Get the latest Buena Park real estate update for September 2025! Christine Almarines with the CA Real Estate Group breaks down the newest stats, home prices, and trends in both 90620 and 90621. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market — this video gives you the insider data you need to make smart moves.
🚨 Buena Park Market Update is here! 🚨 Here’s how September played out in both 90620 and 90621 ⬇️
🏡 90620 – Single-Family Homes • 25 Active | 10 Pending | 24 Sold • Avg List: $896,651 • Avg Sold: $910,940 • Avg Days on Market: 24.5
🏘️ 90620 – Condos/Townhomes/PUDs • 4 Active | 3 Pending | 4 Sold • Avg List: $719,475 • Avg Sold: $708,000 • Avg Days on Market: 56
🏡 90621 – Single-Family Homes • 9 Active | 8 Pending | 3 Sold • Avg List: $1,366,666 • Avg Sold: $1,295,000 • Avg Days on Market: 6.6
🏘️ 90621 – Condos/Townhomes/PUDs • 14 Active | 6 Pending | 4 Sold • Avg List: $746,700 • Avg Sold: $742,475 • Avg Days on Market: 43
The market is moving fast — if you’re thinking about buying or selling in Buena Park, let’s build your strategy.
— Christine Almarines CA Real Estate Group ✨ DRE #01412944 powered by Caliber Real Estate “Where we put CARE in every transaction”
Get the latest Buena Park real estate update for September 2025! Christine Almarines with the CA Real Estate Group breaks down the newest stats, home prices, and trends in both 90620 and 90621. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market — this video gives you the insider data you need to make smart moves.
🚨 Buena Park Market Update is here! 🚨 Here’s how September played out in both 90620 and 90621 ⬇️
🏡 90620 – Single-Family Homes • 25 Active | 10 Pending | 24 Sold • Avg List: $896,651 • Avg Sold: $910,940 • Avg Days on Market: 24.5
🏘️ 90620 – Condos/Townhomes/PUDs • 4 Active | 3 Pending | 4 Sold • Avg List: $719,475 • Avg Sold: $708,000 • Avg Days on Market: 56
🏡 90621 – Single-Family Homes • 9 Active | 8 Pending | 3 Sold • Avg List: $1,366,666 • Avg Sold: $1,295,000 • Avg Days on Market: 6.6
🏘️ 90621 – Condos/Townhomes/PUDs • 14 Active | 6 Pending | 4 Sold • Avg List: $746,700 • Avg Sold: $742,475 • Avg Days on Market: 43
The market is moving fast — if you’re thinking about buying or selling in Buena Park, let’s build your strategy.
— Christine Almarines CA Real Estate Group ✨ DRE #01412944 powered by Caliber Real Estate “Where we put CARE in every transaction”
https://youtu.be/ay7Hnbcz0FM
Cerritos Update
Get the latest Cerritos real estate market update for September 2025! Christine Almarines with the CA Real Estate Group breaks down key housing stats — from active listings and pending sales to average home prices and days on market. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just staying informed, this update gives you the data-driven insight you need to make confident real estate moves in Cerritos.
Stainless steel appliances add a sleek, modern touch to any kitchen, but keeping them free from fingerprints and smudges can be a serious challenge. Between cooking splatters, greasy hands, and everyday wear and tear, it may feel like your stainless steel appliances look messy. While there are plenty of store-bought cleaning products available, they can come with hefty price tags, strong chemical smells, and ingredients you may not want in your home. Luckily, there’s a simple, cost-effective solution that uses everyday household items.
This three-ingredient, DIY stainless steel cleaner is an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to commercial cleaners that still delivers impressive results. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes to make. Here’s everything you need to know about creating and using this magic spray, along with a few bonus tips to keep your stainless steel looking flawless.
