When building a home, the outside matters as much as the inside, especially in determining marketability and real estate value. A well-designed pool or yard can transform your property into a comforting retreat that’s appealing and competitive in the housing market.
The Value of Pools in Florida Homes
Pools are a significant investment for any home. However, they also bring a substantial return on investment (ROI), especially in areas with warmer weather.
Pools are most useful during the summer months, and they shine in places with longer warm seasons, like Florida. The state’s higher temperatures make it an ideal market for properties with water features like pools and fountains.
Properties with pools often fetch much higher prices. Homes with pools have an average price of $599,000 — significantly higher than pool-less properties, which are $389,000 on average.
The Benefits of Adding a Pool to Your Home
Caption: A bird’s-eye view of a house with a pool
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Adding a pool to your Florida home brings several benefits, from your health and lifestyle to your home’s curb appeal and real estate market value.
Increases Property Value
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One benefit of adding a pool to your home is its contribution to the property’s market value. Homeowners can usually sell their property for higher prices, as pools can be an attractive and valuable feature.
It’s an investment that pays off, especially in areas like Florida, where pool culture is stronger. Pools usually offer an average ROI of 7%, although this number can reach up to 56% in some areas.
Attracts Potential Buyers
A well-designed and maintained pool creates an inviting environment, boosting the home’s aesthetic appeal. Many associate pools with fun parties or relaxation, which are attractive qualities to potential buyers.
Offers Lifestyle Perks
Caption: Three people sitting in a pool and high-fiving
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Aside from making your home easier to sell, pools make it more enjoyable to live in. You get a space to host gatherings for your loved ones. A pool also allows you to spend more time outdoors, relaxing with minimal distractions.
Boosts Health and Wellness
Caption: A person swims underwater in a pool
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Swimming is an excellent form of exercise. It allows you to stay active and build strength. This low-impact form of exercise is beneficial for people with arthritis. Spending time outdoors and in the water is also a great way to relax and reduce stress.
7 Landscape Improvements That Increase Your Home’s Value
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Pools are one way to boost your home’s value and market it more easily. Incorporating other landscape improvements can add to these benefits.
1. Patios
Caption: A patio with string lights and chairs surrounding a fire pit
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A patio is a basic yet versatile yard improvement that creates an area for you to dine, entertain and relax. Depending on their size and design, patios can be relatively inexpensive to install and decorate. They bring significant charm to any property and can perfectly complement your outdoor pool.
2. Decks
Caption: A green house with a wooden deck
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A deck is another option for creating an outdoor gathering space. It is an elevated structure that adds usable floor space to your home. Its height makes it ideal for homes built on uneven surfaces, and it provides a great view of the surroundings.
3. Pergolas or Gazebos
Caption: A gazebo with string lights, white curtains and outdoor furniture
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These structures provide much-needed shade under the Florida sun and are also excellent gathering spaces for enjoying the outdoors. You can enhance their appeal with landscaping, curtains and other decor to make the space more inviting.
4. Outdoor Kitchens
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An outdoor kitchen is an excellent addition to any home, especially in communities where people like to gather outside. It perfectly complements your pool and makes hosting outdoor parties more convenient.
5. Fire Pits
Caption: A fire pit surrounded by chairs and string lights with a cabin in the background
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Pools are for warmer days, while fire pits are perfect for cool evenings or the winter months. They make for excellent gathering spaces, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Coupled with pools, these features make it easier to extend the use of outdoor spaces.
6. Gardens and Landscaping
Caption: A neatly landscaped garden with trees, bushes and colorful flowers
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Lush gardens and professionally designed landscaping with native Florida plants can significantly boost curb appeal. In addition to making the property more attractive, native plants also support local wildlife and reduce water usage.
7. Privacy Fences
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Spending time outdoors is fun, but it might leave you feeling exposed. Privacy fences solve this problem by blocking the view from outside the property. It also improves safety, especially when living with children or pets.
Tips for Maintaining and Improving Backyard Features
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Building new backyard features is half the effort. If you want to sell your home, it must consistently be in top shape. These tips help you prepare your home for listings, open houses and offers.
Keep Things Clean
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Take time to clean the pool or hire someone to do it to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Power wash your driveways, decks and patios to remove dirt and algae. Cleanliness makes a huge difference, especially when trying to make a good first impression.
Declutter the Yard
Caption: A yard with raised beds, bins and rolled-up netting
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Decluttering makes your property look more open and spacious. Remove unused furniture, equipment and toys to make your yard easier on the eyes and minimize tripping hazards.
Coordinate the Design and Decor
Caption: A deck with cushions, sofas, chairs and plants
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Use matching or complementary paint colors, furniture and decor. A fresh set of throw pillows, new furniture and strategic lighting can create an inviting atmosphere. These elements build a unified, intentional look that appeals to potential buyers.
Keep up With Repairs and Maintenance
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Regularly inspect your pool, yard and other outdoor features for wear or damage. Proper maintenance ensures that your home remains in good condition, maintaining its value and enhancing its marketability. With Fall in full swing, it’s important to also prune weak branches, remove dead limbs to prevent trees from damaging your backyard oasis during storms.
A Backyard Oasis That Sells
Caption: A backyard pool with deck chairs
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Outdoor features like pools can significantly elevate your home’s value while improving your lifestyle. These features create a welcoming environment that stands out in Florida’s competitive real estate market.
