One common mistake some couples make, thanks largely to the Internet, is to look at listings of homes for sale in golf communities. When they find a home whose size, number of rooms and site location impress them, they tend to move on to that golf community’s web site.
To be blunt, that approach is bass ackward.
First, any golf community of some size will include homes of all descriptions, which is to say most people will find a home they like in most communities. Or if they want a home exactly to their specs, lots tend to be comparatively inexpensive; they can build the home of their dreams.
The pivotal question is whether the community will suit them. Since you won’t know the answer until you visit, I suggest to couples I work with that they not even bother looking at houses, online or in person, until they have personally kicked the tires in the community. That includes a tour of the clubhouse, a round of golf on the community’s course, a meeting with the club’s general manager or some other community official, a drive through the entire community, a tour of the area just outside the community and some tough questions about life in the community, including the club’s financials and those of the homeowners association. (Oh yes, if possible, have a meal in the clubhouse to test the kitchen’s ability, especially if the club has a mandatory quarterly dining minimum.) All that should take one full day at least.
Only after you are satisfied that the community is right for you, then, and only then, should you look at homes. In short, when you visit a golf community, allocate at least two days; the first to check out the community itself, and the second to look at homes or lots if the community makes it past your scrutiny.
Don't Even Think About It: When you are looking for a golf community home, make sure you love the community before you even bother looking at homes, in person or on the Internet. [Photo taken at Callawassie Island community, near Beaufort, SC]
