For home sellers entering the Austin real estate market today, the experience can be like deciding to drive for vacation on a holiday weekend.
It’s a great idea until you hit the road and realize how many others share that same thought.
Homeowners think ‘spring and summer are the right time to move and sell their houses. Due to affordability, current homebuyers think a staycation is in order. This has created quite the inventory traffic jam right now. The good news is that many sellers are ready to get off at the nearest exit, which creates an opportunity to negotiate for those buyers with cabin fever.
Add a swimming pool to the backyard and the story gets more interesting.
Buying homes for sale with pools
A pool creates an instant staycation. The thought bubble of having crystal-clear water to jump into in the privacy of your backyard starts to grow as Texas reaches its peak temperatures.
About 20% of active homes for sale have had a private pool in 2024. In some neighborhoods, they are more common than others but for the story as a whole, the city of Austin pool homes hover at about 20%.
Austin Pool Home Inventory: Up or Down?
Last year the percentage of homes on the market with pools was similar, but there was less inventory and it moved faster. There are more homes with pools for sale than last year because there is more inventory in general. In June 2023 there were 731 active homes on the market with pools and year-over-year that number is 876.
Austin houses with pools vs. no pools by the numbers
Not all neighborhoods are alike. I run the numbers a little differently every year. This year, I ran 3 zip codes within the central corridor of Austin. I selected one south, one central, and one north to see the variation in the available inventory. Even within zip codes, you can see a great difference in the number of homes for sale with pools. (see chart below)
Homes for sale with pools
Make no mistake. It is pool season. As a seller, your pool is never going to look more appealing than it does right now. Many people don’t even want a pool. You want to take full advantage of playing to your limited audience by selling when your market is hottest, which is right now. As a home buyer, your odds of finding a home with a pool may be in your favor more than in years past. Inventory is high, so by default, the amount of Austin pool home inventory is higher too.
If you are an avid reader, you know I’m not a fan of pools. They cost money to maintain, limit your buyer pool, and can limit the longevity of staying in your home. I’ve seen pools from both sides and will support your decision as a buyer, regardless.
Have you heard of a stock tank? They are on the rise.
Here are more swimming pool tips for buyers and homeowners thinking about selling Austin homes with pools. In addition, the link shares information about local public watering holes in and around Austin.