1 drop of dish soap (preferably a gentle, grease-cutting formula like Dawn)
How to Make the Spray
Start by carefully pouring boiling water into a heat-resistant spray bottle. Next, add distilled white vinegar to the bottle. Its natural acidity cuts through fingerprints, grease, and bacteria without scratching surfaces. Then, add a single drop of dish soap. Remember, a little goes a long way, and adding too much can leave a soapy residue. Secure the spray bottle cap and gently swirl the mixture to combine the ingredients.
Note that it’s generally advisable not to clean stainless steel with straight or high-strength vinegar, as it can be too abrasive and may scratch the surface. However, this formula is diluted enough to be safe for use.
How to Use Your DIY Stainless Steel Spray
Ensure the stainless steel surface is cool and dry before you start cleaning. Lightly mist a microfiber cloth with your cleaning solution (avoid spraying directly onto the surface). This technique gives you better control and prevents unnecessary moisture.
Wipe the surface in the direction of the stainless steel’s grain to avoid streaks and result in a polished appearance. For stubborn spots or heavy smudges, spray the affected area lightly and let the solution sit for about a minute before wiping it away.
After cleaning, use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to buff the surface and enhance the shine, removing any remaining moisture.
How It Works
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in effectively removing grime without damaging your appliances:
Boiling water loosens grease and grime, making it easier to clean.
White vinegar naturally breaks down grease, removes fingerprints, and eliminates bacteria due to its mild acidity.
Dish soap cuts through oily residues and lifts dirt without scratching or harming surfaces.
Together, these ingredients create a gentle, yet powerful, solution that restores shine to stainless steel without dulling its finish.
More Tips for Keeping Stainless Steel Clean
Maintaining your stainless steel appliances is easier with a few simple habits. Here are some tips to keep them looking pristine day after day:
Wipe Regularly. Don’t wait for dirt to accumulate. Wiping stainless steel surfaces once or twice a week with the DIY spray will help prevent grime from becoming stubborn and difficult to remove. Pay extra attention to handles and edges as they tend to collect the majority of fingerprints.
Avoid Abrasives. Steer clear of steel wool and other rough scrubbers. Use only soft microfiber cloths or sponges, as abrasive materials can scratch the surface, making it even more prone to buildup.
Polish with Oil. After cleaning, apply a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil to the surface using a clean cloth. This creates a protective barrier that repels fingerprints and gives your appliances a sparkling finish.
Clean Spills Immediately. Acidic foods, such as tomato sauce, citrus juice, or vinegar, can cause discoloration if they sit on stainless steel. Be sure to wipe up spills as soon as they happen (or as you spot them) to prevent stains.
Tackle Tough Stains. If you encounter heavy buildup or stubborn stains on your stainless steel surface, create a paste using baking soda and water. Gently rub it onto the stain with a soft cloth, always moving in the direction of the grain, before rinsing and drying thoroughly.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Stainless Steel
While the DIY spray is safe and effective, it’s important to avoid certain products and practices that can harm your stainless steel.
Bleach or ammonia. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or glass cleaners that contain ammonia, can damage the protective finish of stainless steel.
Hard water. Hard water can lead to the formation of mineral deposits and streaks. If possible, use distilled or filtered water when preparing your DIY cleaner.
Air Drying. Allowing water to air dry on stainless steel can result in water spots. Always dry the surface with a cloth after cleaning.
The pleasures of owning a home are many: You have a sanctuary you can customize to your tastes while you build wealth.
Alas, you can’t just sit back and watch your home equity grow. To keep your property in tiptop shape, you also have to shell out for the expense that never goes away: home maintenance.
Combine that outlay with your monthly mortgage payments, homeowners association dues, and utility bills—and you’re staring down a big chunk of change.
To help you keep as much of your money in your bank account, we reached out to the experts for advice. They broke down five of the most expensive home maintenance tasks to reveal what you can do to keep costs low.
The rising home maintenance equation
For years, the rule of thumb on annual home maintenance costs has been to expect to pay between 1% and 4% of your home’s value. For a house valued at $400,000, you might plan on spending anywhere between $4,000 and $16,000.
However, in recent years, homeowners have reported spending closer to the top of that range maintaining their homes.
