NWMNMom,

I'm sure what you say is true in Minnesota, but I can assure it is decidely NOT true in North Central New Jersey, and not in the suburban town I live in. I definitely have an AG pool, it's aluminum and plastic walled, and I definitely had my house revalued because of it.

Each state and each municipality has its own rules and laws. I am currently selling my mother's house in Northern Westchester County, in New York, and the real estate rules and methods there would make your head spin! Especially since you seem to be a realtor. NOTHING in Westchester follows any familiar pattern, even in comparison to other counties of New York! For example, ALL offers are verbal and the written contract isn't prepared until very late in the process. Despite the house being "under contract", either party can back out and the seller can STILL accept a higher bid! Any place else that's a breach of contract, but not in Westchester. The written contract comes with an escrowed down payment as well (my mom's lawyer now has that down payment in an escrow account).