A couple in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is struggling to find a buyer for their $1 million home due to the noise from the pickleball courts at a nearby country club.
Speaking in an interview with Boston.com, homeowner Judith Ann Roan Comeau said she listed her Sagamore Beach home and expected the property to sell within a month, like other similarly priced homes in the neighborhood. However, Comeau was forced to take down the listing this August after failing to find a buyer within the past eight months.
When asked why her house remains unsold, Comeau cited the pickleball courts installed at the 100-year-old private Sagamore Beach Colony Club, which bordered her backyard. She also told the publication that she had already requested the club to switch to quiet balls or paddles in an effort to muffle the noise.
"We had over 60 people come through [the house] and many come back again for a second look," Comeau wrote on a Facebook page. "Each time, no matter what time it is, someone is playing pickleball."
In another post, Comeau was seen recording the noise level from her deck, with readings ranging between 70 and 80 decibels. Typically, a vacuum cleaner produces 70 decibels while a police siren produces 80 decibels.
A lawyer representing Comeau has written a letter to the club requesting it to move the pickleball courts. If the club does not heed the request, the lawyer said they will consider litigation.
Do Pickleball Courts Make Homes Harder To Sell?
Pickleball courts can be noisy attractions, much like bars or restaurants. However, how it affects a property for sale varies depending on the buyer. For instance, home shoppers who are noise-sensitive would likely skip homes with noisy nearby attractions. On the other hand, home buyers whose hobbies align with nearby attractions would more likely be interested in homes near these gathering points.
In addition to the home's desirability, having a noisy nearby attraction can also positively or negatively affect the property's value. The effect would depend on the type of attraction, opening hours, and other factors, according to Realtor.com.
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