Some more significant fixes, like septic repair, are known to cost an arm and a leg. Yet lately, the cost of smaller jobs, like landscaping and cleaning your chimney, has increased dramatically.
The home services company Thumbtack recently reported that home maintenance costs had reached an all-time high after increasing 8.5% year over year, from $5,984 in 2022 to $6,493 in 2023.
Read on for the best ways to lower your maintenance bill this year.
1. Keep appliances clean
Appliance repairs typically cost between $100 to $250 per job but can be as much as $500, depending on where you live and what needs fixing. This cost only increases if you end up needing to replace the appliance.
Luckily, you can cut down on these outlays by simply giving your appliances some TLC.
“Maintaining your appliances is a great way to avoid repairs,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. “This can be as simple as keeping your oven clean, using a vacuum to clean your dryer vents, and making sure the coils on your refrigerator are clean.”
Other tasks Micetich recommends are regularly replacing the filter in your HVAC system and scheduling a check-in at the midpoint of an appliance’s life span, generally about five years.
“It might be worth hiring a professional for a tuneup to help extend the appliance’s life and avoid having to pay for a replacement,” says Micetich.
2. Get your chimney inspected off-season
If you have a wood-burning stove, you’re probably familiar with the expensive (and messy) annual cleaning routine.
Wood stoves typically cost between $200 to $500 per cleaning. Depending on the kind of wood you burn and how much you use your stove—you might need to do this more than once per year.
“One way to save money here would be to plan to do this project out of season,” says Micetich. “Most folks will think about cleaning their chimney in the fall right before they want to use it, but if you instead do it in the spring or summer, you might be able to save a bit.”
HVAC systems are one of those often forgotten parts of our home—until they stop working.
While HVAC repairs typically cost $350 on average, they can run as much as $3,000. Avoid these expenses by monitoring your system and learning what you can do to keep it humming.
“Homeowners should change their filters regularly,” says Steven McCullough, franchise owner of WIN Home Inspection. “Also, they can consider lowering their thermostat settings in the winter and setting it a little higher in the summer to help prolong the life of the units.”
4. Refinish your deck yourself
Refinishing a deck is one of the most expensive items on Thumbtack’s annual report—costing an average of $1,022 to complete.
If you plan to replace any boards or upgrade the design, that cost will only rise. While quality paints and stains aren’t cheap, labor drives this project’s price.
“This is definitely a DIY job,” says McCullough. “Even if sanding or repairs are involved, homeowners should be able to apply stain and sealing with just a little research and minimal tools.”
5. Tackle your lawn care
Another incredibly pricey item that homeowners spend the big bucks on every year? Lawn care and tree trimming.
A bit of elbow grease and weekend motivation can save you thousands per year on both of these fronts.
“If your trees aren’t too tall and you have the right tools for the job, this can be a great project,” says Micetich. “If the trees cross any electrical lines or are very tall, it’s time to call in a pro.”
Larissa Runkle is a seasoned real estate writer and marketing strategist. She’s published over 1500 articles across top markets, and also works with select developers and brokerages to create high-impact content that drives engagement and builds brand authority. She lives in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado with her husband, son, and two German Shepherds who take their shedding—and squirrel surveillance, very seriously.
August is officially here, and if fall is on your mind, you’re not alone. With the season about to get busier, now is the perfect time to plan ahead and tackle home maintenance tasks—before life gets hectic and Pumpkin Spice Latte season begins.
Here are ten maintenance tasks to complete both inside your home and around your property before the end of August.
01 | Check for Storm Damage
Did it rain a lot this summer? There could be damage to your home you may not have noticed yet. “Check your roof and gutters for signs of summer storm damage,” says Winder.
After all, you want to catch a minor problem early before it becomes a major one.
02| Check Your Doors and Windows
Before winter arrives and your heating bills are suddenly higher than ever, Winder notes a bit of preventative maintenance to save you money and stress in the colder months. “Reseal any caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors,” suggests the home builder.
