Bundled Golf Community?
Is a bundled community the right fit for you?
This is one of the first questions our consultants will attempt to determine an answer to upon speaking with a new client about their future expectations of residing in South Florida. What has surprised GLN representatives is the lack of understanding most clients have of the nuances between a standard golf community versus a bundled community. With that being said, our goal this month is to educate you on the fundamental differences between the two, and how a few overall dynamics can influence your direction upon visiting the Sunshine State this winter.
First and foremost, the biggest difference between the two environments is simply that in a bundled community, when you purchase a home or condominium, your golf membership is included in the sale. While this sounds like the perfect scenario for most of our clients who are transitioning to South Florida, your GLN consultants need a little more information before determining whether a bundled search is the correct way to proceed. Below are a few questions a GLN consultant will ask to determine the appropriate course of action for each client:
How many days a week do you envision playing golf while in Florida?
If the client is comfortable with 2 to 3 days on the links and is looking for league and social play, then a bundled atmosphere may be a perfect setting. Should the client desire 4 to 5 days a week with easy access to tee times, then a bundled community may not be the right fit.
Why? Remember that your golf membership is included in the sale of the home. That being said, if there are 400 doors on property you can probably assume that there are upwards of 700 members with the same course access as you. At a 36-hole facility this may be functional; but at an 18-hole facility it may be very difficult to find a last minute tee time or the opportunity play 5 days a week.
Do you and your spouse take part in other amenities such as tennis, fitness, pool, bocce, etc?
When clients tell us they are very active in other sports or amenities GLN consultants will begin to focus on a bundled environment, especially if they prefer to play golf just 2 to 3 days a week. Conversely, for those clients who have no interest in additional amenity use, GLN will focus on golf communities that are not bundled.
Why? When you buy into a bundled community, as a new homeowner you are in a position to use all of the club’s offerings. However, many buyers should keep in mind that even if they do not play tennis or envision using the clubhouse pool, they are still responsible for any capital assessments that may occur at the club. In other words, if you buy in a bundled community you will need to accept that if an assessment occurs to resurface the tennis courts, each door is responsible for the assessment, even if you don’t play tennis. So while having state-of-the-art facilities in your bundled community will certainly not hurt your home value or your community’s reputation, you will have to be prepared to abide by all community decisions.
These are just a few of the questions your GLN consultant will ask to help determine your proper course of action. Being unaware of these simple fundamental differences can not only result in an uneducated buying decision, it can also cause you to waste countless hours researching and touring facilities that in the end are not the right fit for you. Finding the right golf club and community should not be daunting and confusing – especially when at NO COST TO YOU our GLN consultants can ask a few questions and put you on a fun and exciting track to an educated decision. “Get Started” today to schedule your expert consultation with Golf Life Navigators!
Until next time, be educated, be advised and be strategic!
Jason H. Becker, PGA
