An interesting article in the New York Times today makes the point that golf courses in some communities are going belly up, leaving their members high and dry and local residents with instant depreciation of their
Consider property only in a golf community where the amenities are in and functioning, and the developer has deep pockets.

homes.  We have reported here about the troubles that some developers have run into and, in extreme cases, they have cut and run, as at Grey Rock, in the mountains of North Carolina.  But even in some of the most dire circumstances, such as when developers get crosswise with their lenders, the best properties are finding a way to survive.  
    We have reported here in recent weeks, for example, the travails of the Ginn Resorts organization, which defaulted on a $635 million loan to Credit Suisse.  Other developers have stepped in to take over some of the Ginn properties, including the lush Laurelmor in North Carolina.
    There is no denying that times are tough in golf communities as they are elsewhere, but the New York Times and the other media overstate the carnage.  In their examples of residential golf courses that have closed, the Times article points to California, Las Vegas and Florida.  That is a little like doing an article on "Growth of Poverty around the World" and using as examples only Calcutta and Zimbabwe.
    The Times article, which you can access by clicking here, reminds us of two things:  First, don't trust everything you read and, second, consider purchasing property only in a community where the amenities are built and functioning, and where the developer or the club owners, if the golf club has been turned over to them, have deep pockets.  I can help you separate the wheat from the chaff if you are interested in taking advantage of the lowest prices in four or five years (and that goes for club initiation fees as well).  Just click on the Contact Us button at the top of the page, and I will get back to you promptly.


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Ocean Ridge features four golf courses, with another on the way, most of them designed by Tim Cate.  Photo courtesy of Ocean Ridge.

 

    With the inventory of community homes and lots everywhere stuck in a holding pattern, one North Carolina development company has decided to put a little romance into its marketing efforts.  River's Edge and Ocean Ridge Plantations are touting Valentine's vacation packages, both under the aegis of the development firm Coastal Companies.
    The two golf communities are offering a $149 package per couple, which includes two nights of lodging and complimentary green fees.  At Ocean Ridge, the first dozen couples to arrive on Valentine's Day will receive a complimentary dinner for two at a local restaurant.  Of course, as is customary with such "discovery" packages, a property tour is required, a small price to pay for a discount priced mini-vacation.  And, who knows, you just might find the home of your dreams.
    Ocean Ridge, located in Sunset Beach, just a few minutes from North Myrtle Beach and the ocean, is home to the Big Cats golf courses, so named for its four layouts -- Tiger's Eye, Panther's Run, Lion's Paw and the one-year old Leopard's Chase. Willard Byrd designed Lion's Paw and the other courses are the work of Tim Cate, who also designed the community's fifth course, Jaguar's Lair, which will open late in 2009, a year behind schedule.  
    River's Edge, with a course by Arnold Palmer, is located another 30 minutes up the coast, south of Wilmington and Southport.  Lots at Ocean Ridge and River's Edge begin in the $200s, with houses starting around $500,000 at River's Edge and in the $400s at Ocean Ridge.  About 40% of properties remain to be sold by the developer at Ocean Ridge, and $200,000 will get you a lot with a view of the golf club and club membership, a $25,000 value.
   Last year, I helped a reader purchase a lot in Ocean Ridge and would be happy to do the same for others.  Just hit the "contact us" button at the top of the page, send me a note, and I will go to work for you.  As always, there is neither an obligation nor a charge for this service.