Fresh caulking will both prevent heat from escaping as well as cold from coming in—keeping those expensive heating bills at bay.
03 | Swap Out Your Smoke Detector Batteries
Your smoke detector batteries won’t work if the battery is dead, and this is something you definitely don’t want to fail. “Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for safety,” says Winder.
If you can’t remember the last time you changed out the battery, it’s probably time to put this task on your to-do list.
04 | Deep Clean Carpets
Mónica Taher, chief operating officer at Avanti Green Eco Cleaning, says it’s a smart idea to deep clean your carpets before the end of summer, especially if you have allergy issues. “During the Summer, carpets trap lots of dust, pollen, sand, and even pet dander,” she says. “Giving a deep cleaning to your carpet will refresh it before you keep your windows shut for the fall and winter. This is also the perfect time to wash your windows inside and out and remove pollen, rain streaks, and dust.”
If you haven’t deep-cleaned your carpets in a long time, you may want to hire a pro to do the job.
05 | Pressure Washing
Pressure washing can be an incredibly satisfying home task. It’s also easier to do while it’s still warm out. So Taher recommends doing it before the end of August. “Summer also brings mildew, grime, and algae,” she says. “August is a great time to pressure wash sidewalks, driveways, and even garages and preserve the curb appeal around your property.”
06 | Close Out Your Outdoor Pool (If You Have One)
Fall can get really busy, and those barbecue and pool days will soon be a thing of the past. So, Brenda Prinzavalli, organizing strategist at Balanced Organizing Solutions, LLC, advises cleaning and closing out your outdoor pool for the season before September hits—assuming you live in a colder climate and you won’t be using your pool.
07 | HVAC Maintenance
Robin Murphy, chief cleaning officer at Maid Brigade, Westchester, suggests doing your regular HVAC maintenance in the coming weeks, including dusting your vents and replacing air filters. “You’ll be closing windows soon and using heat—make sure you’re breathing clean air,” she says.
08 | Tidy Your Entryway
Whether you enter your home through a front door, garage, or mudroom, Murphy recommends giving this space a thorough decluttering and cleaning, especially before school starts and things get extra busy. “Make space for boots, jackets, and school gear before they pile up,” she says.
09 | Vacuum Tight Spaces
The end of August is the right time to vacuum under beds and behind furniture. “When the heat comes on, it stirs up hidden dust—get ahead of it now,” notes Murphy.
So, move your furniture if need be. If this isn’t physically feasible for you, consider hiring a pro to do the job so your home can be thoroughly cleaned without you risking injury.
10 | Clean Your Windows
Before temperatures drop, Murphy advises wiping down window sills and frames. “Rain and condensation can turn built-up grime into moldy messes,” she says.
Not every job is made for sweltering heat and high humidity levels. Save these projects for winter and discover the ones to do instead.
Summertime is an excellent opportunity to get a head start on a few home improvement projects, but not every job benefits from the heat and humidity of the season. Bubbling paint, unsafe temperatures in the attic, and waiting for more comfortable working conditions are all reasons you should consider putting off certain jobs this summer. And before you think you’re off the hook from any DIY renovations this season, we rounded up a few that are worth focusing on now, while the weather is warm and favorable for outdoor work.
5 Projects to Skip This Summer and Save for Winter
Ron Shimek of Mr. Handyman shares his top picks for home improvement to-dos that are better left for winter. Ron Shimek is the president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, a leading provider of property maintenance, repair, and improvement services.
1. Fixture and Hardware Upgrades
While you’re spending time indoors during the winter, you might notice more things about your house that you want to change or upgrade, or you might be looking for quick and easy ways to add more interest, personality, and style to your home. Swapping out your fixtures and hardware can give your home a fresh look in a matter of minutes, and you can stay warm indoors while you work. “Upgrading light fixtures, cabinet pulls, door handles, or even installing smart home devices can significantly enhance your home’s aesthetic and functionality without being weather-dependent,” explains Shimek.
