Buying A Home On A Golf Course - What You Need To Know

Posted on: 9 June 2020

Living in a golf course home is a dream come true for anyone that has picked up a driver. there are, however, a few points you should be aware of before you sign on the dotted line. 

There are stray balls.

Every golfer hates to walk up to the tee and totally shank the ball. It can throw off an entire game. It can also shatter windows, dent the hood of a car, or even hit an innocent bystander, like a homeowner trying to enjoy his or her deck on a summer morning. Stray balls shouldn't deter you from buying a golf front home, but you should be aware of the inherent risks and the possibility of increased auto and homeowner's insurance policies. 

They mow early. Really early.

Depending on the time of year and part of the country that you live in, golf courses open early. Early risers can tee off as early as 6 a.m. In order to maintain the fairways and greens, the maintenance crew needs to get out there before the guests arrive. This means they are often out as soon as the sun peaks over the horizon. In fact, many commercial mowers have headlights to assist with this.

If you need your beauty sleep or aren't thrilled with the idea of waking up to headlights streaming into your bedroom, you may want to think twice about which lot you choose. A home located along an area of the course that is out of bounds will need to be mowed less often. 

Keep an eye out for cart paths.

While golfers drive carts all over the fairways to find their ball and take their next shot, there are designated cart paths at the tee box and around the green. These paths are designed to minimize wear and tear on the grass in high traffic areas, however, they are also an area where golfers tend to talk with each other while they wait their turn and select their next club. 

Having a cart path along your property line can be problematic if you relish your privacy. Buying a house directly overlooking the fairway can reduce the conversational noise and foot traffic. 

The HOA can be strict.

When you invest in a golf front home, you expect a certain level of quality. You do not want to be living next to an unkempt home with multiple cars in various states of disrepair. That said, some homeowner's associations can take their job very seriously, dictating everything from the color of your exterior siding to the type of shrubbery you are allowed to plant.

Be sure to read through the HOA rules before making your decision. Your real estate agent can make sure that you get a review copy.  

Buying a golf front home can still be a dream come true as long as you know all the facts.

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