So you are thinking about buying a new home. And you would prefer that it be on a golf course. But what you’re wondering is: how do I go about buying a house on a golf course?
Buying golf course houses is similar to buying other houses. However, there are some little differences that you need to be cognizant of. To familiarize you with these differences, and to ensure that you go through the process in the correct manner, we’re going to get into more detail on the matter below.
Make Sure It’s the Right Decision for You
First and foremost, you need to make sure that living on a golf course is the right decision for you. While it may sound like a great idea right now, the reality of the situation could be a turn-off for you.
There are a few different things to think about when deciding whether you should live on a golf course.
First of all, will you be alright with the sound of lawnmowers blaring early in the morning? Golf course maintenance is an everyday thing, and the greenskeepers are sure to be running loud machinery at early hours.
Second of all, are you comfortable living in an HOA? Almost all golf course homes are under the jurisdiction of Homeowners Associations and will be subject to their rules. This means there will be some restrictions on what you can and can’t do with your house.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that there will be people walking by your home on a regular basis. And, if your home is close to the course, it could also be subject to errant golf shots.
Living on a golf course can be an exceedingly pleasant experience, but it’s not without its downsides. Give them the proper consideration before moving on with the process. Another great option is to live near a golf course, as it can offer many of the same benefits without some of the above-reviewed drawbacks.
Speak With Existing Residents and Members of the Community
This is going to be your home for the foreseeable future. As such, you need to make sure that you’re comfortable there. The only legitimate way to do this is to speak with some of the existing residents and members and see if you fit in.
Play a few rounds there, visit the clubhouse, and try to spark up a conversation. If you can, try to get insider information on the community. Ask whether they like living there, whether there are any problems you should know about, and the like.
This will help you get a feel for the place and will help you determine whether it’s really where you want to live.
Study Up on the Developers
A real estate purchase is always a big decision. It can have a seismic impact on your finances over the long run. As such, before buying a house within a golf community, you need to make sure to read up on the developer of the community.
See, if the developer has a history of bad deals or mismanagement, your home could be subjected to the same, and you could end up paying the price either through increased HOA fees or diminished resale value. But if the developer has a relatively clean reputation, you can reasonably expect your investment to be a good one.
Find an older course that the developer is responsible for. Is it still doing well? Or is it rundown and filled with vacancies? Determining this will help determine whether you’re dealing with a reputable developer or an unscrupulous one.
Assess Amenities
Golf course houses generally come with a variety of amenities. One of these is, of course, the golf course. But other amenities that you might receive include pools, tennis courts, community clubhouses, walking trails, and the like.
It’s up to you which amenities you’d like to receive. However, be cognizant that they’re not equal from course to course. Some courses have a lot of amenities while others have very few. In areas like the Denver Metro oftentimes the best amenities are those that are located close to the course, and not specifically offered by the community, like close access to Red Rocks.
Hire a Real Estate Agent That Specializes in Golf Course Homes
Though it’s certainly possible to buy a golf course home without the help of a real estate agent, you’ll likely find the process a little (or a lot!) frustrating.
A real estate agent will not only help you locate viable homes but he or she will also deal with much of the paperwork that’s involved in a real estate deal. He or she will also communicate with other parties to ensure that the process is going smoothly.
If you’re going to use a real estate agent, you should use one that specializes in golf course homes, in particular. These agents understand the intricacies of golf course real estate transactions, not to mention, they’ll have connections to authorities at different golf course communities in your area.
A real estate agent will have insider information on houses that go up for sale and will be able to pounce on them the second they’re available. All you have to do is sit back and communicate.
Need Help Buying a House on a Golf Course?
Are you still interested in buying a house on a golf course? Need a little help doing it? If so and if you’re in the Denver metro area, I, Doug Phelps, can help you.
I’m a real estate agent specializing in golf course homes. Regardless of the course that you’re interested in moving to, I can help you make your move a reality.
Contact me today to get the process started!
Or start by browsing homes for sale on and near over 60 Denver Metro golf courses. You can even create alerts, save properties, and more. All for free and with no advertisements! Search Colorado golf course homes now!
