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The house we are selling has a hot tub. My hubby thought we should leave it with the house (on the deck right now, but is a larger deck). We live on 40 acres so lots of privacy. I don't think we should leave it. Personally, I don't think hot tubs are a selling feature - I just look at them as more yuk since others have been sitting in them and I don't know how they've been taken care of. The hot tub is 6 years old and was a $10k spa at the time. It seats 6 and is in very good condition. I looks great, but I'm just not sure. What are your thoughts? Stay or go? Oh, btw, we would take it with us if it went.

To me, yes, a hot tub would be a negative and I would want it removed as a stipulation in the purchase contract.

Because you already have the tub in place, you don't need to remove it yet. You just need to be ready to do so if your buyer insists on it.

I agree that in more cases than not, it would be a negative (especially at 6 years old). But you never know if a buyer might want one?
As mentioned above, be ready to remove it and re-deck the spot if needed.

It probably won't have much impact at all. Just know that it won't add any value to the property. I would suggest leave it in place and if necessary, use it as a negotiating tool if a prospective buyer has a problem with it.

As in all things - discuss it with your agent.

This is a 50/50 call. Have your Realtor include it in the Listing and take a photo or two for the
photo presentation.

I think alot has to do with style, condition, weather of the state, etc.

Leave it, and when you get an offer - something may be in the offer about removing it.

I have had buyers thrilled with the discovery of a hot tub, as some listings don't even address there is one there!

Yes, discuss with your agent. Could go either way, depending on your local area and most likely buyer.

My tendency would be to leave it in place and use it as a negotiating point, if a buyer happens to want it. No, it probably won't add value to your property, IMHO.

Like the remainder of your home, you'll need to keep the area clean and tidy for showings. In addition, if/when you remove it, the deck or patio may require restoration and/or remediation.

Good luck with your sale!

All, JMHO.

Same here - either a positive or negative, just depends. I'd try to use it to my advantage, if possible.

Have to agree about the presentation, too. So often when touring, sellers' hot tubs have leaves or dirt on the covers and reside on poorly maintained patios or decks - even when the home's interior and curb appeal were perfectly staged.

BTW, doesn't hurt to stage a patio or backyard, if/when the CO weather permits.

JMHO, as per usual. Let us know how your sale goes and good luck!

I would think it an advantage as long as it was in good working condition. Are they costly to operate/maintain?

Can be either one depending on the situation. A beautifully installed (AND located) new hot tub with surrounding amenities such as small tables, benches, chairs, firepit and landscaping can be a big plus for potential buyers. Although I said "new" above, 6 years old isn't that old so would qualify if it was quality when you bought and has been taken good care of and adds to your deck.

On the other hand, an old weathered hot tub that has seen better days, located by itself in a neglected part of the back yard/deck will most likely cause potential buyers to run. Which do you have?

PS. If you do decide to leave the hot tub in place while on the market, I would suggest that you clean it inside and out, spruce up the surrounding area and buy a new cover ~ just might turn a negative into a positive!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,

To me a hot tub would be a major positive when buying a home. In fact I have been looking for a used hot tub to buy so if you choose not to take it with you or if anyone out there has a hot tub to sell at a reasonable price, please let me know. I am a 49 year old female and I have Lupus, Scleroderma, Fibromyalgia, Neuropathy, Myositis and that is just a few of my diagnoses. I would love to have a pool with a spa but that is definitely out of my price range right now so my husband and I are looking for a hot tub. Therapeutically it would help me so much!! Right now there are days I struggle to get out of bed. We moved to take care of my sister after an accident in 2008. I worked with her for 2 years and together with a lot of hard work, she is now 100% independent and that is after breaking almost every bone in her body. Unfortunately, shortly after I finished working with her, my own health went downhill quickly. My husband took a pay cut of over $65,000 to move here and now I am on Social Security Disability, so we cannot afford a lot but please if anyone has a hot tub to sell, please contact me!!!!!

Check around - you can get a devise to use in a regular bath tub (although a garden size tub is better that acts as a jetted tub. They are pretty inexpensive and are portable.

Good luck. Also, watch Craigslist.

It would be a huge negative for me, but I don't like hot tubs. I think I agree with other posters - talk to your realtor, and be prepared to take it out if buyer doesn't want it.

suegottey,
If you have not done so, you might try advertising on your local Craig's list? Put in an ad under "wanted", and give it a few weeks (it is absolutely free, and they respond through craigs, so no responder knows your personal info) The ad is free, and one never can tell if someone locally there is wanting or needing to get rid of one.

I would like to thank Charming for the reply to my post. That is what I like about HGTV and these message boards, they allow people that otherwise would never have contact with each other to exchange thoughts and ideas! Thank you so much Charming! Also, thank you HGTV for giving people the ability to interact with one another and exchange thoughts and ideas on a wide array of topics! I, for one, love HGTV!