With some of the best golf courses in Arizona, it is easy to see why many dream of buying golf course homes in Scottsdale. You can enjoy your favorite pastime whenever, live in a great and exclusive location, and reap long-term benefits from your investment.
Before you go shopping for your ideal golf course home, here are three important things to know straight from the Carol Royse Luxury Division team.
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Why buy a golf course home in Scottsdale, AZ?
With its glittering nightlife, high-end shopping and dining districts, and impressive collection of luxury resorts, there’s no question that Scottsdale, AZ is a veritable oasis in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. Only 250,600 people live year full-time, but Scottsdale also attracts around seven million visitors each year.
Aside from being one of the best vacation destinations in Arizona, Scottsdale is also a golfer’s paradise. The city has over 200 golf courses, surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery you can only find here. Scottsdale’s place as one of the world’s finest golf destinations is well-deserved. Unlike its contemporaries, however, you can truly make golf a part of your everyday life in Scottsdale.
Scottsdale’s golf communities gives you access to spectacularly designed greens, world-class amenities, personalized services, and a tight-knit community that shares the same pastime and interests. Living in a luxury golf course home in Scottsdale is akin to being on a never-ending vacation.
Live every golfer’s dream
Proximity to a great golf course is only the beginning. As a homeowner in a golf community, you will have benefits such as lower club rates, extensive tee times, and access to exclusive features and services, including golf lessons with pros, tickets to special charity matches and PGA tournaments, and discounts at the pro shop in your clubhouse. Living in a Scottsdale golf home can also give you immediate access to some of the biggest golf tournaments in the country such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
But if you want variety in your sports, you will be pleased to know that Scottsdale is not just for golfers. A haven for all kinds of sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts, the city hosts baseball spring training for several pro teams as well as the local Scottsdale Scorpions. For college football fans, the Arizona college bowl games, in partnership with the Cheez-It Bowl, is held at the University of Phoenix Stadium in nearby Glendale.
Come home to a private and exclusive neighborhood
Most golf communities in Scottsdale employ the highest level of security to maintain its exclusivity and ensure homeowners’ privacy. When browsing through golf course homes, you’ll see features such as gated entrances and round-the-clock security.
Moreover, the spirit of camaraderie is strong in Scottsdale’s golf communities. There is always a special event being held at the community clubhouse, ranging from holiday celebrations and community mixers to recreational classes and casual dinners. And given the exclusivity of a golf community, you can be sure have at least one common interest with your neighbors.
Enjoy gorgeous weather and landscapes every day
Warm, sunny weather and breathtaking views are integral to a great golfing experience, and you’ll find both in Scottsdale’s golf communities. As an owner of a golf course home, you get to wake up to perfectly manicured lawns, professional landscaping, and all-around property maintenance without breaking a sweat.
The city of Scottsdale also ranked 3rd in Livability’s Best Places to Retire (2018), not only because of its comfortable Mediterranean climate and prolific golf courses, but because of its numerous outdoor recreational opportunities as well. One can explore the vast natural spaces and hiking trails in the Tonto National Forest or the <u>McDowell Sonoran Preserve. There are also more than 30 parks in Scottsdale where you can go bicycling and picnicking.
Make a great investment
Considering all the benefits that come with living in a golf course home in Scottsdale, it’s clear that this kind of property comes at a premium, with a high demand and exceptional resale value. Because of this, purchasing a property in one of Scottsdale’s golf communities can be a worthwhile addition to your investment portfolio.
Furthermore, Scottsdale has a strong economy and great business climate, making it the perfect city to invest in. Home to thriving industries – ranging from tourism and hospitality to healthcare and social assistance – Scottsdale’s resilient economy has shown steady growth even during the height of the pandemic. The city also maintained excellent bond ratings, earning an AAA from Standard and Poor’s, Fitch Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service due to its diverse local economy and highly commendable fiscal management.
How to buy golf course homes in Scottsdale, AZ
Work with an expert Realtor
The first and most important step in finding the perfect golf course home is working with <u>a professional who understands Scottsdale’s real estate market and what you need. Blanket knowledge of the market is good, but expertise on golf course homes in Scottsdale, AZ is preferable. It is even better if the Realtor has professional connections within Scottsdale’s golf communities.
