What’s the Bigger Waste of Money? A Formal Dining Room or a Pool?
If you’re searching for homes for sale Auburn, here’s a question that sparks some strong opinions: what’s the bigger waste of money—a formal dining room or a swimming pool?
The funny thing is, there isn’t one right answer.
Some homeowners use their dining room twice a year. Others host family dinners every week. Some people dream about having a pool, while others see nothing but maintenance, chemicals, and expense.
As someone who has lived in the Auburn area since 1988 and has been a REALTOR® for over 20 years, I’ve learned that value depends on how you actually live.
What feels like a waste of money to one buyer may be the feature another buyer absolutely loves.
The Case Against Formal Dining Rooms
One trend I’ve noticed is that many buyers today prefer open floor plans and flexible living spaces.
Some formal dining rooms end up becoming:
• Home offices
• Homework stations
• Craft rooms
• Storage areas
• Piano rooms
• Unused space
Many families simply don’t eat formal meals the way previous generations did.
Instead, they gather around kitchen islands, breakfast areas, patios, or family rooms.
That’s why some buyers see a formal dining room as square footage that could have been used differently.
Why Some Buyers Still Love Formal Dining Rooms
Not everyone agrees.
Many Auburn families continue to host:
• Thanksgiving dinners
• Christmas gatherings
• Graduation celebrations
• Birthday parties
• Auburn football watch parties
• Holiday meals
For those homeowners, a formal dining room remains a valuable feature.
Especially in larger homes, a dedicated entertaining space can still be very appealing.
The Case Against Pools
Pools are one of the most polarizing features in real estate.
Common concerns include:
• Maintenance costs
• Repairs
• Insurance considerations
• Cleaning
• Utility expenses
• Safety concerns
Many buyers tell me they love the idea of a pool until they start thinking about the upkeep.
Why Buyers Love Pools
Then there are the pool lovers.
In Auburn’s hot summers, a backyard pool can become the center of family life.
Benefits include:
• Outdoor entertainment
• Exercise
• Family gatherings
• Staycations
• Relaxation
• Cooling off during Alabama summers
Some homeowners use their pool almost every day from late spring through early fall.
Auburn’s Climate Makes This Interesting
Unlike some parts of the country, Auburn’s climate allows homeowners to enjoy outdoor spaces for much of the year.
Many residents spend time at:
• Kiesel Park
• Town Creek Park
• Chewacla State Park
• Downtown Auburn
• Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/)
• Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium)
Because outdoor living is such a big part of life here, pools often hold more appeal than they might in colder climates.
Which One Hurts Resale More?
Generally speaking, neither automatically hurts resale value.
The key is the buyer pool.
| Feature | Typical Buyer Reaction |
|---|---|
| Formal Dining Room | Love it or ignore it |
| Pool | Love it or avoid it |
| Flexible Space | Appeals to most buyers |
| Outdoor Living Area | Very popular |
| Covered Patio | High demand |
One thing I consistently see is that flexibility sells.
Spaces that can serve multiple purposes often appeal to the largest number of buyers.
A Real Client Story
I once worked with a buyer relocating to Auburn who absolutely refused to consider homes with pools.
He viewed them as expensive and unnecessary.
His wife felt exactly the opposite.
After touring several homes, they eventually purchased a property with a pool.
A year later, they told me it had become the family’s favorite feature.
Meanwhile, I’ve had other buyers fill in pools because they never used them.
That’s why these decisions are so personal.
What Auburn Buyers Are Asking For Today
Many buyers searching for homes for sale Auburn tell me they’re looking for:
• Open floor plans
• Home offices
• Flexible rooms
• Covered patios
• Outdoor entertaining areas
• Fenced backyards
• Functional living spaces
While formal dining rooms and pools both have fans, buyers often prioritize flexibility.
Location Still Matters Most
No matter which features you prefer, location remains one of the biggest factors in real estate.
Many buyers want convenient access to:
• Auburn University (https://www.auburn.edu/)
• Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium)
• Auburn Mall (https://www.shopauburnalabama.com/)
• Auburn City Schools (https://www.auburnschools.org/)
You can explore neighborhoods throughout Auburn here:
Auburn subdivisions (https://auburnopelikaalrealestate.com/auburn-al-subdivisons/)
Quick Q&A
Q: Do pools add value in Auburn?
A: They can, particularly for buyers who want outdoor recreation and entertaining space.
Q: Are formal dining rooms still popular?
A: Some buyers love them, while others prefer more flexible living spaces.
Q: Which feature is more likely to go unused?
A: That depends entirely on the homeowner’s lifestyle.
Q: What do most buyers prioritize today?
A: Flexible floor plans, outdoor living areas, and functional spaces tend to attract the widest audience.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Auburn?
Whether you love a formal dining room, dream of a backyard pool, or think both are unnecessary, I’d love to help you find the right home.
I’ve lived in the Auburn area since 1988 and have been a REALTOR® for over 20 years. I’m proud to be part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, the Official Real Estate Partner of the Auburn Tigers.
If you’re searching for homes for sale Auburn, call or text me at 334-332-7263 or visit AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com.
Homes, y’all!
