![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/selling-a-house-with-a-hot-tub-price.png\")
<\/a>How hot tubs affect your home price<\/h2>\n
Generally, there are two types of hot tubs: in-ground and freestanding. In-ground <\/b>or built-in tubs, as the names suggest, are an actual fixture of the property. They may come on their own or as a package with a pool. In-ground tubs are harder to remove and haul away, as opposed to free-standing varieties. Free-standing <\/b>hot tubs are like above-ground pools. You can see the structure, which sits above ground surrounded by a shell, often on an elevated deck or platform.<\/p>\nThe value of in-ground hot tubs<\/h2>\n
\u201cI have appraised many homes with built-in hot tubs, but really didn\u2019t see any major value add on their own,\u201d explains Jamie Owen, a Cleveland-area appraiser, and host of appraisal podcast Home Value Stories<\/a>. \u201cInterestingly though, most of the homes I have appraised with built-in hot tubs also had in-ground pools.\u201d In his experience the value added from the in-ground pool included the in-ground hot tub as well.<\/p>\n If your home just has an in-ground hot tub, it will add value to your property, but not in the way you might expect. Chances are, your appraiser will consider it a landscaping project<\/a>, taking the stone work and yard work into account, and that\u2019s where some value may be calculated.<\/p>\n \u201cI have never seen any market data to suggest that [freestanding hot tubs] add much if any value,\u201d says Owen. Free-standing hot tubs are considered personal property and aren\u2019t factored into the overall value of the property.<\/p>\n However, even a free-standing hot tub can be built into the ground<\/a>. In that case, the permanent structure around it makes it an in-ground hot tub, and it would be valued by the same standards as an in-ground tub.<\/p>\n That said, if you\u2019re looking to get some actual value out of the freestanding (above ground) hot tub, you\u2019re likely to get more from selling it separately to a buyer than you would in the form of selling at a higher price.<\/p>\n A quick glance at Facebook Marketplace shows that well-maintained, larger hot tubs can go for $1,000-$3,500, while smaller varieties are often listed in the $700 range.<\/p>\n You also have to weigh the work put into selling it, coordinating with buyers online, negotiating the price of your hot tub, and arranging to have it hauled away. And, as we’ll discuss below, a hot tub in great condition can be viewed as an added bonus to buyers, which may make it worth including in the sale of your home.<\/p>\n While in-ground and free-standing tubs won\u2019t add much value to a property, they will detract value if they\u2019re not working. The buyer will have to haul the tub away or have it repaired, meaning it\u2019ll cost them money, and that kind of work will detract from the listing price upfront.<\/p>\n From an appraisal standpoint, a non-functioning built-in hot tub will negatively impact a home\u2019s value since it\u2019s part of the property. But that\u2019s not necessarily the case for a free-standing tub unless it\u2019s an eyesore and detracts from the overall curb appeal<\/a>.<\/p>\n Buyers generally break down into two camps: hot tub lovers and haters, says Jen Stauter<\/a>, a Madison, Wisconsin real estate agent, and proud owner of two hot tubs. \u201cSome people are willing to take it on because it\u2019s a little bit of luxury, but others are really afraid of the maintenance,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n Some buyers will see the hot tub as a burden, Stauter says, while others might even consider it a safety hazard due to chemicals involved in upkeep or dangers around young children playing in them.<\/p>\n But even hot tubs lovers don\u2019t have the feature as a must-have in their real estate search, says Matt Kornstedt<\/a>, a Madison-area agent with over two decades of experience selling homes in the area. \u201cIf they really want a hot tub, they\u2019ll purchase it down the line,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n While it\u2019s rare to find a buyer who needs a home to come with a hot tub, \u201cit’s pretty common that if there’s a hot tub, the seller would leave it just because it’s usually all set up for it,\u201d Stauter explains.<\/p>\n Unlike personal property like a washer or dryer, hot tubs have specific wiring set up outside that\u2019s a bit harder to move. You\u2019ll need a specialty mover to take it to a new property, which costs $375 on average<\/a>, estimates Thumbtack.<\/p>\n Selling a hot tub second hand is not unlike selling a used car \u2014 both lose value the second you take them off the lot. Not factoring in the cost to haul it, sellers can expect to sell their tub from between 25% and 33%<\/a> of its original sales price, if the tub is still in full operating condition.