Hi Jsj. I apologize for my delay in responding to your inquiry....I was out fo commission with a "stomach bug" yesterday. You've already gotten some GREAT advice from my colleagues below, but there are two things I wanted to reiterate: that is, the importance of having a professional close the pool and, as suggested, take pictures of the pool before it's closed!

Some of my clients have used Eagle Pool & Spa in Eagleville (610.631.1950) and have liked their work. You may want to contact them, if you haven't already hired someone to close your pool.

By the way, now is a GREAT time to put your home on the market. The market remains "hot" and well-priced and well-prepared (meaning, de-cluttered, staged, in good condition and ready to show) are moving -- quickly! In fact, the sooner the better..........(those that were shopping in the Summer but failed to find the "perfect" are anxious to tour homes to find "their" home.....who knows? Yours may just be that home for a lucky buyer:)

I'd love to chat with you about your homeselling and homebuying needs. Indeed, before hiring a Realtor to represent you in the buying or selling side, I ALWAYS recommend that you interview 2-3 Realtors and really "grill" them with hard questions. Ultimately, choose the one person who feel is experienced, knowledgeable, honest and truly dedicated to representing YOU and your interests. (Also, look for someone who is well versed in contract law and who possess excellent negotiation skills as these are critically important to protect you.....having practiced law for nearly 10 years prior to entering the Real Estate industry, my clients very much appreciate my unique insight and perspective in representing them:)

Good luck and blessings to you..........

Warmly,
Judy

Judy May, Esquire, REALTOR
"A Refreshingly Different Real Estate Experience" http://www.JudysFineHomes.com
Judy.May@Century21.com

CENTURY 21 Alliance
2828 Audubon Village Dr
Audubon PA 19403
O: (610) 666-0202 x. 226
C: (610) 324-5240 (preferred)
F: (610) 666-1942

Search 1000s of homes! http://www.CollegevilleAreaHomes.com

Have a professional pool company close the pool.

Hi Jsj:

From my experience, I’ve found that for pools, Buyers looking at homes for sale fall into three categories:
1- Want to have.
2- Nice to have.
3- Don’t show me homes with pools.

So you really need to appeal to the 2/3 of the potential homebuyers out there who would find value and enjoyment is purchasing your home with a pool.

Having the pool inspected by a bone fide pool inspection company (some ASHI and NAHI home inspection companies provide pool inspections), or a company that specializes in pool maintenance, repairs, etc…is a very wise decision. Obviously, your pool can’t be inspected when it is closed.

Attaching your pool inspection (and any receipts for repairs and/or upgrades) that you’ve done to you Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement when you list your home may be a good idea. You may also want to consider obtaining a C.L.U.E. (Comprehensive Underwriting Loss Exchange) report on your home’s 5 year insurance claim history and attaching that to your SPD as well. Several companies offer this report for a small fee.

Also, and this is also being pro-active in selling your home, you may want to consider offering a one year pool maintenance contract including opening, closing, equipment training, chemistry training as well as the option for a one year pool warranty (some home warranty companies also offer this as an option to a standard home warranty).

If you would like recommendations on the above, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Warmest Regards,

John (John B.) Badalamenti, CRS, ABR, SRES
Associate Broker
Certified Residential Specialist/Relocation Specialist
Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS – Wayne
610-688-4310 Office
610-341-4832 Direct
johnb@subphillyhomes.com Email

“I’m Not #1 – My Clients Are!”

Have a professional such as a pool company close the pool, they should be able to provide the report for you. I woud re commend that you also take photos before you close the pool, and leave the photos out when the home is shown to buyers.

Hi Jsj,
That is a very good question and it's great that you are thinking ahead.
However, your question is a little vague. What type of pool (Gunite , Fiberglass, etc., is it Heated, Does it have a Hot Tub - Do you have a pool houses or deck.
Be cautious as many pool companies either hire seasonal help or sub it out to a 3rd party.
I highly recommend Leslies Pools http://www.lesliespool.com/Shop? 1-800-537-5437 1-800-LESLIES
One thought would be to Pre-Pay (or include with the purchase) for a Pool Opening with a Company well recognized

You may have already planned for other items that would entice buyers to favor your home, but just in case, here are a few:
There are the basics:
* Have a Pre-Home Inspection from a reputable and ASHI certified home inspector and have that available.
* Create a portfolio of information that a home OWNER would find useful. i.e. Maintenance records, Warranties, User Guides for Appliances and Mechanicals (this would also make them feel that the home was well maintained
* Staging (varies from just cleaning up and getting rid of knick-knacks to having a professional design room layouts)

I provide complimentary pre-listing packets and/or a customized evaluations for how to maximize the sale of your home.
If you are interested, feel free to call or write.

Good Evening,

I myself have a pool and realize that it would be best to sell while it is open. Here are a few suggestions that I hope will assist you. I would have the pool inspected and closed by a professional company. Barto Pools in Phoenixville as well as Great Valley Pool Service in Malvern can assist you with that. I would have them provide a written report as to the condition of the pool. Also prior to closing the pool take photos on a sunny day to show prospective buyers how great it looks when opened! If you have records of prior care of the pool I would also suggest the Realtor you utilize provide that information to prospective buyers. All of this will take any questions out of the buyers mind regarding the condition of the pool and will also provide them with visual information so they know what they will be enjoying for many years to come!

I am the Top Re/Max Realtor in the Collegeville/Phoenixville area. My office is located in Collegeville and I'd love to have the opportunity to speak with you regarding the sale of your home! Please feel free to contact me at anytime and schedule an appointment to interview me! I provide all of my clients with the absolute best possible service from the very beginning through to the closing!

Have a wonderful evening and feel free to contact me with any questions.

Jennifer Daywalt, Realtor
Re/Max Results Realty - Collegeville
Top Realtor 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Author of "Ask The Realtor" every Saturday in The Phoenix Newspaper
610-999-7693 Direct Line
610-489-7355 Main Office
Licensed in PA since 2001!
Sellinghomesjenn@aol.com