Century 21 MoneyWorld deals in golf properties

Living along a golf course is considered a luxury, but many who choose the lifestyle have no interest in the game, according to Century 21 MoneyWorld agents who specialize in such properties.

"I would say a majority of those who live in golf course communities do not golf. They want to take advantage of the extra bonuses associated with living in the community," said Jeff Stafford, an agent in the realty firm's Summerlin office.

Stafford added that view potential is among the reasons people choose a golf course home.

"Typically the views on a course are expanded," he said. "They usually have at least mountain views and can have water features like a lake or a waterfall, which is especially nice since we live in the desert. They are pretty, green and lush. Most golf course communities are guard-gated, which adds to their prestige."

Before purchasing a golf course home, Stafford advises his clients to carefully consider the investment.

"There will be stray balls, and you need to consider the home's relationship to the tee box. If you're on the tee, you may not have balls in your back yard, but you can have people looking in on you," he said.

"You should also expect to pay more. Lot premiums can be substantial and since most courses are in master-planned communities, you have those fees as well. There will be upfront joining fees and monthly dues with country club and golf memberships. An agent can help you calculate how much home you can afford and perhaps how your money is best spent -- in more space, memberships, a better location, things like that," he said.

"We identify if you want a golf or social membership to a country club. If you don't, we rule out those that might require one."

Eoin and Meredith Collins moved into Anthem Country Club in Henderson four months ago. Their home provides golf course and mountain views.

"Although we're not golfers who wanted to join a club, we liked the open space and scenery -- the green grass, landscaping and pretty lakes -- that living near a golf course provides," Meredith Collins said.

"We have three children, and the family aspect of living in a guard-gated community appealed to us. We feel more secure and there is less traffic when the kids play outside. And, we all enjoy the pretty trails for riding our bikes, running and taking walks."

Howard Damero, a sales agent in MoneyWorld's Anthem office, said owning a golf course property can be a wise investment.

"There is a growing demand for those types of homes, so the investment potential and resale value is better," Damero said.

"Golf course living may mean paying more upfront, but you reap more when you're reselling. Of course, it depends on the lot, the size of the home and how much you pay for it."

Stafford predicts demand for golf course homes will grow.

"As open space becomes more of a valuable commodity in Las Vegas, we expect the demand will go up. That's why we're here -- to help buyers looking for the ideal golf course home find it," he said.

MoneyWorld has more than 350 agents in four offices valleywide.

Real Estate home