When interviewing potential Realtors, ask them about the positive and negative aspects of the golf course homes and communities you’re interested in. Do not hesitate to ask about other concerns, such as nearby medical facilities, schools, and shopping districts as well.
Assess your finances
It’s important to know what kind of golf course home you can afford before you start your home buying process. To gauge your financial capability and budget more accurately, here are three things you can do:
- Check your credit and get a mortgage pre-approval. Make sure to check your credit score to avoid any unwanted surprises when you apply for a mortgage loan. Getting pre-approved can also help ease the process of mortgage application and give you an edge when you’re making offers.
- Consider resale value. The value of golf course homes is not only tied to the market, but to the quality of life offered by the community. And so, focus on current factors and future trends when choosing a property. Some things to look at include population density, club ownership, total golf membership in relation to the number of golf holes, and the level of privacy the community offers.
- Take note of possible financial commitments. Expect additional costs like club dues, property taxes, and monthly maintenance fees when buying a golf course home. These expenses can vary greatly from one community to the next. Furthermore, these costs can also be an indication of the community’s financial health. It is one of the reasons why working with a Realtor who is intimately familiar with Scottsdale’s golf communities is the best course to take.
In general, golf course homes and estates are valued higher than other residential property types. That said, expect some variance in prices caused by factors like location, amenities, and the exclusivity of the community.
Explore the area
Although the pandemic has made it difficult for homebuyers to visit potential homes, try to see and walk around the golf community in person. This can yield insights that you would have missed out on when you just do a virtual walkthrough.
By exploring potential golf communities, you can get a good picture of the lifestyle and neighbors you’ll have, the quality of amenities in the clubhouse, the type of social activities initiated by the community itself, and even the condition of local facilities like nearby schools and hospitals.
Inquire into the community’s golf course/s
There’s a premium on designer golf courses, and this can be good or bad depending on your priorities. If you’re eyeing a golf community whose course was designed by big names like Jack Nicklaus or Tom Fazio, then chances are you’ll be paying big prices for your golf course home. On the other hand, these designer names also signal great investment potential since they promise top-quality development, maintenance, and luxury amenities.
Whether the course is envisioned by a renowned designer or not, it’s crucial to ensure that the golf course is protected by the owner through a conservation easement or deed restriction. Avoid communities with unprotected golf courses since there’s a possibility that the golf course owner will close the course for other developments in the future. This may cause your home to lose around 25% or more of its value.
Lastly, try to play a few rounds in the community’s golf course. This will allow you to gauge if its design suits your preferences. Moreover, you will be able to interact with potential neighbors and experience the customer service firsthand.
Be aware of privacy and security concerns
Scottsdale’s golf communities have the highest level of security possible, but you may be surprised at the lack of high fences for most of the properties. You might even feel a little disconcerted at the fact that passing golfers can see clearly into your backyard. There is also the possibility of stray golf balls damaging your property.
To avoid this, prioritize finding a golf course home located between holes or behind a tee box. These properties are less susceptible to wayward golf balls. There are also multiple legal liabilities and responsibilities in place within the community or homeowners’ association—they can compensate or address these kinds of issues.
Know what to expect as a homeowner in a golf community
Before starting your home search, it’s important to be aware of the rules and restrictions that come with living in a golf course home:
- Golf courses are maintained early. Lawns are cut and tended to very early in the morning. If your primary bedroom’s windows face the greens, headlights from golf carts and riding mowers might blaze through and disturb your sleep. If you think this can be a problem for you, find a home on the fairway or at some distance away from the greens and tee boxes. You can also invest in window treatments or blackout curtains.
- Golf cart paths and tee boxes can be a little disruptive. Homes located beside the path for golf carts and other high traffic areas can experience some level of disturbance throughout the day. This often affects the property’s desirability and pricing. If you’re not bothered by the noise, you might find a good deal. Having a great outdoor layout and landscaping can also minimize the disruptive noises made by zooming golf carts and passing golfers.