2. Insulation and Weather Stripping
Spending time in your attic messing with insulation in the summer is probably the last thing you want to do, but there are other reasons to put off this project until cooler weather arrives. In the winter, you’ll be better able to identify cold spots leaking in from damaged weather stripping and other flaws in your home’s insulation. Additionally, there will be no delay in feeling the effects of a job well done. “You’ll immediately feel the impact of improved insulation and sealed drafts as your home becomes warmer and your heating bills potentially decrease,” says Shimek.
3. Interior Painting
Painting the interior of your home during the summertime can come with a few obstacles, one of which is humidity. Moisture is a major culprit in sabotaging paint drying time. When paint doesn’t dry properly, it can lead to bubbles, cracking, and mildew issues if you’re not careful. Although Shimek says some ventilation is needed to help the paint dry during the winter, the lower humidity levels go a long way in getting walls and ceilings dry in a reasonable amount of time. Plus, the home project pro says it’s a great way to give your living spaces a fresh look during a season when you’ll be spending a lot of time inside.
4. Minor Remodels
The key here is minor, as you’ll likely spend a lot of time indoors during the winter, so whatever construction you do will likely happen while the whole family is underfoot. It is best to schedule these projects during the winter when the weather can be unstable. “These indoor projects don’t rely on good weather and can significantly improve the comfort and functionality of your home during the months you use them most,” says Shimek. Low-key bath and kitchen remodels are both projects you can move from your summertime to-do list to your wintertime schedule.
5. Dryer Vent and Chimney Cleaning
“These are crucial safety projects, especially as you begin to use your dryer more frequently and your fireplace for warmth,” says Shimek. Hiring professionals to clean your dryer vent can reduce your fire risk, while a professional chimney cleaning can prevent creosote buildup. Creosote is a tar-like byproduct of smoke from wood-burning fires that forms on the interior of the chimney. It can be a fire hazard and a health risk. Get these projects squared away early in the season to ensure your home is safe and prepared for the cold weather ahead.
5 Projects to Do Instead This Summer
When the weather is nice and you are eager for a home improvement project, get a jump on these projects that are ideal for summertime.
1. Exterior Painting
Hold off on exterior painting until days when the temperature is warm and the humidity is low. In some areas, particularly in the South, this might mean starting or completing the project early or late in the season, when the weather is moderate. These conditions are ideal for allowing paint to dry properly without cracking, bubbling, or mildew issues, says Shimek.
2. Deck and Patio Refinishing
One bonus of the summer heat is how quickly it dries surfaces, like when a sudden summer rainstorm hits and the puddles vanish before our eyes after the sun comes out. It turns out that this phenomenon is also beneficial when it comes to pressure washing, staining, sealing, and sanding patios and decks. Shimek says the warm, dry conditions help the materials dry properly, which means they should last longer.
3. Window and Door Work
Consider any window-related projects for another early- or late-season job. “Replacing windows and exterior doors is less disruptive when the weather is mild, as it exposes the interior of your home to the elements for a period,” says Shimek. He also advises replacing or repairing window screens during this time.
4. Gutter Repair and Installation
Summer is a great time to repair, install, and clean out your gutters. “With less rain and no risk of ice in summer, it’s easier and safer to work on gutters,” says Shimek. “You can clean out debris, check for leaks, and make sure there is adequate drainage before fall rains and winter snows.”
5. Landscaping Updates
If you’ve been wanting to add some new shrubs or maybe even a new paver path, summer is the ideal time to do so. “With ample daylight and favorable growing conditions, summer is prime time for enhancing your outdoor spaces,” says Shimek. Installing landscape lighting, building a garden bed, and adding a small shed are all on his list of top projects.
Patricia Shannon is a home writer for Better Homes & Gardens with over a decade of editorial experience. Her areas of expertise include decorating, cleaning, and how-to content. Patricia is also a regular contributor with Southern Living and Coastal Living magazines.
We’re here to help you find fun things to do, outdoor events, and more events this weekend and all week long. Check back often as our list will be updated as events are announced.
