The first of a multiple article series on Richmond area Golf Course Real Estate…

Buying real estate on or near a golf course can be a very good investment and offer some great leisure perks.  We live on a golf course and love it.  As a golfer there is nothing better than slipping out for a few holes late in the day. Living on a golf course or in a golf course community can make coming home feel like coming home to a vacation at a resort.  In addition to golf, there is tennis, swimming, work-out facilities, club dining options etc.

This comes at a cost however, country clubs are not cheap and they are a luxury. Joining a country club is lifestyle decision for sure.  Most area private country clubs require an initiation fee to join and many involve a detailed membership application process.  Just because you have the cash doesn’t guarantee membership.  Most of the processes are pretty easy especially if you know someone who is a member, but a few require more work like letters of recommendation, interviews, etc.

Before you buy a home on or near a country club, do your research if you have your heart set on joining.  Understand the costs (initiation fees, stock purchase, monthly dues, fees, minimums, etc), understand the membership process and the time it will take to gain your club and playing privileges.

Below is a list of area private country clubs, initiation fees, dues etc. As membership levels change clubs lower and raise these fees. Some will work with you on payment plans for initiation fees, some have deals for younger members and given the tough economic climate, many will work with you as they are looking to gain members.  Ask for specials or incentives. These costs below are approximate, you should contact the membership director at any of these clubs for details.

• Richmond Country Club, 18 holes, $13,000 initiation, $295/month dues
• Hanover Country Club, 18 holes, $3000 initiation, $225/month dues
• Willow Oaks Country Club, 18 holes, $30,000 initiation, $375/month dues
• The Country Club of Virginia, 54 holes, $75,000+ initiation, $500+/ month dues
• Kinloch Country Club, 18 holes, $125,000+ initiation, $500+/monthly dues
• Salisbury Country Club, 27 holes, $33,000 initiation, $350/month dues
• Hermitage Country Club, 36 holes, $40,000 initiation, $380/month dues
• The Dominion Club, 18 holes, $17,000 initiation, $350/month dues
• Jefferson Lakeside Club, 18 holes, $6,500 initiation, $250/month dues
• Stonehenge Country Club, 18 holes, $6,000 initiation, $300/month dues
• Brandermill Country Club, 18 holes, $6,000 initiation, $295/month dues

Again these figures are not exact, but give you an idea of the base cost for the clubs.  Remember other fees for food, services, carts, lessons etc. are additional.

Want to know more about golf course real estate and Richmond area country club living? Contact Skye Bruce Properties, the Official REALTOR and Buyer’s Agents of RichmondHomeShopper.com. They have a golf expert on staff and can walk you through the benefits of owning a home on or near a golf course or country club.

Subscribe today to RichmondHomeShopper.com and stay tuned for more articles about Golf Course and Country Club real estate and area developments!