The fine print says a lot

    The following, lifted from the "disclaimer" statements at the web sites of a few well known golf communities in the southern U.S., are good reminders that the fine print paints a more realistic picture than do salespeople and marketing brochures.  Names of the actual golf communities have been changed to protect the equivocating. Caveat emptor.

"The Perfect Golf Community, Inc. and/or its affiliates assume no liability, whether in contract or tort, for any direct [or] indirect special, consequential or punitive damages, including (without limitation) damages for loss of anticipated profits or revenue or other economic loss in connection with or arising from any act or omission by Perfect Golf Community, Inc., its agents, affiliates, joint venture partners, independent contractors, or unaffiliated third parties as a result of any act or omission in fulfillment of [or] in breach of this Policy."  (Editor's note:  I have inserted the needed [or]s; the community in question has spent more than $10 million in marketing expenses in some years and yet cannot proofread their own legal statements.)

"These materials including the features described and depicted herein are based upon current development

plans, which are subject to change without notice. The plans for Wondrous Community are in the formative stages only.  No guarantee is made that said features will be built, or if built, will be the same type, size, or nature as described or depicted. Photographs are for illustration only.  Prices, plans and dates are subject to change without prior notice.  Make travel arrangements at your own risk. Where applicable, obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read it before signing any papers.  No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property." (Editor's note:  The community in question is now four years old, making it hard to believe that plans are still "in the formative stage."  And what does "Make travel arrangements at your own risk mean?"  Beware of alligators when you play their golf course?)  

"Square footage[s] are approximate and may vary."  (Editor's note:  Since everything is blueprinted and surveyed, why must square footages be approximate?)

"Illustrations, maps, photographs, and other illustrative images are used for conceptual purposes only."  (Editor's note:  Get in writing at the time of contract that the clubhouse or amenities center will be substantially as promised.)

"All provisions of the master plan are subject to change, revision or deletion by the Developer at its sole discretion, at any time, without notice."  (Editor's note:  Ditto.  Everything about a sale of property is up for negotiation, and most developers in the current economy will not quibble too much.  If you are a good negotiator, you can override the disclaimer in the contract of sale.)