Demystifying HOA Fees
We recently helped a buyer with a search for a golf-course home in Southwest Florida. They didn’t intend to live here full time yet, and wanted flexibility to rent the home to make some extra money. They weren’t sure if a home in a bundled community or country club would be best for them. Here is a comparison we did on the homes they saw over a few day period. (Fees as of April 2024)
River Strand
Annual CARRY COST (HOA, CDD, Social Membership, Golf Membership) will be $9364.64
One-time capital contribution fees will be $6570
Golf fees will be an additional $80 per round for cart fees
Esplanade
Annual CARRY COST (HOA, CDD, Social Membership) will be $8276
One-time capital contribution fees will be $5500
This house we saw does NOT include golf - but residents can pay to play per round - which is about $85/round in high season - but tee times are given preferentially to GOLF MEMBERS before RESIDENTS and could be difficult to schedule during season
Rosedale
Annual CARRY COST (Master HOA) is $2260
Golf Membership is optional - and annual family membership is $12,250 - plus a trail fee of $2400 if you want to use your own cart
You could also choose to pay to play as you go - no membership
*There is an additional HOA fee for the villa we saw (2nd house) - as that is an additional HOA area to cover lawn maintenance
River Wilderness
Annual CARRY COST (HOA) is $2336
Golf membership is optional - and annual family membership is $5800 - plus a trail fee of $1700 if you want to use your own cart
You could also choose to pay to play as you go - no membership
*There is an additional HOA fee for the smaller Hammocks listing we drove by that has a pool in the section - as that is an additional HOA area to cover lawn maintenance
Tara Golf & Country Club
Annual CARRY COST (HOA, Class-A membership) is $7768.56
As you consider where to call home, consider your purchase price, but also take into account the annual fees to own the home. A homeowner’s association offers peace of mind for many aspects of a homeowner, but may not be right for everyone. Working with a Florida Home Girl will help you weight these options and find your peace of paradise.
