Golf course living is the ultimate in luxury for those who love the sport and are fortunate enough to have the opportunity. You can wake up every morning to a beautifully manicured back yard and have someone else take care of it. Depending on location, you may even be able to drive the golf cart to your tee time. What’s not to like about that?

Along with a beautiful home on the golf course, and lush green surroundings, comes many other considerations worth at least acknowledging prior to making any purchase decision.

Location, location, location
Many factors to consider regarding location on the golf course. Most important is proximity to cart path, tee box and the potential flight of errant golf balls. Privacy, or lack thereof, may be an issue.

Orientation and View
The entire point of living on a golf course is to have a view of said golf course, as opposed to a view of your neighbors house or the clubhouse parking lot. There's a reason those properties are less expensive. Looking out to mountains or over a lake is also considered premium. If summer heat is a problem, exposure is also primary consideration. Western facing is brutal if high temperatures are expected, while northern facing is comfortable all year long, but not as desirable for snowbirds.

Golf Course and Amenities
If you’re going to buy into a golf course community, you should be sure that this is the golf course you want to play for many years, and better yet if there is more than one course. You will also want to be familiar with other amenities such as swimming pools, tennis court, fitness center, social activities, dining room, etc.

Visitors and Guests
Do you need rental income? Will you have a constant flow of friends and family visiting you? This may or may not be an issue for you depending on the property you select and your ability to afford it. If your golf course home is located in a popular destination area, you should expect more family and friends to visit, so be sure that your home is large enough to accommodate. On the other hand, if you are not in a desirable location, and if you require rental income, you may find yourself short when the mortgage is due.

Homeowners Association
Golf courses properties are generally part of a homeowners association which will require monthly dues, and any affiliated golf club will also have monthly dues, along with dining room minimums, as well as a hefty membership to buy in. You will want to check on the rules and restrictions of those groups to be sure it is something you can do.

Living on a golf course is a very attractive lifestyle and can lead to many years of enjoyment, both on and off the course. Be sure that you have done your research before making any commitment.