Pros and Cons of Buying a Home on the Golf Course

Pros and Cons of Buying a Home on the Golf Course

Cary and Raleigh Area Golf Course Communities 

Living on a golf course is more than just having a perfectly manicured garden to overlook. It's also a lifestyle. The last thing you want to do is pay a premium for a home that comes with additional features you might not want or need.

People with a passion for golf - the sounds, the fresh air, the comrade, the scenery - happily pay a premium to live their dream. To be able to walk out of their patio on a quiet weekday afternoon and practice their putting is well worth it to them. Just being able to ride their golf cart to the course and play anytime they want is very appealing to many people. All of the social activities and events that go along with golf course living are also a bonus to those seeking that lifestyle.

Ask yourself these questions and see if living on a golf course is right for you.

Are you a golfer? Most people that live on a course want to live there because it is a golf course. If you don't love the atmosphere and the activity you may regret it. Yes, it's a pretty view, but there will be people on the course too. Most of your neighbors, that will probably be their passion. Will you have anything in common?

Do you like quiet Saturday mornings? Visit the home during the week and on a Saturday morning to get a feel for noise and traffic. Maybe you enjoy the crack of a club hitting the ball and the banter of golfers on the course - and it will be a perfect fit.

Is the home in the flight path of balls? Talk to the Pro Shop and regular golfers on the course. Ask their opinions about which areas are more prone to hitting homes. Talk to your insurance agent if such damage is covered. Is this a risk you are willing to take? Maybe a broken window time to time is a small price to pay for living in your dream home.

Do the other neighborhood amenities appeal to you? Most golf course communities offer many other nice amenities such as a pool, tennis courts, gym facilities and more. Check to see which amenities are included (if there are separate membership fees) and if you will use all of them.

Are you social? Living in a golf course community can be a great way to socialize and meet people with similar interests. Generally communities like this are pretty tight knit and making new friends is easy. If you like seclusion and privacy, a golf course home may not appeal to you.

Are there any other costs? In some golf course communities, the golf membership is part of the Home Owners Association dues and in some communities Membership is separate. The costs can also vary widely. Do your research on these fees and make sure it's in your budget to maintain an annual membership. Find out what other costs are associated with owning a home on the golf course. Are there any maintenance requirements on your part to keep your yard looking good from the course?

Are you OK with being part of an HOA? Home Owners Associations (HOA) impose standards and rules when it comes to the upkeep, style and improvements of homes in the community to maintain property values and ensure conformity. Golf Course Communities may have even more rules, especially for homes directly along the course. Check to make sure the rules are those you are willing and able to abide by.

If you are in the market for a Golf Course Property in Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Chapel Hill, Durham, Wake Forest or any areas surrounding the Triangle area of North Carolina, please contact me.

As a former Golf Pro, full time Realtor and resident of MacGregor Downs Country Club, I can offer you a wealth of advice and insight on purchasing a golf course property in any of our beautiful local golf course communities. If you need a referral outside of the area for a golf course property specialist, contact me. I have an extensive network of Agents I can refer.

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF GOLF COURSE PROPERTIES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN THE TRIANGLE