Location, and in particular, that location's climate, is universally cited as the most important criteria golfhome buyers consider when choosing a Private Community. Access to a good golf course is usually listed second.
The important thing to remember about the golf course in a Private Community is that this is the golf course you'll be playing on a regular basis. So, you and your family should be sure that it is the type of course you will not only find challenging for your golf game but also find it to be enjoyable to play several times a week.
Many Private Community developers choose well known golf course architects to design the golf course because it is a proven fact that they can price the homes and homesites higher than if they had chosen an unknown golf course architect. Golfers trying to impress others have been known to say " I live at .................. and we have a Championship golf course designed by .............."
The words "Championship golf course" have been greatly overused by Private Community developers and marketers and often times "Championship golf course" has turned out to mean "hard to play." Remember, this is a course you'll be playing regularly. If it's too hard to play you won't enjoy playing it, so be sure to play the course several times before making a buying decision. Take advantage of any Stay and Play Discovery Packages offered by the Private Communities you are comparing. Just because the course has a well known name attached to it doesn't mean it is the right golf course for you. It's your individual "playability" factors that are more important. (A Private Community that has two golf courses, one for the serious low handicap player and one for the mid to high handicap players might be more appealing.)
In addition to the golf course you should also check out the practice facilities, the locker rooms, the clubhouse dining options, the pro shop, and the staff.
The golf course's Membership structure may also influence your decision.
Many Communities require the purchase of a Golf Membership, with a substantial initiation fee and subsequent monthly fees, as part of your golfhome purchase. In addition, depending on the golf course ownership structure homeowners may be subject to assessments for unanticipated course maintenance expenses and updates.
You should also inquire about the number of golfing Members. This will have an impact on tee time availability.
As with all legal documents, be sure to have your Attorney review the Membership agreement.
Return to golfhomesTODAY's Golfhome Buying Guide.
