Dear Cape Friends,
(If you’re new to these weekly notes, here’s the scoop: I share what’s happening in Cape Cod real estate… and occasionally wander off into other fun or thought-provoking territory.)
If you’ve spent any amount of time here on the Lower Cape (Chatham, Orleans, Harwich and Brew-stah), you know September isn’t just the start of cooler nights and quieter beaches. It’s also peak white shark season on the elbow of Cape Cod. Just last week, the Cape Cod Chronicle ran a feature reminding us that our local waters are some of the most studied shark habitats in the world. Shark Week even said that Chatham is the Great White Shark Capital of the world.
Now, before anyone laughs - I realize the Chronicle isn’t exactly the Wall Street Journal or the New York Times. (Don’t be a snob) But here on the elbow, it might as well be. It’s our trusted paper of record, and if the Chronicle says sharks are here, then sharks are here. No FAKE NEWS!
By the way, I probably love the ocean more than most. (I’ve seen plenty of sharks - including Great Whites - and even fished for them with my old pal, Paul Conte.) But it does highlight something I’ve been hearing more and more from clients lately: the value of a swimming pool.
Pools as Lifestyle (and Investment)
A pool isn’t just a luxury amenity anymore - it’s become a lifestyle solution for Cape homeowners. And here’s the business reality: homes with pools can command a 10–15% premium in certain cape zip codes. Buyers are also asking more frequently about “pool potential,” even if one isn’t already installed. Pools are becoming a key driver in second-home purchases, especially for families.
And here’s a fun factoid: pool installations on the Cape have jumped upwards of 25% since 2020. Listen, to me that tracks as significant movement in my simple analysis. For Cape Cod that’s basically a bull market. And don’t worry, I’m not angling to replace Jerome Powell at the Fed..
So, is a pool a good investment? On Cape Cod, the answer is: it depends. You don’t put one in just to flip a house, but you can absolutely expect it to enhance buyer interest, shorten days on market, and in many cases add resale value. In today’s market, where lifestyle drives decisions as much as square footage, a pool can tip the scales in your favor.
One couple I met recently put it perfectly: “We came to the Cape for the ocean, but we bought the house for the pool.” That balance of ocean charm and backyard comfort is what makes real estate here unique.
On the flip side, I met a woman at an open house last week (from Boca Raton) who scoffed when I suggested adding a pool to this AWESOME house I was showing (73 Joshua Jethro, Chatham). Her answer: “The last thing I’m looking for is a pool here on beautiful Cape Cod.” Of course I smiled politely, but in my head I thought: Listen Lady, go for a swim off Monomoy at dusk with a Peter Luger’s porterhouse tied to your ankle, and report back. Good luck with that.
Pools aren’t for everyone. Some folks love nothing more than a bracing dip in Pleasant Bay or the thrill of a seal swimming past at Lighthouse Beach. But more and more buyers are recognizing that a pool isn’t just a feature - it’s part of what makes a Cape Cod home complete.
So whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, remember: sharks belong in the ocean… but your swims (and your real estate value) belong in the pool.
Also, if you’re pool curious, check out oceansidepools.com in Harwich. I met the owner – Steve- earlier in the summer at Cape Cod National Golf one morning. Nice fellow – he will get you dialed in.
As always, in case you are around Friday morning, swing by Chatham Perk – I’ll be there, still insisting they pour the very BEST coffee in Chatham.
