House with a Swimming Pool

[Henry Y.]

I have a house under contract with a in-ground swimming pool.  The pool is still working but looks dated.  My goal is to flip the property but I haven't dealt with one has a pool before and the number makes sense until I am told otherwise.  questions to house flippers - would you even consider flipping a house with a pool?  If the numbers are attractive, what would you do - filling it or "flip" a pool (maybe the patio walkways, bricks, and fencing around it?)  Being in Seattle, we have limited use of pool although the summer days are getting longer.  Also any cost number or contractor that works on pools if any?  Thanks BP!

[Fred Heller]

The short answer is that a pool is a negative. It will cut down on the number of prospective buyers because many people do not want to be bothered with the expense of a pool.

Pools are considered an attractive nuisance for a reason. They attract children and are potentially dangerous. If a neighborhood kid sneaks in for a swim and is injured, the owner could be liable, even if the kid was trespassing.

I wouldn't pass on the property just because it has a pool. You can always fill it in. The question is, will the added expense of filling in the pool blow your numbers out of the water?

Having said that, there are certain areas where pools are expected. But I doubt Seattle is one of those.

Good luck!