Buyers:  What You Absolutely Must Decide Before You Tee Off

You know you want to live on or near the golf course. But there are a number of other things to consider before you even start your search. 

1. Location. There are nearly 3,000 golf course communities in the U.S. and hundreds in Florida, so it’s a good idea to decide up front what kind of location appeals to you. Do you want desert, city, mountains or waterfront?  Weather is another important factor: are you a fan of the four seasons or do you long for year-round sunshine? If the latter, how much heat and humidity can you tolerate? You should also think about how close you want to be to amenities like shopping, medical care, cultural arenas, schools and work. 

2. Realistic financial expectations.  Most golf course properties are part of Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) and require dues or membership fees. You’ll not only be financing a mortgage but will have to come up with those monthly HOA payments and dues as well, which you can expect to increase over the years.

3. Private, semi-private or public. Private courses charge the highest fees, but also offer the best tee time availability for members. Public courses use outside green fees to supplement dues, but you may find that your preferred tee times are often booked.  Decide on an acceptable ratio of expenditure vs. convenience.

4. Additional amenities.  Many golf course communities offer pools, tennis courts, restaurants, water sports and a clubhouse, among others.  Be assured that you will pay extra in dues or fees for these, so it‘s important to decide which ones you’ll actually use.

5. Demographics. If you’re seeking a quiet retirement, look for properties that are age restricted.  On the other hand, if you’ve got kids, find out if there are a number of families with children in the same age range. Ask if there are activities geared for the younger set.

6. Home design.  Do you want a detached single family home, townhome, or condominium? How much yard is important?  Golf course communities now offer a wide variety of home styles at prices ranging from mid-level to top-of-the-line.

7. The course itself. Plan to play three or four rounds on any course before you buy.  Does it offer enough challenge for now and future improvements to your game?  Chat with other players in the clubhouse and find out what they like and don’t like about the course.

8. Try before you buy. Many people find that renting a home before buying in a community they are interested in helps make the buying decision easier. If you would like to rent a golf course home, check out the Available Rentals section of my website.