Real estate offering the beauty of a ‘signature golf course out your back door’ may be some people’s idea of the perfect place to retire ~ but before you pack your bags and don your best golf attire there are a few things you might want to consider.
Calling the 9th hole your home will mean home insurance is not an option, it’s a requirement along with having a detailed understanding of your policy. The saying, ‘it all comes down to location, location, location’ isn’t a fallacy since many of the things you need to consider before deciding to live on a golf course is where on the course your home will be located.
If you choose ~
By the tee: While you get to observe the power portion of the game as golfers drive off the tee, swearing is usually the worst on the tee and it’s often repeated with each new group that comes through.
Get daily National news
Mid hole, right: This position can give you a good view of the entire hole. If your course happens to be a magnet for unskilled golfers, right-handers tend to slice the ball (to the right), so if your home isn’t well protected, you could have lots of balls flying onto your property.
Mid hole, left: Again this will give you a great view but if your course sports good golfers, they tend to hook; which means you can expect more missiles coming your way.
Near the green: This *could* be the best position since you not only get a potentially pretty view but the shots are generally shorter and therefore less wild and dangerous. Talking (and swearing!) are more subdued than anywhere else on the course. Some disadvantages are if you aren’t too close to the green, your home could be hit by a stray shot ~ and the greens are mowed very early in the morning ~ be prepared for loud noises and interrupted sleep.
Putting aside location some other red flags for living on a course are:
Noise: loud talking, swearing, early morning machinery.
Pesticides: chemicals are regularly used on golf courses. You won’t be able to directly control the environment immediately adjacent to your home ~ herbicide, pesticide and fungicides.
Distance: make sure you check your home is the recommended distance from the ‘active’ golf course.
Water holes: while it’s usually a beautiful spot, be prepared for bugs or if in other areas, something bigger.
Overall, it pays off to do you research ahead of time ~ talk with your potential neighbours, play the course to see potential problem areas and visit your potential home various different times through the day and week.
~ Sources: city-data.com; thevirginian.com; topretirements.com
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.