Many of the top reasons why people buy properties near golf courses transcend the game and have nothing to do with whether the buyer plans on playing on the golf course themselves. In some golf property communities, as much as half to three quarters of the buyers are not even golfers. They are making the purchase decision based on the quality of life enhancements which add to the location’s value and desirability. Furthermore, property situated within a country club development offers a variety of amenities and recreation choices along with the wide open spaces that will never be built upon.

The prestige of living in a golf community can also quite often translate into more social and business opportunities. You will find yourself joining a ready-made community of high achievers who share your values. Whether you’ve just arrived in the community or you’ve been there for a long time, socializing and networking opportunities will continue to abound, facilitating those times when you are ready to make a change and move up in the world. These upscale communities attract more affluent buyers who value the quality of life increases that come from enhanced recreational opportunities and living in a beautiful area.

A big reason for the increased property values comes from community guidelines for property development. This helps to protect a buyer’s investment. Requiring new houses to conform to standards helps to ensure that all the houses and landscaping are complementary and in harmony with the community development plan. Acres and acres of landscaped and cared for open spaces appeal to real estate buyers who appreciate beautiful views. They can be sure they are purchasing property in an area that will remain free from further crowding or unsightly development. Also, country club areas are often a refuge for wildlife and provide opportunities for enjoying and interacting with nature.

Some buyers are looking for both capital appreciation over the long range and the opportunity to generate cash flow. The demand for golf vacation rentals is such that many communities have management programs available that can handle renting out your home. Many different options are also available through websites and rental companies so you can market and handle the rentals for your property yourself as well.

Inspecting a home for defects is not something you do every day. Inspecting a potential new home can let you know about problems so you’ll be an informed buyer. From problems with the foundation to a leaky roof, defects can be very expensive to repair. It is always best to know before you buy what you’re up against rather than be surprised after you complete the purchase. So, it’s in your best interest to select an inspector that is skilled and qualified to detect all the major and minor problems you’re likely to encounter once the house is yours.

Whether you are selling your home or buying a home, you will want a home inspection. Sellers have an obligation to make a full disclosure of all the material defects in the property. Leaving out a major problem can result in legal problems. Buyers need to have an independent inspection done to make sure they know what potential defects there are so they can negotiate a better price or have the owner fix the defects before the sale is consummated.

First, make sure they are full time inspectors. Then ask how many homes they have inspected in the previous year. Depending on the region and the real estate market, most full time home inspectors perform a hundred or more inspections annually. And, with so many inspections, ask for a list of previous clients you can call to see how happy they were with this inspector.

Ask about any additional certifications they may have. Often a professional home inspector will have worked in related fields and will be certified as a plumber, electrician, general contractor, mason, or have performed other related work such as a property claims adjuster. The more experience they have in related fields the better your inspection will be.

Ask if they have errors and omissions insurance to pay claims against their company in case an inspector overlooks an important defect. This will give you peace of mind in case a mistake was made that leads to a court case that could cost you a lot of money.

And, make sure you will receive a detailed narrative report, not just a simple checklist. A narrative report provides clear explanations of defects found and the potential consequences of these defects. Ask for a sample report the inspector has done recently to verify that it is clear and easy to understand.