The current gulf between most expensive home and least expensive home site in many communities is forcing some couples to consider the formerly unthinkable: “Should we buy a lot and build our dream home?” During this current period of high prices and low inventories of homes for sale in some of the nation’s best golf communities, the answer might be “Yes,” despite the high costs of lumber and labor.Real estate wisdom says you should never own the most expensive house in your neighborhood; owning the least expensive house runs a close second but if your home is down-market in price but brand new, your upside potential is high.
That is why for many retired couples, this is a good time to build that home you have always dreamed of.I looked at a few of my favorite golf communities in the Southeast and found some wide deltas between the most expensive homes and lots currently listed for sale. Here they are, with links to the listings.
Indian Creek, Kilmarnock, VA
Known as the Northern Neck of Virginia, the intriguing area surrounding Kilmarnock is among the least known and, therefore, most underappreciated in the Southeast Region. The neck juts out into the expanse of water formed by the Potomac and Rappahanock Rivers, across from the DelMarVa Peninsula. Indian Creek is the preeminent private club on the Northern Neck. The nearest city is Richmond, about two hours away, which keeps local real estate at a significant value for peace-and-quiet seekers. That is not to say the area lacks “mansion style” homes, like this one priced at $1.65 million.
The beach club on the ocean at DeBordieu Colony.DeBordieu Colony, Georgetown, SC
Known by locals as Debby Doo – French is not a second language in the Low Country of South Carolina – DeBordieu translates as “near to God.” Whether a brilliant sunrise over the ocean or an exciting Pete Dye designed golf course are the stuff of natural highs for you, DeBordieu is a special place for those who like to both relax and be active in equal measures. One of the rare east coast golf communities north of Florida with a golf course AND an ocean beach club inside the gates, DeBordieu commands the top end of the market in the Myrtle Beach/Pawleys Island area. Whenever a beachfront home at DeBordieu comes on the market, it immediately leaps to the top of the price list. However, the most expensive home currently for sale in the community is not on the ocean, just a short walk away. But at $4.6 million, it is spectacular.
As lots go in the Southeast, $279,950 is pricey, but for a home site in a community that is always a short golf cart ride to the ocean beach club and with a fine Pete Dye golf course, it is all relative. Click here.
The Rees Jones layout at Haig Point is full of surprises...and challenges.When you decide to live at Haig Point, you can pack up all your cares and woes and leave the world – and your car – behind. No private vehicles are permitted on Daufuskie Island. The major mode of conveyance on the noise- and air-pollution free island is the golf cart. You might think that real estate on an island only reached by ferry or helicopter would be expensive. After all, shipping in all those materials and labor should drive costs up. And they do. But homes and especially lots are surprisingly affordable in a paradise that is not for everyone. But if it is for you, you can look forward to a relaxing vacation or retirement place and 27 holes of Rees Jones golf that is so good the pros who play an annual event across the Calibogue Sound at Sea Pines Plantation practice at Haig Point. From well over $1.35 million for a home on the golf course to just $14,500 for a 2/3-acre buildable plot of land, paradise offers plenty of options.
