1. Not All Golf Communities Are Created Equal

On the surface, they may look similar — lush fairways, sparkling clubhouses, gated entrances — but under the hood, every community has its own personality, amenities, fee structures, and membership models. Some are bundled golf communities where your golf membership is included with your home, while others have private equity or optional memberships. Some have world-class fitness centers, tennis, pickleball, and spa services — others focus more exclusively on golf.

What I wish I knew: To dig deeper than the photos and find out what lifestyle the community is built around — and whether it matches mine.

2. The Details of Membership Matter

If you’re buying in a bundled golf community, golf privileges are typically included with your home — but there’s a catch. Some communities now designate specific homes as non-golf properties, even though they’re within the gates of a golf community. That means you might live on the course and still not have golf privileges, especially during the high-demand months of October through April.

What I wish I knew: To confirm whether the home comes with full golf membership rights — especially in bundled communities.

3. HOA and Club Fees Can Vary Dramatically

Between HOA fees, master association dues, club assessments, and optional social memberships, your monthly and annual costs can look very different from one community to the next. It’s not just about how much you’re paying — it’s also about what you’re getting for it.

What I wish I knew: To ask for a detailed breakdown of all fees, including future assessment history and what’s included — before making an offer.

4. Waitlists Are a Real Thing

In equity golf communities, there’s often a cap on the number of memberships allowed. If you’re buying a home in a community where the golf membership isn’t attached to the property, you may find yourself on a waitlist — sometimes for years.

What I wish I knew: To ask how long the current golf membership waitlist is and whether the seller has a transferable membership.

5. Social Life Isn’t Just a Bonus — It’s the Heart of the Community

One of the biggest surprises? The vibrant social calendar. From themed dinners to charity tournaments to weekly happy hours, the social scene can be just as important as the course conditions. But not every community is equally active.

What I wish I knew: To spend time in the community clubhouse or attend an event before buying — to see if the atmosphere felt like a fit.

6. Resale Value Can Be Tied to the Course (and the Club)

Buyers are smart — and when they’re shopping for homes in golf communities, they pay close attention to course conditions, recent renovations, and how well the club is managed. A tired clubhouse or deferred course maintenance can impact home values.

What I wish I knew: To ask about the club’s financials, renovation plans, and long-term strategy — and not just focus on the home itself.

Final Thoughts

Living in a gated golf community in Southwest Florida can be a dream come true — but that dream comes in many different forms. Whether you’re drawn to championship golf, active social events, or a lock-and-leave condo lifestyle, the key is finding the right fit for you.

As someone who’s helped countless buyers navigate these communities — and as someone who’s been through the process myself — I know just how important the small details can be.

Thinking about buying in a golf community? Let’s talk. I’ll help you ask the right questions, avoid costly surprises, and find the perfect community for your lifestyle.