In general, investing in real estate is a big commitment and can be a complicated and time-consuming, if not even stressful, process. Because Flagstaff has a highly competitive real estate market with a high demand for housing, home prices have been on the rise. While there are many neighborhoods that are considered more affordable with houses for sale under $400K, purchasing a golf property, like a cabin near a golf course, can cost you a pretty penny in Flagstaff. Yet, similar to other golf communities across the nation, you’re not only paying for the house but also have to expect ongoing fees like a golf membership, Home Owner Association fees, transfer fees, and more.
The key to finding a golf home in Flagstaff is knowing when to buy, where to look, or whom to contact. The peak sale season is typical during the summer months. Yet, you will always be able to find houses for sale in Flagstaff. Nevertheless, we always recommend starting to look as early as possible, as it can take some time to find the right home for you; especially if your heart is set on a house in a golf community. Through the Best Flagstaff Homes Realty team, your REALTOR® can set up a customized MLS email alert when new houses hit the market. Because the market is hot, houses sell fast in Flagstaff. To make sure you don’t miss out on your home sweet home if you don’t already live in the area, we can take a look at prospects for you in a timely manner.
This blog outlines what you can expect when buying a golf home or property in Flagstaff. We go into popular places to buy a golf home in Flagstaff as well as what you can expect in terms of Home Owner Association and membership fees. Lastly, we touched on the four golf-centered communities in Flagstaff (Flagstaff Ranch, Forest Highlands, Pine Canyon, and Continental Country Club), which will hopefully steer your search for a golf property in Flagstaff into the right direction.
What To Expect When Buying A Golf Home or Property In Flagstaff
Investing in a golf home or property in Flagstaff may be the biggest investment of your life. We know how overwhelming the mere thought of buying a house can be, having to consider various different factors, such as the Flagstaff real estate market, financial loans, and property inspections, Flagstaff golf homes for sale, and so on.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to find out what financial loan you qualify for and how much you can afford in monthly mortgage payments. For some, this may be the most stressful part of buying a home. Don’t worry, the Best Flagstaff Homes Realty team works closely with trusted lenders and is happy to support you throughout this process, no matter if it’s your first time buying a home or you already have some real estate experience under your belt. Just be aware that important information, such as your credit, debt, work history, and down payment capacity will have to be discussed openly.
Once you’re pre-qualified, it’s time to go on the hunt for your perfect golf home for sale. We recommend finding a trusted, local real estate agent who can help find homes for sale in Flagstaff, AZ that fit within your financial parameters but also check-off items on your housing wish list. While finding and buying the right golf property can be a lengthy process, a local real estate agent knows the Flagstaff real estate market by heart and can save you some time by pointing you in the right direction. This is especially helpful if you’re not from the area and aren’t familiar with the different neighborhoods.
Currently, the real estate market in Flagstaff is a sellers-market because of the extremely high demand for housing. As you can imagine, if there is more demand than supply, competition is fierce. You’ll most likely have to adjust your offering strategies to stand out from your competition making an offer on the same golf property. Some revert to aggressive offers while others are more creative. A good real estate agent on your side can help formulate and direct your offer based on the property and owner.
Once your offer has been accepted, you can expect a normal process from here starting with the escrow period (read our previous blog). Throughout this process, all necessary inspections are being done, including obtaining homeowner’s insurance quotes and making sure that the property is not located in a flood zone. If you find any unforeseen areas of concern, you have the chance to renegotiate before signing any documents. If everything looks good and all requirements are met, the golf property is ready to close.
When buying a golf property in Flagstaff, be aware that the actual home may be affordable; yet, other costs of living in the golf community may be significantly more. You can expect additional costs for club dues, property taxes, maintenance fees, and more which vary from one golf community to the next.
What are the Average Membership Costs and HOA Fees in Flagstaff’s Golf Communities?
If you’re currently in the process of figuring out what type of Flagstaff golf property for sale you can afford, be aware of additional fees that come with living in a golf-centric community. The ongoing fees vary from community to community and often depend on the amenities offered. Typically, you can count on having to pay a monthly or quarterly Home Owner’s Association Fee. The costs can range between $170 – $1,500 and can also depend on the type of house or property you want to purchase. Besides the ongoing HOA fees, you’ll most likely encounter initial transfer fees, which can range from $1,400 – $5,500. The fees can include membership and/or utility transfers.
Each golf community in Flagstaff also requires you to pay a membership initiation as well as an ongoing membership fee. You can expect the initiation cost to range between $3,675 and $150,000. That’s a big gap! The reasons for that are differences in membership types including the different amenities offered and whether it’s refundable or not. Pine Canyon, for example, offers two different options in regard to initiation fees. One is higher but 100% refundable and the other is less but non-refundable. Forest Highlands, on the other hand, has fixed prices that are non-refundable. Flagstaff Ranch has a 75% refund policy for its initiation fee. All four golf-centric communities also offer social memberships. The ongoing fees for any type of membership can range from $340 to $1,500.
