Finding the right Golf Club Community for you:Understanding

'Bundled' vs. 'Equity' Golf Clubs.

Choosing a golf club community in Southwest Florida can be a daunting proposition. With an estimated 200 golf course communities being built in the greater Naples-Bonita Springs area each year, the choices are seemingly endless. Condominium or single family home estate home? What location is right for you - near the water, in the suburbs or downtown? Is Tennis or Golf your passion? Or is a club with a full schedule of lively social activities important to you? Or do you want it all? Whatever you're looking for a first or second home, you're sure to find on Florida's Gulf Coast.

For many homebuyers, golf is what draws them to the region, so understanding what type of golf membership you want is a key part of the decision-making process. You may have heard the term 'bundled' golf. It differs from an 'equity' club. In a bundled golf community your membership is included with the home purchase price, or 'bundled' with your title to the property. There are no membership or initiation fees, since every homeowner is a member. Annual dues, which include greens fees, are nominal, and members typically pay only cart fees or a 'trail' fee for the use of their own golf cart. (A trail fee pays for the maintenance of the trails (cart paths) when there is no rental income it also defrays some of the course expenses.)If you sell your home, membership and its privileges are transferred to the new owner, who pays a small transfer fee.

Bundled golf communities differ from traditional equity memberships, which require deposits and initiation fees, typically ranging from $30,000 to $150,000. The term equity refers to the portion of your initiation fee that is returned to you should you move or terminate your membership.

For recreational golfers, who play a few times a week during the season, and are comfortable with flexible tee times, bundled golf communities are an excellent alternative to higher priced equity clubs, which often offer separate golf, tennis and social memberships.

Most golf clubs whether bundled or equity offer off season rates for 'reciprocal' courses. Generally, only cart fees are charged to play these outside courses. Each golf club has its own 'reciprocal' lists in which to play. Some offer 50 different club choices and Restaurant club choices. Summer golf in the off season April 30 to October 30 is a great reason to be a 'year rounder'.

Usually the weather in the 'rainy season' is clear during the mornings with some kind of rainstorm happening mostly in the afternoons. For the most part, temperatures are in the mid 90's then when the cooling rains come it drops considerably. Seldom does it rain everyday for several days like it used to when I lived in the northeastern area. Once it clears up the sun comes out and we go out again. To us who work very hard during the season the summer is a wonderful time to relax and enjoy the many activities of the summer season.

Sharon Hammond-Turnblad Realtor CRS GRI ABE E-PRO

John R. Wood Inc. Realtors

26269 S. Tamiami Trail

Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Direct line 239-851-6918 Call me I'd love to hear from you!please email me at sturnblad@johnrwood.com

For more information