ated Communities offer raising farm animals and auto or
residents some obvious boat maintenance in the yard.
advantages – the amenities There is always someone, the
within the gates like golf, pool, guard or gate monitor, who can
fitness facilities, spas, receive packages. While away,
restaurants, pools, tennis and a many communities will, if
wide range of others. Qualified notified, monitor your home.
staff operate and offer Often the maintenance and service
personalized instruction on how staff may be hired on the side to
to use the available facilities. perform tasks that you are unable
You will also enjoy privacy from or would rather not do. Stable
unwanted and uninvited visitors, appreciation, often more than the
security and the assurance that surrounding area, is likely
you will be living with others because of the aforementioned
who share your socio-economic benefits.
values and standards. The grounds
typically are well manicured and What should you ask prior to
cared for by someone else. There purchasing in a gated community?
may be prestige as well,
associated with being in an 1) What amenities are most
exclusive community. important and are they offered?
There are also some not so Horse enthusiasts will want an
obvious advantages. Protective equestrian center, golfers - a
covenants, standard in most gated course, boaters-a marina, etc.
communities, assure that all
construction and exterior changes 2) How much are the dues?
meet minimum criteria. They also
regulate use and prohibit Who collects them and what do
undesirable activities like they include? The management of
the community and its amenity 4) Is there a club?
package before and after the
developer is active are key to If so, what is its structure?
both your enjoyment and ability Must we join? Often club
to resell your property later. membership is optional, though
sometimes it is required to use
3) What is the governing the amenities.
structure of amenities and who
owns them? 5) Who else will be using our
amenities?
Often a property owner’s
association (POA) will purchase If private, then only members
the major amenities once the have use, otherwise be sure that
developer reaches a defined point affluence of the resort guest is
in sales. If this is the case, equal to or greater than that of
what is the amenity purchase the owners. Price of use for
price? There is often a formula non-owners and access will help
like twice the annual revenue, as answer this. If semi-private, are
part of a contract between the there any members-only areas and
principal and the POA. What privileges?
provisions are being made for
this purchase? Will it require an 6) Are the owners happy?
assessment? If so, what is it
projected to be? Does the POA fee This is the best indicator to
also include 24-hour security, know whether a community will
i.e., office patrol? Many times meet your expectations. If there
the gates act only as a barrier are others who have similar likes
but do not deter criminal and dislikes and they are
activity. satisfied, odds are you will be
too.
About the Author:
David Scott is a contributing writer for Living Southern Style and Ideal Destinations magazines, which cover planned, gated and retirement communities as well as waterfront and mountain properties. See http://www.idealdestinations.com for more information.
Read more articles by:
David Scott
Article Source: www.iSnare.com 