The Most Popular Golf Communities In Flagstaff
When it comes to describing Flagstaff’s neighborhoods the word diversity comes to mind. In general, there are a lot of up-and-coming neighborhoods in Flagstaff since overall property values have been continuously increasing. The four highly sought-after golf communities in Flagstaff are Flagstaff Ranch, Pine Canyon, Forest Highlands, and the Continental Country Club. Each of the golf communities in Flagstaff is unique, and the Best Flagstaff Homes Team can help you find the best fit for you and your lifestyle.
Flagstaff Ranch
Flagstaff Ranch is one of the premier gated golf communities in Flagstaff, located just outside of city limits. Many of the houses you’ll find there are considered Craftsman style and newer. Members are required to have a membership and can enjoy their free time on the 18-hole golf course or in the 25,000 square foot clubhouse. The clubhouse offers beautiful views as well as entertainment, such as a billiards room and a lounge. Further amenities include dining options, meeting rooms, and an additional community center. The community center has a swimming pool, lounging opportunities, and a spa to experience pure relaxation. Flagstaff Ranch also offers residents to partake in various different activities, such as fitness classes, tennis, pickleball, basketball and more. For the residents that want to enjoy Flagstaff’s beautiful nature, the natural forest access provides easy access to nature walks for residents that want to enjoy Flagstaff’s beautiful outdoors.
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Forest Highlands
Forest Highlands is located south of Flagstaff outside of city limits. Located in-between Flagstaff and Sedona, Forest Highlands is a golf-centric community for the entire family. For golfers, the two 18-hole golf courses are a dream come true, not to mention the breath-taking views accompanying the game. The two clubhouses offer residents many opportunities to socialize, work out, have fun, and relax. If residents want to take a break from playing regular golf, they can switch to disc golf for the day. A swimming pool, tennis courts, a gym and fitness classes allow everyone to stay active.
Forest Highlands is very focused on bringing the community together and providing entertainment for the entire family. Besides offering specific programs for specific age groups, Forest Highlands organizes field trips, movie nights, family nights with activities like bingo or trivia. Residents can look forward to family bonfires, flag football and disc golf tournaments, and cooking classes. To benefit local charities, residents are presented with the opportunity to partake in the Family Fun run and the Annual Firecracker 5k run.
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Pine Canyon
Pine Canyon, also located south of Flagstaff, yet still within city limits, is a gated golf community with luxurious craftsman style homes and a private 18-hole golf course. Similar to the other golf communities, residents can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery. Pine Canyon is said to have some of the largest properties in Flagstaff. If you’re in the market for a second home, this gated community may also be interesting for you. Their main advantage over Flagstaff Ranch is that residents are not required to sign up for any type of membership when purchasing a property.
If you don’t have a set vision for your future golf home yet, Pine Canyon offers you a selection of different houses ranging from small condos to large estate homes. The golf course boasts impeccable views while towering Ponderosa Pines provide some shade in the hot summer months. For all the non-golfers, Pine Canyon is well connected to Flagstaff’s Urban Trails System. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, a 2-mile hike will take you directly from Pine Canyon to beautiful Walnut Canyon and Fisher Point. Alternatively, Pine Canyon’s main road, called Clubhouse Circle, is a 3-mile loop that can be quite challenging. There are many more recreational activities offered, such as a gym, badminton, tennis, and Rainbow Trout catch-and-release fishing.
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Continental Country Club
Well-established in Flagstaff, Continental Country Club is the longest-running Country Club and Golf Course. Compared to the other three gated golf communities, this golf club is the only one open to the public in Flagstaff. The 18-hole golf course, designed by Bob E. Baldock, allows players to enjoy breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks, Mount Elden, and Ponderosa Pines. Besides golf, the Continental Country Club also offers a tennis and pickleball program with various clinics or the option to book private lessons.
The property and landscaping are beautifully appointed, spreading an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation. The highly personalized services make everyone feel like a VIP. The Clubhouse at the Continental Country Club features not only the golf shop and the fitness center, but also the prestigious Oakmont Restaurant, perfect for coffee, lunch, and dinner, as well as an adjacent sports bar that boasts with energy.
The Continental Country Club Bear Paw Recreation Center offers fun for the entire family. Besides fun activities like Ping Pong, Billiard, a half basketball court, board games, DVD rentals, and an Xbox360 gaming station; two heated pools, a 14-person Jacuzzi, and an ice cream bar create the ultimate experience.
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Conclusion
Purchasing a house or property is a big step and can be very intimidating. Especially if you’re looking to buy a golf home in one of Flagstaff’s golf communities, the process can take longer due to the limited availability. If you’re working with the Best Flagstaff Homes Realty team, your REALTOR® can set up a customized MLS email alert when new golf houses hit the market. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or already have some real estate experience under your belt, with 100 years of combined experience, we’ll be sure to find you your dream golf home in Flagstaff. Can’t wait to get started? Call us today at (928) 714-0001.