Helen Graham
Linda Schmitz
My husband and I both enjoy an active lifestyle. So, naturally, community amenities were an important consideration when searching for a place to relocate. We started playing pickleball a few years ago for exercise and social connection, and we love the game. For this reason, pickleball courts were a highly sought-after amenity to us and a factor in our decision to purchase in SaddleBrooke and become members of the SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association (SPA).
We’re not alone. Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. over the past four consecutive years, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. This begs the question: Given the sport’s popularity and increasing demand for facilities, do pickleball courts, as a community amenity, add to the value of a home? Are they considered by most residents to be a positive or a negative? I spoke with realtor and SaddleBrooke resident Helen Graham to get her thoughts and professional opinion.
Helen, in recent years, how important are pickleball courts to your clients when considering a home purchase? As a rough estimate, I would say 75% of my buyers express an interest in pickleball. Some already play, and others are interested in learning, especially as they approach retirement and are looking for a way to meet people and socialize.
Are buyers interested in court sports in general or specifically pickleball courts? In recent years, I haven’t fielded questions regarding tennis courts very often. Buyers like to hear about the amenities, and pickleball has become a very common request. Zillow reports that more and more listings are mentioning pickleball than ever before.
Do communities with pickleball courts tend to attract more buyers? Yes. Since pickleball is such a fast-growing sport and much of that growth is in the 55+ active adult space, both SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch are attractive to buyers. The number of courts at SB Ranch is impressive, and some buyers are interested in that size of facility. Now that SaddleBrooke has 14 courts and the pavilion facilities, it makes SaddleBrooke much more attractive to buyers wanting pickleball. The fact that the SPA offers lessons, drop-in play, and competitive and tournament play opportunities provides a great story to potential buyers.
Is a home’s proximity to courts a positive or a negative? Both. For pickleball players, easy access is often considered a positive, yet too close can be a negative due to the noise. I’ve sold homes close to the courts. Some people say it’s nice that people are out enjoying themselves. This is especially the case during daytime hours when the noise is less intrusive. However, some prospective buyers have asked not to see a particular listing due to proximity. People do enjoy their quiet in the evenings. Installing lights to extend hours of play could be an infringement on that peace and quiet. Perhaps installing acoustic barriers around the courts would be an effective way to deaden some of the sound. The important thing is to have respect for the community and consider how all residents are being impacted.
Do you feel that pickleball courts, as a community amenity, have an impact on home values? If so, by how much? Yes, if SaddleBrooke did not have a robust pickleball program, fewer people would opt to live here. Home values reflect that, but putting a dollar amount or percentage on that value is tough. I would say SaddleBrooke would lose buyers without it.
Thank you, Helen. My pleasure.