Whether you are an avid golfer or not, living on a golf course can be a beautiful thing. Think green grass, wildlife, open spaces, and easy access to a great pastime. However, it's not all wine and roses when you live on a golf course. You have to do your research and make sure you are aware of your rights and any regulations. If you are in the market to purchase a home near any golf course, here are some questions you should be asking yourself, the golf course, and your insurance company.
What about Property Damage?
While this is probably the first thing you think of buying a home on a golf course, there are a lot of aspects of property damage that could surprise you. First off, know your insurance. Ask your provider outright if they will cover property damage from errant golf balls. Then ask the golf course if you will have any recourse for broken windows or other damage. Also ask the golf course what rules of play there are regarding out of bounds and hitting from private property. If the golf course does not visibly post rules or if they don't accept responsibility, those can be red flags.
Where Exactly is the Property Located?
The home's location relative to the course is key. If the home is located right on the fairway, find out how far away from the tee your home will be. The average golfer will drive the ball about 200 to 250 yards. If your home is within that distance from the tee, beware. However, if you are behind the tee box you have a very low chance of getting hit. Also, most right-handed golfers just starting tend to hit the ball to the right. So if you can get on the left side of the fairway, that's often statistically better for you. Ask the golf course if you can walk the hole on which your property will sit to give you a better idea of the layout.
What Kind of Landscaping Chemicals are Used?
Golf courses are kept green with a lot of water and fertilizer. Call the golf course and ask them exactly how often they fertilize, what time of the year it is done, and what chemicals they use. If you are around one of the greens, be especially inquisitive because maintaining that short grass requires more treatment than the rest of the course. Most of the chemicals make it straight down into the grass root system, but some can blow away. Many fertilizers have a high rate of evaporation. This means that if they are applied in the hot summer months, the active chemicals may just evaporate and settle on your trees or garden. With a knowledgeable grounds crew it shouldn't be a problem, but make sure to find out before hand.
Asking these questions is essential to purchasing a home on a golf course. But once you buy the house you can enjoy a steady and desirable resale market and easy access to a golf course.
To learn more, contact a company like Levitan Realty.
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