People tend to carry their rooting interests with them when they move from one state to another.  I have seen it time and again, in golf communities like The Landings in Savannah, GA, where the golf community’s TV station lists meetings of the “Illinois Club” and “New Jersey Club.”  The more partisan residents of these golf communities hang the flags of their alma maters outside their homes, especially before and during March Madness or when a national football championship game involves their teams.

        It was, therefore, with little surprise that I happened upon the two homes featured in the photo below at Wynlakes Country Club in Montgomery, AL a week ago.  One Florida State fan living next to one Clemson fan:  Yet a third flag showed that no matter the rivalry, both root ultimately for the same team.

Wynlakesflags

        Our friend Toby Tobin, the Florida real estate maven and blogger, has posted at his web site, GoToby.com, an excellent overview of the inhibitors to a housing recovery.   What will be of special interest to those contemplating a move to a southern golf community, especially one in coastal Florida, is the list of price movements in selected communities in the area of Palm Coast, located between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach.  The former Bobby Ginn property, Hammock Beach, is located in Palm Coast.

        Toby’s chart of communities includes inventory levels of unsold homes –- Hammock Dunes has a whopping 58 months worth – as well as an accounting of how many homes are lender owned and distressed, how many homes have sold and at what median prices.  It provides an eye-opening snapshot of just how severely Florida real estate has suffered during the recession and, by implication, what kinds of bargains are available in golf communities for those with a little appetite for risk.

         You can read Toby’s article at gotoby.com.  If you have specific questions about Florida golf communities. please contact me and I will be happy to help.