Taking the Plunge with an In-Ground Pool

 Whether you're thinking of buying a home with an in-ground pool or toying with the idea of having one built, there are many important considerations to take into account. In addition to significant installation costs for those building a new pool, all homeowners with a pool will need to be mindful of ongoing maintenance expenses as well as insurance and tax implications.

If a swimming pool is in your future, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Installation costs for a 600-square-foot concrete pool average around $30,000. Less expensive options include fiberglass shells and pools with liners; however, pool liners need to be replaced approximately every 10 years, raising ongoing maintenance costs.

• Other equipment you will need to maintain your pool include an energyefficient pump, chemical balancing supplies, cleaning, and fees for opening and closing the pool for the season. A rule of thumb is homeowners should budget around $600 annually for maintenance in a seasonal swimming climate and between $15 and $25 per week in a year-round climate.

• Homeowners with a pool should increase the liability portion of their homeowners insurance policy from the standard amount. In addition, many underwriters require you to fence in the pool so that children can't wander in unsupervised.

• There is no guarantee that adding a pool will add to your home's selling price. Experts advise keeping building costs between 10 percent and 15 percent of what you paid for the house to help assure you don't invest too much money that you won't necessarily recoup on resale.

Search For Properties Like The Agents Do! Find Your Ideal Home With Our Free MLS Search Engine! Every Active Listing On The MLS In REAL TIME! Waste No More Time With Listings Which Are Under Contract Or Sold! Germantown Clarksburg Darnestown & More! ~ MD ~ DC ~ VA ~ WV ~ VA ~ DE ~ This is the way to shop for properties! Narrow your search by entering exactly the features you're looking for! We Can Also Put You On Our Automated MLS Search Which Will E-Mail You When Properties Matching Your Criteria Enter The System On Day Zero On The Market! No Cost Or Obligation! Never Miss Out On That Perfect Property Again!

Click Here For Free MLS Access... HomesByRobandJeannie.com

Rob & Jeannie Steward ~ Weichert, Realtors ~ 20400 Observation Dr, Ste 200 ~ Germantown, Maryland 20876 ~ Direct: (301) 213-7351 ~ Office: (301) 540-1330 x180 ~ Fax: (301) 601-0250 ~ E-Mail: Rob.Jeannie@gmail.com ~ www.HomesByRobandJeannie.com ~ We Work Twice As Hard For You!