good weekend!