September is a special time along the coast of Orange County with warm and mild days and huge numbers of blue whales feeding sometimes just several hundred yards from shore. The Blue Whale Migration is in full swing in September with cruises often seeing several blue whales or more during a single whale watching cruise. And if blue whales weren’t enough, finback whales, and minke whales or also viewed regularly. A great opportunity for even the most seasoned whale watcher. Newport Beach is regarded as one of top whale watching destinations worldwide. See why.
International foods, crafts, folk dancing and music. Many different ethnic foods and costume. The Street Fair has become known for the variety of food reflecting cuisine from around the world. They provide food, drink, entertainment and crafts to the visitors.
August . 30 – September 7, 2025 Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach 714-696-TAP1 (8271)
Click link above for bands and tickets. Friday & Saturday events are ticket concerts, 21+ only, full bar, food and drinks. Sundays are free shows (No Tickets Needed) with all ages welcome (with Parents), full bar, food and drinks.
September 5-7, 2025 Fri 5-11PM | Sat 12-11PM | Sun 12-8PM Fountain Valley Sports Park 16400 Brookhurst Street Fountain Valley, CA 92708 – FREE PARKING!
Fresh Live Maine Lobsters flown in daily prepared to mouth-watering perfection in the World’s Largest Steamers. You can find all things lobster from lobster rolls to lobster mac and lobster bisque, and even lobster on-a-stick! Incredible live music – Bruno and the Hooligans, REMJ-Michael Jackson Tribute Show, Devotional The Depeche Mode Experience, Rio: A Tribute to Duran Duran, and Jumping Jack Flash THE Tribute to the Rolling Stones, to name a few. Admission $5 Fri., $15 Sat/Sun – Kids 12 and under FREE
September 7 – November 9, 2025 EVERY Wednesday through Sunday Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave, #49 Huntington Beach 714-696-TAP1 (8271)
Eat, Drink, Dance & be Merry at Southern California’s BEST & Most DIVERSE OKTOBERFEST (voted by German World Magazine) with Oom-Pah-Pa Bands directly from Germany. Sample Imported German Beers, Bratwurst, Rotisserie Chicken, Hamburgers, Pork Sandwiches, Strudel, Pretzels & more. Guests can also enter the Beer Drinking & Stein Holding Contests, and of course do the Chicken Dance! Wednesday through Saturday are adult nights & Sunday’s are family day with Dachshund Races.
September 12-14, 2025 Dana Point Harbor / Ocean Institute 949-496-2274
The largest annual gathering of tallships on the West Coast, this festival features a spectacular array of family-fun activities including live music, art shows and a variety of tasty food. Interactive living-history encampments including blacksmiths, scrimshaw artists, and the infamous Port Royal Privateers are sure to entertain and amaze guests of all ages and are not to be missed. Additionally, you can explore the historic tallships and listen to the crew share tails of adventure and life at sea.
This annual tradition celebrates Santa Ana‟s vibrant Mexican culture with a parade, performers each night, delicious food, affor dable shopping, interactive activities, and exciting carnival rides for children of all ages
September 25-28, 2025 Westminster Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Blvd. Westminster, CA
We are pleased to announce that Westminster’s Fall Festival will be returning for its 3rd year in a row! We hope to see you all again for another weekend of family fun, including delicious food, a lively beer garden, exciting live entertainment, and carnival rides!
September 27 & 28, 2025 San Juan Capistrano Community Center 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano
Be Greek for the day! Enjoy authentic Greek food and pastries, live Greek music and dancing, shopping at the Greek bazaar, kid friendly activities and exhibits featuring Byzantine icons and traditional Greek costumes.
Pools are a sought-after home feature, but they come with added homeownership responsibilities and potential costs. About a quarter of listed homes this past spring included a pool—a record high, according to a realtor.com® analysis of April housing data.
Jordan Schaeffer, president of Renovations and Aftermarket at Anthony & Sylvan Pools, shares what buyers should consider before purchasing a home with a pool.
