[John-Active]

We recently bought a home in The Villages that has a "walk in bathtub." Apparently, the one we have is recently installed and is an upgraded one that costs over $10,000 to have installed; it includes a shower and a "bubbling system" for a massaging sensation. This current home is nice yet we plan on selling it in a couple of years. Would love to hear people's opinions and experiences with: When we go to sell the home, will this "walk in tub" provide a larger buyer pool? Or are these things only of interest to a select group of people? Would the walk in tub be a negative? Basically, should we remove it and replace with a standard shower or tub/shower combo? The contractors are estimating around $5,000 to remove and replace it.

[BK001]

Personally, I would not remove it now. Especially if it is in pristine condition. However, I would put the money aside and, when the house goes on the market, use it as a negotiating point that you would remove/replace it for the new buyers or give them a "credit" on the sale. Just seems to give you more options, in my opinion.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by BK001

Personally, I would not remove it now. Especially if it is in pristine condition. However, I would put the money aside and, when the house goes on the market, use it as a negotiating point that you would remove/replace it for the new buyers or give them a "credit" on the sale. Just seems to give you more options, in my opinion.

IMHO Excellent reply. When you decide to sell it could be a selling point to an older buyer, especially where it is a really expensive item.

[bagboy]

I wouldn't spend $5,000 to replace a $10,000 asset.

[New Englander]

I'd keep it. Even if a person doesn't need a walk-in tub, they can still have a nice bath or shower in the walk-in one. Personally, I wouldn't mind having one myself.

[BK001]

Originally Posted by New Englander

I'd keep it. Even if a person doesn't need a walk-in tub, they can still have a nice bath or shower in the walk-in one. Personally, I wouldn't mind having one myself.

Actually, I was thinking the same thing. However it would be wise to insure that it is absolutely immaculate -- I would even hire someone to "detail" it because even the slightest hint of someone else's body scum (as in ring around the bathtub) would be a HUGE turn off to me. (I find myself gagging just thinking about it). Our house came with a beautiful outdoor SPA. Don't get me started on how filthy the filters were and the lengths I went to to clean that sucker before I was comfortable enough to use it. LOL - but I do tend to be a bit of a germaphobe.

[Nucky]

If you want to remove it and start with a clean slate for a contractor to come in and give you the bathroom you want I will remove the existing walk in tub for you and payment would be the tub. I have done it successfully before no problemo. If it works for you let me know.

To be fair I think you should clean it up and give it a test spin there is nothing like it if the drain was enlarged when it was installed. You can just spray warm water on yourself while it's draining to keep from getting cold. Getting cold is the biggest drawback. You will feel like a million dollars after taxes when you are done and probably will keep it.

[NotGolfer]

Keep it! In this community there's a chance that eventually in the household may need it. There's a house in our neighborhood that has one and it was said that it was one of the purchasing points that the newbies were looking for. I don't see it being a detrement!

[Mimi25]

If it's in the Master bedroom, it would be a personal option for you...but if it's in the guest bathroom...as a visitor, it would be a turn-off for me esp if I came with little children. I'm with "germaphobe" here. sry!

[rjm1cc]

Keep. Can always give a 5,000 credit to the new buyer if they do not want it.

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by BK001

Personally, I would not remove it now. Especially if it is in pristine condition. However, I would put the money aside and, when the house goes on the market, use it as a negotiating point that you would remove/replace it for the new buyers or give them a "credit" on the sale. Just seems to give you more options, in my opinion.

In addition, the OP may want to start just asking every real estate agent (and the TV sales people) their opinion on how much of a selling point having one is...if/when they decide to sell.

Asking a lot of different people, might give the owner an idea on what they want to do when the time comes.




I did have to laugh out loud though, when I read this in the original post.....

Originally Posted by John-Active

When we go to sell the home, will this "walk in tub" provide a larger buyer pool?

[raynan]

If you can use it, keep it. When and if you decide to sell, take it out because the house next door to us took quite awhile to sell and all the neg comments were about that tub. Finally sold after 8 mos and lots of price drops. It takes a very specific buyer with a physical limitation or partner with one which is who finally bought. Homes on our street usually sell really fast so this one being on the market that long was very unusual for our neighborhood.

[Chatbrat]

CASH credit is always a great motivator,personally I would never buy a house that needed a messy renovation if I intended to move right in. These tubs are a big turn off can imagine sitting in water and having to wait for the water to drain before I could exit

[NotGolfer]

Originally Posted by Chatbrat

CASH credit is always a great motivator,personally I would never buy a house that needed a messy renovation if I intended to move right in. These tubs are a big turn off can imagine sitting in water and having to wait for the water to drain before I could exit

You don't sit too long waiting for the water to drain. You can begin to do the drying off and by the time you need to exit the water is gone. We have one because of physical issues. Did our homework first and LOVE it!

[cquick]

I would keep it......the person who buys your home in a couple of years might like to have it. And you might use it too.