Are you thinking of buying home on a golf course in Fairfax, Loudoun or Prince William County of Northern Virginia?
Yes! you do get beautiful scenic backyard. However, there are things as a home owner of the home that resides/backs to Golf course. Here are top 10 things every home buyer should know before buying a home on a golf course in Northern Virginia area:
1. Golf ball showers- Living on a golf course may increase your chances of being hit by golf balls every now and then. This could invite issues likes roof, sliding damages along with window breakage, planters and even car damages. If you live with golf course backyard, you will have to deal with these unknown showers.
2. High Insurance- Due to the ongoing threat of roof, sliding or other damages your insurance company may charge you higher premium for insuring a property that is on a golf course. Check with your insurance agent if it includes coverage like unlimited window replacement or what are the limitations of damages.
3. Privacy- Yes, golf course does look beautiful when you are in and out of previewing the home. But when you start living be mindful, you may not want to come on your deck in your PJs and be waved by a golf attire person. Some golfers can invite themselves to your backyard to collect their golf balls. If privacy is a concern then you may want to think before you purchase.
4. Noise pollution- Golfers are early bird. If you love golfing you will be OK, but if you are not then this can become a nuisance. The golf cart riding through the backyard, golfers' chit chatting can interrupt people who want to sleep in especially over the weekend.
5. Deed Restrictions- If you live in golf course community like Landsdowne or Belmont Country club in Northern Virginia, you know you cannot just plant or fence whatever you want. You will have deed restriction. You will have to get HOA permission prior to making an architect or simple changes to your home.
6. High HOA Fees- Many of the golf course community in the Northern Virginia area includes exterior maintenance and other conveniences. However, this comes with a price of high HOA dues. Some have enormous capital contribution when you first buy into the community. This can be a challenge in a slow resale market where people don't want to pay high dues.
7. Pesticides- This came into my attention when we were previewing homes in a golf course community in the Loudoun County area. My client's dogs were sensitive to pesticides. However to maintain that lush green grass the golf course was spread with various pesticides. When it rained the pesticides would run into the homeowners yard. So be mindful if that will affect you or your dear family members lifestyle.
8. Lifestyle- On positive note, if you are love golfing you will meet neighbors and people who are like minded and live in the community. Also if you are a golfer you can just step outside your home and pratices your skills.
9. Location Matters- If you are a golfer (which I am not) where your home is located can add premium to your home sites. If the home is on fairway it will be less premium compared to home that resides near tee box or greens. So do understand the home site before you purchase a home in a golf course community.
10. Health of the Community/Golf Course- Everything is great when the community is new, but what happens if the golf course does not attract the membership or the community has unexpected high cost of maintenance. Just like any other HOA if things so south it could affect the property value of the home. Do review the HOA documents prior to purchasing a home in a golf course community.
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