What to Look for During a Walkthrough
Visual Issues
Watch for:
Loose tiles or missing grout
Green or discolored water
Low water levels (could signal a leak)
Cracks in steps, walls or the floor
Schaeffer notes that “hydration” or spider cracks are often superficial and minor hairline cracks. “The thing you want to be aware of is if there is a separation crack that… looks like you could fit a penny down there,” Schaeffer says. Surface hairline cracks may be easily fixed with just $10 in epoxy, while deeper structural or underground leaks could cost thousands.
Equipment Check
“Ask the homeowner to turn the pool on to make sure the equipment sounds right and is running,” Schaeffer advises. Watch for high-pitched sounds or signs of struggling equipment.
Coping Joint Inspection
Check the joint between the pool coping and the surrounding deck. “If that joint never gets filled in with what we call mastic compound… that would be a red flag,” says Schaeffer. Water can get behind the coping and damage the pool structure, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles.
Ask for Photos If the Pool Is Closed Up
If you’re buying in the off-season or the pool is covered, Schaeffer recommends asking the home seller for recent photos. “Ask to see last summer’s pictures of the pool… [and have the seller] affirm that the equipment’s been running well and there are no issues.”
Consider an Inspection
A standard home inspection doesn’t typically include a pool inspection, though some inspectors may offer it as an add-on. Usually, home buyers will need to have a separate specialized pool inspection—averaging between $125 and $250. A qualified pool inspector can assess the condition of the pool and identify potential issues, such as with the pool’s shelling, coping and deck that could indicate cracks and leaks. To find a pool inspector, you can check out professional associations such as the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.
Budget for Ongoing Maintenance
Pool maintenance costs typically range from $1,000 to $4,000 per year, according to Family Pool Maintenance. Many owners use a mix of professional help and DIY for pool upkeep.
Tips:
Leave electrical repairs to the pros: “Anytime you’re mixing water and electricity… let the professional do that,” Schaeffer says.
Never drain the pool yourself: It may seem simple enough to do on your own, but improper drainage can cause the pool to lift out of the ground due to hydrostatic pressure, he cautions.
Year-round care is a must: “It’s an open body of water outside… and you have to stay on top of the maintenance,” Schaeffer emphasizes. “If you’re ahead of the maintenance game, you’ll spend less in chemical costs and repairs over the long run. If you ignore it… you’re going to spend a bunch of money in remediation chemicals.”
Does a Pool Add Resale Value?
A 2025 realtor.com® study found that homes with pools sold for a 54% premium—$599,000 versus $389,000 for homes without. Pools remain a strong selling point, even after the fading so-called “pandemic premium” for pools.
“During the pandemic, people were looking for ways to get more enjoyment out of their homes, and this surge in demand for features like pools, translated into a substantial ‘pool premium,’ where homes featuring a pool commanded significantly higher asking prices compared to their pool-less counterparts,” says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at realtor.com®. The pandemic pool premium peaked in January 2022, and “although price premiums have normalized, the presence of a pool continues to drive a premium and be a popular item to include in listings as a home or community feature,” Jones says.
5 Popular Pool Upgrades
Schaeffer says that updating an older pool could enhance the home’s resale value and personal enjoyment. Popular upgrades include:
Automation: “With older pools everything is manual, but newer pools you can control –[maintenance] with an app,” Schaeffer says. This includes scheduling cleaning, filtration and even chlorine levels.
Energy efficiency: “Switching to a variable speed pump… that’s huge for resale value,” he says. This type of pool pump allows owners to adjust the motor’s speed, allowing for greater energy efficiency and cost savings over single-speed pumps.
Water features: Waterfalls, bubblers or jump rocks have become popular add-ons.
Sun shelf additions: Also known as tanning ledges, these are shallow areas of a pool and have become trendy upgrades for older pools, Schaeffer says.
Darker pool finishes: Pools traditionally have been white and blue, but shades like “raven” or “smoke” are growing in popularity with Anthony & Sylvan Pools. “The water looks almost black,” he says. “That’s starting to become very common.”
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