Pickleball: Friend or Foe of the Real Estate Market?
Last Edited
Aug 23 2024
Category
News
These two opposing statements about pickleball are true: it helps some people sell houses while preventing the sale of others'.
But how (and why) is that?
Of course, noise is the presiding factor. Take Judy & her husband, a Massachusetts couple hoping to sell their house now that they've retired.
You'd think they'd make perfect candidates for new pickleball players. But the sport has caused them more grief than joy.
- Nestled next to newly converted pickleball courts that regularly produce noise levels of over 70 decibels, their home has become a tough sell
- Despite multiple showings and price cuts, potential buyers keep backing out, citing the incessant noise from the neighboring courts
- Judy's frustration led her to request softer paddles or sound barriers, but her pleas have fallen on deaf ears
Desperate to restore peace—and her property value—she’s hired an attorney known for silencing courts in similar disputes.
ERNE, our favorite ball machine, also manufactures quiet training balls and playing balls to minimize noise impact.
The couple is now in a legal battle, hoping to either quiet the games or shut them down altogether.
“I’ll take it out of my equity and pay the lawyer. I can’t deal with it anymore,” Judy tells WCBV news.
Meanwhile: Pickleball is an Asset for (Many) Home Sellers
We've reached out to Judy to learn more about her problem. But in the meantime, we can't help but wonder if there are simply no pickleball fans who are also potential buyers in her area?
Because, according to Zillow, one of the largest names in home listings, pickleball courts have become a great selling feature nationwide.
Their 2024 Hottest Homes Trends report found pickleball references in home listings are up 64% on Zillow compared to last year.
"In New York City, StreetEasy is seeing a 100% increase in the share of for-sale listings highlighting a home’s proximity to public or private pickleball courts."
There are numerous reasons why Judy's area may not be pickleball-centric as other places. Her area is close to a vacation destination, so those around her may be buying for rest and relaxation.
Unlike other homes where courts are a distant feature, Judy's house is right next to the action. The constant, high-decibel "pop" of the game might be too much for potential buyers to overlook.
Read Next: SF Couple Finally Forced Out After Feud with Pickleball Players
No matter the reason, it's clear Judy needs a different agent not an attorney. Her area is rife with retirees like herself.
Instead of trying to minimize the issue of pickleball's proximity to her home, Judy has to target pickleball fanatics.
"Pickleball courts appeal to a specific type of buyer," says Daniel Cabrera, Owner and Founder of Sell My House Fast SA TX.
"Active retirees, young professionals who follow the fitness trends and fads, or even families who appreciate recreational amenities are the ones to target with that information."
Daniel says the difference in marketing the home to them versus families seeking quiet suburban life could make all the difference.
Need a quiet pickleball training solution? The Ninja-Ball plays like a normal ball but is wall-safe and won't make any noise.
How to Sell a House Near a Pickleball Court
In Daniel's experience, the things that make pickleball an asset rather than a liability all come down to a few key points:
Proximity and Noise Control: Distance from the court is crucial. Houses that are far enough away from all the noise yet still close enough for it to be considered an on-site amenity have the best chances of selling. Noise mitigation can help the homes maintain their appeal when located near the courts.
Finding the Right Buyers: Pickleball courts appeal to a specific type of buyer. Active retirees, young professionals who follow the fitness trends and fads, or even families who appreciate recreational amenities are the ones to target with that information. The difference in marketing the home to them versus families seeking quiet suburban life could make all the difference.
Positioning in terms of benefits: It’s also important to position the pickleball court as a lifestyle feature. Emphasizing health benefits, the ability to interact with community members, and, socially, the ability to have a court nearby resonate significantly. The court should be considered part of an entire active lifestyle package aimed at pickleball fans.
Speaking of pickleball fans: if any of you are looking to move to the Cape Cod area of Massachusetts and want to buy a home at a discount, you know who to call now!
Feel like playing pickleball now? Check out all our favorite gear at Pickleball Central.
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