Introduction
Fall is here, and while the weather cools down, the real estate market in Maryland and DC is still active. If your property has a backyard pool, one of the best ways to highlight this valuable feature is to keep it open and operational for as long as possible. Buyers often view the pool as the centerpiece of the backyard, and showcasing it properly can make a real impact on how quickly your home sells.
Why Keep the Pool Open?
Yes, it takes extra effort to clear out falling leaves, but buyers want to see the pool uncovered and running. In the DC Metro area, we usually don’t see hard freezes until after Thanksgiving, which means sellers can safely delay closing the pool until later in the season. Keeping the pool functional during this time helps maximize your selling potential by allowing buyers to see the property at its best.
A Smart Compromise
If leaf maintenance becomes overwhelming, there’s still a solution. Sellers can place the winter cover on while keeping the system running. This allows the pool to stay operational and makes it easy to uncover during showings and open houses or inspections. Once late November arrives, the pool can be winterized without losing valuable marketing opportunities during the prime fall selling season.
Pool Inspections: Open or Closed
We’re often asked if a pool can be inspected once it has been winterized. The answer is yes. While inspectors can provide the most comprehensive evaluation when the system is running, a closed pool can still undergo a thorough inspection. As part of our support, we can connect you with trusted professionals to inspect the pool, ensuring buyers know it has been properly assessed—even if some components can’t be fully tested once it’s winterized.
Conclusion
When it comes to selling a home with a pool in Maryland or DC, presentation matters. Keeping the pool open a little longer—or finding creative ways to showcase it—can set your property apart and help attract the right buyers. Small adjustments now can make a big difference in securing a successful sale.
“Alex Saenger and the Saenger Group are Top 1% Maryland Real Estate Agents serving the Washington DC Metro area. We are licensed Realtors based in Rockville, MD at Keller Williams Capital Properties.”
