Thanks to the continuing effects of climate change, the first six months of this year have been the part of the hottest 12-year stretch in the 136 years of recorded history. To see just how much this has impacted the behavior of consumers shopping for a new home, Trulia explored all the homes it had listed for sale in the 100 largest U.S. metros over the last year (June 2015 to June 2014) and noted how many mention a “pool” as a selling point, as well as how much one can add to a home’s listing price. Because not all areas of the country favor a pool, especially outside of the summer months the site also examined the frequency of the words “hot tubs” and “Jacuzzi”.
Not surprisingly, in states where the temperatures are warmer or the summer weather lasts longer, a swimming pool increased the home value by up to 19 percent. Meanwhile, in places with shorter swim seasons, a pool decreased the value. However, in many of those same areas, hot tubs became a major selling point.
Check out Trulia's data and the colorful, detailed infographics to go along with the research results. Read More