<\/p>\n Like a car, some hot tub dealers will offer trade-in deals<\/a>. Some trade-in deals might just be free hauling and installing, but others include a discount on your future tub. If you plan on installing a hot tub at your new home, you might consider trading the tub in for a discount on your new one.<\/p>\n If you decide to sell your hot tub on the second-hand market or include it in the sale of your home, make sure you\u2019ve got an answer for the following specifics:<\/p>\n When staging your hot tub for sale, you\u2019ll want to make it an oasis on the property, says Stauter. Make your hot tub shine with these steps:<\/p>\n Your hot tub will have to be emptied for a successful deep clean<\/a>, but make sure to administer a line flush product<\/a> beforehand to clean up any gunk that\u2019s accumulated in the jets and lines, recommends home pro Bob Vila. After emptying the hot tub of water, thoroughly clean the interior using a hot tub cleaner<\/a> and a towel. Finally, remove the filters and replace them, or clean them off with a hose before refilling the tub.<\/p>\n Scrub down the shell of your hot tub<\/a> with a mild all-purpose cleaner and a rag. Spray the tub\u2019s cover with a hose to remove dirt and build-up. Scrub the cover in a circular motion with a baking soda paste to clean through the grime, then rinse and dry with a towel.<\/p>\n An artfully folded pile of fluffy white towels<\/a> on a tray<\/a> positioned next to the hot tub will make it hard for a hot tub-loving buyer to resist.<\/p>\n You won\u2019t entice buyers with a covered cube during showings. Instead, keep the hot tub open and bubbling, showing off the jets and interior lighting.<\/p>\n Keep a clean wooden bench<\/a> or set of stairs<\/a> next to the tub \u2014 it\u2019ll make buyers feel like relaxation is only steps away and remove any concerns about safety and slipping when entering or exiting the tub. Consider staging outdoor furniture near the tub too, so it feels more like a destination in the yard or on the patio.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d make an Instagram story or video highlighting the property\u2019s tub,\u201d Stauter recommends.<\/p>\n \u201cThe people who are going to want it will be attracted to the listing because of it.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Featuring it in video or image on social media means you can highlight the spot during the day, as well as at night. Consider mounting outdoor lights<\/a> around the hot tub to make it feel extra special in the evening.<\/p>\n Staging the hot tub to be a tranquil spot for relaxation will draw in the buyers who are a fan of the feature.<\/p>\n A broken hot tub is an eyesore on a property. Unless you plan on factoring the cost of repairs or hauling the property into the listing price of the home, you should remove it before putting the property on the market.<\/p>\n Tubs are large, heavy, and dangerous to move on your own. Hire a service like 1-800-JUNK<\/a> or Junk King<\/a> to remove the tub from your property. Both services will provide a free estimate before removing the hot tub.<\/p>\nThe value of freestanding hot tubs<\/h2>\n
If your hot tub isn\u2019t functional…<\/h2>\n
Will buyers love or hate the idea of a hot tub?<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Should you sell your hot tub before listing your home?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What will buyers want to know about the hot tub?<\/h2>\n
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\nIndustry-standard sizes<\/a> include small (2-4 people), medium (5-6 people), and large (7+ people). Check your tub\u2019s manual to determine water usage, or use this guide<\/a> to measure out how much water your tub holds.<\/li>\n
\nBecause a hot tub has its own set of liability and safety concerns, homeowners will need additional insurance coverage<\/a>.<\/li>\n
\nAccording to HomeAdvisor, the cost to maintain a hot tub annually will cost between $500-$1,200<\/a>, depending on factors like hot tub model, age, and climate. Keeping a hot tub in working condition will require monthly to weekly maintenance<\/a> from the homeowner, depending on usage. In addition to the time checking the tub\u2019s chemicals, a homeowner can expect to spend around $20 a month on chemicals and upkeep tools<\/a>.<\/li>\n
\nThe amount of electricity will vary dramatically based on age and daily usage, but homeowners can expect to pay between at least $20-$40 a month<\/a> in electricity to keep the tub bubbling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Staging your hot tub for sale<\/h2>\n
Do a deep clean inside. <\/b><\/h4>\n
Deep clean the outside.<\/h4>\n
Add a pile of fresh white towels.<\/h4>\n
Keep the tub open and bubbling during showings.<\/h4>\n
Make the hot tub a destination.<\/h4>\n
Play up the tub in marketing.<\/h4>\n
<\/a>Your hot tub is broken \u2014 should you remove it before selling?<\/h2>\n