- Your property will most likely be in a deed-restricted area. Golf course homes are usually deed-restricted. This means that your home’s maintenance and modification are regulated by a homeowners’ association to maintain a certain look and image for the whole golf course community. Rules can range from having a limited palette for house exterior paint colors to landscaping requirements and limitations. Make sure to study the golf community’s HOA rules before purchasing.
- Golf course land is exclusively for playing golf. Living next to a golf course is every golfer’s dream, but keep in mind that most golf courses prohibit recreational activities unrelated to the sport. Things like biking on cart paths or walking your dog along the fairway may not be allowed.
Golf course homes for sale in Scottsdale, AZ
To guide you through your search for the perfect golf course home in Scottsdale, AZ, here are key information on the city’s local real estate market and golf communities.
Scottsdale Real Estate Market
The City of Scottsdale has some of the highest home appreciation rates in the United States, making it one of the best places for long term real estate investments. In the last 10 years alone, homes in Scottsdale appreciated by 121.78%, resulting in an average annual home appreciation rate of 8.29%.
Scottsdale’s golf course homes can be priced as high as $18,750,000 in the current market, with some properties covering as much as 12+ acres. Given the premium on golf communities and Scottsdale’s competitive real estate market, it’s best to work with an expert team of Realtors to gain an edge over other homebuyers and real estate investors.
Golf communities in Scottsdale, AZ
There are over 10 luxury golf communities in Scottsdale to choose from. The following are the most renowned and sought after.
- DC Ranch. This nationally acclaimed private golf and residential community is located at the base of the McDowell Mountains. It is home to an 18-hole golf course designed by John Fought and Tom Lehman, and another championship 18-hole golf course by Tom Weiskopf. There are four residential villages here (Country Club, Desert Camp, Desert Parks, and Silver Leaf), each with its own architectural scheme and character.
- Desert Highlands. This guard-gated community is centered around a Jack Nicklaus 18-hole championship golf course. Located at the foot of Pinnacle Peak, this private club community provides its residents with a state-of-the-art fitness center and pool, world-class members-only dining experiences, year-round social events, and a dedicated residential services team.
- Estancia. Nestled in the northern slope of Pinnacle Peak, Estancia is one of the most exclusive golf communities in Scottsdale. Covering over 640 acres, this community features gorgeous landscapes, sprawling lot sizes, and stunning custom homes of varying sizes and architectural styles.
- Mirabel. Sitting at an elevation of 3,000 feet, this award-winning private golf club and community provides its residents with a championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio, awe-inspiring views and a great selection of custom and semi-custom luxury homes. Its world-renowned Desert Lodge Clubhouse also features concierge-level services and top-of-the-line amenities.
- Terravita. Nominated as one of the Best Master Planned Communities and Best Private Golf Clubs by Ranking Arizona, Terravita is one of Scottsdale’s premier real estate developments. Home to an 18-hole golf course envisioned by designer Greg Nash and PGA Hall of Fame member Billy Casper, Terravita gives center stage to the natural beauty of the high Sonoran Desert.
- The Boulders. Composed of 12 unique neighborhoods, The Boulders offer a vast selection of housing options, ranging from villas and luxury estates to “lock and leave” patio homes and custom houses. Located at the Sonoran Desert foothills between North Scottsdale and Carefree AZ, this idyllic golf community houses two Jay Morrish-designed championship courses and endless outdoor recreational activities.
Essential home features of luxury golf course properties
Here are 5 home features you can expect from Scottsdale’s finest golf course homes:
- Unparalleled views of an award-winning golf course and Arizona’s gorgeous sunsets
- Expansive built-in swimming pools
- Indoor and outdoor home bars with built-in refrigerators and wine chillers
- Chef-grade kitchens and indoor recreational rooms
- State-of-the-art appliances and smart home technology
Looking for the best golf course homes in Scottsdale, AZ?
With over 30 years’ worth of real estate experience in the Greater Phoenix area, Carol Royse and her team of highly skilled real estate agents provide their clients with the highest level of expertise, professionalism, and discretion.
When it comes to finding the perfect golf course home in Scottsdale AZ, The Carol Royse Luxury Division will handle everything from start to finish. Call 480.776.5231 or email [email protected] to find your dream golf course home today.