Some Communities include a Bundled Membership in the purchase price of the home. Bundled Memberships are usually less expensive than Equity Memberships because there is no hefty initiation fee. Annual dues are usually less expensive as well because every homeowner in the bundled Community pays annual dues. But, because every home has a membership, membership numbers can be higher and this could impact the availability of tee times. A Bundled Membership automatically passes on to the new owner when the home is sold and can also be transfered to a "tenant" if the home is rented.
Some Communities may require the purchase of a Private Golf Club Equity Membership in addition to the purchase of a home or homesite in the Community. Equity Memberships are by application (many by invitation only) and require the payment of a sizable initiation fee, most of which is returnable upon resignation of the membership (be sure to fully understand the initiation refund policy before buying). The total number of members in an Equity Club is significantly lower than in a bundled club which means that annual dues are usually higher but tee times are easier to reserve. A non-Equity Membership may be offered by some Clubs.
If you want to join the Golf Club that is exclusive to property owners because of the quality of the golf course, or because your friends play there, you might be able to buy a homesite in a Community just to give you the ability to join the Golf Club, even if you do not intend to build a home and become a resident of the Community.
Many Golf Clubs in Private Communities may offer memberships to non-residents. This can significantly impact the total number of memberships available and the availability of prime tee times.
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