10/23/2020

Are Extra Amenities Worth The Added Price?

When you’re getting ready to buy a home it’s not uncommon to look for a property that comes with a few amenities. Whether you’ve always dreamed of a backyard pool to escape the Las Vegas heat or a state-of-the-art kitchen to cook gourmet meals in, buying a home is the perfect time to check an amenity or two off your wish list.

Before you decide on a house with a pool or one with a game room, you want to consider the added costs. It might not affect the property owner’s asking price but there can still be expenses when it comes to maintaining the amenities.

The Potential Costs of Amenities

Some costs will be obvious. If your new home comes with a pool, it will need to be maintained. The water will need to be skimmed to remove leaves and other debris. You also have to clean the filters regularly. It will take time and some money to keep your pool water sparkling throughout the year. Game rooms are great amenities, especially if you have children or love inviting friends and family over. Unless the equipment is included in the sale, you will have to furnish the rooms out of pocket. The cost to bring in a pool table, gaming systems, and even a dartboard can quickly add up. If you’ve always dreamed of having an outdoor entertainment space, you can add it to the ‘must-have’ list you gave the realtor at the start of your search for a new home. Some of these spaces come with outdoor kitchens that can even include a brick pizza oven. Outdoor kitchens generally come furnished with the home purchase, you might only need to add some comfy seating. Outdoor entertainment areas can be more pricey to maintain. Especially if the previous homeowners retained possession of the screen and outdoor projector. If you want to watch movies, shows, and even play games in the fresh air, the equipment will need to be replaced.

Limiting Amenity Costs

Like most homebuyers, you are probably trying to stick to a budget but this doesn’t mean that you can’t find a property with something extra. You’ll often find that sellers are willing to work with you if you want a projector, pool table, or even outdoor furniture included in the sale. It will probably mean a slight increase in your final offer, but it can be more cost-effective than buying everything yourself.

It’s also a good idea to talk with the sellers about the average maintenance costs. If a pool company was previously contracted, see if continuing the service will help you save time and money on upkeep. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and if the seller is reluctant to provide answers it could be a warning that there is a problem.

Conclusion

As your touring houses on the market, it’s the perfect time to look for a property that has an amenity you’ve always wanted. It’s easier to buy a home with a pool or added indoor amenities, and less expensive than having it installed after the property is purchased. You do want to discuss the cost for maintenance with the seller and don’t forget to see if any of the equipment can be included in the home sale. It will save you time and money, while also allowing to enjoy the amenities as soon as you get the keys.

By Karl Kennedy