Living on a golf course, Dream or Nightmare?
Are you thinking of buying a golf home? Maybe you’ve thought about living on a golf course, or even heard stories from people who already do? Or you've seen ads showing golf course homes for sale. Well, if you’re wondering if living on a golf course is a dream come true or a nightmare, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to explore the pros and cons of living on a golf course so you can decide if it’s a good fit for you.
What are some of the benefits living in a golf community?
- Access to practice facilities such as driving range, sand bunkers and putting greens.
- Beautiful golf vistas if your home is on the fairway or overlooking the course.
- Have neighbors that also love golf and may play golf.
- Living on a golf course is premium and may Increase the property value of your home.
- Back yard and surrounding area is always lush and green or decorative.
- Closer proximity to clubhouse. May not need to drive miles and miles to get to the golf course.
- Free access to PGA or LPGA Events.
Our friend Charles owns a home on the Stadium course in PGA West. PGA West is one of the many golf communities in the world. He receives free passes to the American Express PGA Tour event every January and we have had the opportunity to use them from time to time. Charles is not a member of PGA West so he cannot play there but his back yard and patio opens up to the green on #13 hole. It is a beautiful property and Charles plans to keep it but he wishes he can play the Stadium course one day. Before buying a golf property, check the golf membership and see if it is affordable before committing to the purchase of the home.
Our friend Dennis owns a home off the tenth green of an executive 18-hole course in Palm Springs. The hole is relatively short but there is a huge lake on the whole right side that starts at the tee box and continues past the green. Most golfers that slice their tee shot will aim a little more left than usual, putting them in line with Dennis' patio. Dennis told us that since buying his home, he had one errant ball through his kitchen window and at least three balls on his roof. Dennis told us that he refuses to sit on his patio during the day when the golf course is teeming with beginner golfers. Golfers and golf course owners in California are not liable for any damage such as window breaks due to an errant golf ball. According to attorney Dalton Floyd, Dennis assumes the risk when he bought the property on a golf course. His insurance agent would have encouraged Dennis to increase his car insurance as well as his home insurance to cover more accidental damage. He has to make a claim to a loss adjuster of his insurance company to repair his own window. In some cases, golf courses charge an insurance fee to cover window breakages. If Dennis lived on a golf course that took care of this liability, he would save on his insurance premiums.
Owning a golf home sounds glamorous, but there are definitely some issues that come with it. Depending on the golf course and how much they're willing to invest in maintenance, noise and activity levels around your home can be pretty high. Take Tom, for example. He lives in a golf home in Camarillo, CA and loves sleeping in, but on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, he can't do that. Why? Because he's woken up by the sound of mowers at a whopping 5am! Tom can't help but bark at the greenskeeper for keeping the greens so immaculately groomed for the golfers every single day of the week. Sure, the course is gorgeous, but at what cost? Tom has to give up his precious sleep-ins!
Dennis is fortunate to own a home on the second floor, far away from the pesky golfers who frequently trespass on Tom's patio. With the golfers' curious eyes peering through his windows, Dennis' home can feel like an aquarium – as if he's on display for everyone to see. It's a nuisance that can make it hard to enjoy the privacy of his own home.
Owning a golf home sounds glamorous, but there are definitely some issues that come with it. Depending on the golf course and how much they're willing to invest in maintenance, noise and activity levels around your home can be pretty high. Take Tom, for example. He lives in a golf home in Camarillo, CA and loves sleeping in, but on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, he can't do that. Why? Because he's woken up by the sound of mowers at a whopping 5am! Tom can't help but bark at the greenskeeper for keeping the greens so immaculately groomed for the golfers every single day of the week. Sure, the course is gorgeous, but at what cost? Tom has to give up his precious sleep-ins!
Dennis is fortunate to own a home on the second floor, far away from the pesky golfers who frequently trespass on Tom's patio. With the golfers' curious eyes peering through his windows, Dennis' home can feel like an aquarium – as if he's on display for everyone to see. It's a nuisance that can make it hard to enjoy the privacy of his own home.
Liam feels different about living on the ground floor and on a golf course. He likes socializing with golfers who walks by his patio when he is out enjoying a drink. He tells jokes and wishes them a good round. Stella who also lives in a golf community loves how convenient it is. She walks and pulls a cart with her golf bag on it to the clubhouse that is only 15 minutes away. She checks in and she is on the first tee within 20 minutes after leaving her home. Sometimes when she goes by her patio, she runs in and gets a cold drink from her fridge. She loves the convenience.
Owning a home on a golf course has its advantages and is a dream of many golfers but there are certainly some drawbacks. Ben wanted to buy a home in the prestigious community of Mission Hills, CA. The home was reasonably priced but to play the two private courses onsite, the membership was through the roof. Ben did not want to own a home in a golf community that he could not participate in, so he decided to shop elsewhere. Ben's friend John was not so lucky. He bought a home in a golf community where the golf course was owned by an independent company. The company ran out of money and closed the golf course. At first, the home association was going to purchase the golf course from this company but later found, the company had other plans. John kept up with the real estate news in the community and found out that the company was interested in converting the golf course to prime real estate for home development. The moral of the story is to be careful when shopping for a golf home. It is a good idea to work with a good real estate broker that specializes in golf communities in your area. And since you're at it, ask for some insurance quotes too.
Owning a home on a golf course has its advantages and is a dream of many golfers but there are certainly some drawbacks. Ben wanted to buy a home in the prestigious community of Mission Hills, CA. The home was reasonably priced but to play the two private courses onsite, the membership was through the roof. Ben did not want to own a home in a golf community that he could not participate in, so he decided to shop elsewhere. Ben's friend John was not so lucky. He bought a home in a golf community where the golf course was owned by an independent company. The company ran out of money and closed the golf course. At first, the home association was going to purchase the golf course from this company but later found, the company had other plans. John kept up with the real estate news in the community and found out that the company was interested in converting the golf course to prime real estate for home development. The moral of the story is to be careful when shopping for a golf home. It is a good idea to work with a good real estate broker that specializes in golf communities in your area. And since you're at it, ask for some insurance quotes too.