| As a real estate agent, often I am requested to | | | | and are avid golfers. Naturally, they would like to |
| find my clients specific types of homes and home | | | | purchase a home within a gated community, |
| sites for building. These specifics typically include: | | | | which is either on or very close to the golf |
| Bay front, Lake front, water view, specific | | | | course. The community must offer dock space |
| number of bedrooms and baths etc. If you've | | | | for their boat and have a club house or |
| ever purchased a home, then you know exactly | | | | community club with an exercise room or fitness |
| what I am referring to... | | | | center. |
| In recent months however, I've been increasingly | | | | As I show this couple the available communities, a |
| asked to locate homes or home building sites in | | | | few items are of particular interest to them: |
| gated communities around my service area of | | | | Some gated communities offer limited or no |
| Bay County: more importantly, the Panama City - | | | | "through traffic" to the residents, which they |
| Lynn Haven metro area of Florida. I believe we | | | | value. The limited trough traffic value is for their |
| are all well aware of what a gated community is, | | | | grand children whom visit with them several times |
| but if not let's identify some characteristics of | | | | a year. Homes within gated communities often |
| these communities... | | | | exhibit a strong pride of ownership. I've yet to |
| "A gated community is a type of residential | | | | find within a gated community a home with an |
| community which offers controlled access and | | | | unkempt lawn or debris scattered about the |
| entrances for pedestrians, bicycles, and | | | | property. In large part this is due to the |
| automobiles, and may feature a closed perimeter | | | | homeowners' associations' rules, or covenants and |
| of walls and fences." | | | | restrictions which govern many of these |
| While gated communities are not a new form of | | | | communities. |
| residence, they are often misunderstood. In | | | | Homeowner association rules often include |
| today's real estate market there remains a | | | | restrictions such as: |
| common misunderstanding that gated | | | | - No overnight street parking |
| communities are only for the wealthy and beyond | | | | - No boats, campers or RVs allowed in driveways |
| the means of the average home owner. This of | | | | - Houses must be painted only certain colors |
| course is not entirely true. | | | | - Landscaping must be pre-approved by an |
| While there are some upscale communities that | | | | appointed committee |
| cater to a more costly living style, there are also | | | | Additionally, residents of these communities take |
| many gated communities that offer similar life | | | | pride in their community and self-monitor and |
| styles and amenities for the average home buyer. | | | | maintain their properties. To some these rules |
| In my area there are many of these types of | | | | may seem excessively restrictive, while to others |
| communities all offering various amenities and | | | | they are a necessity to maintain their style and |
| benefits. From master planned gated lake | | | | quality of living. Many of these communities have |
| communities such as Lake Merial or Wild Heron, to | | | | what I refer to as "spot light homes". These |
| master planned gated bay front communities such | | | | homes are the "premier" homes of the |
| as Bay Point. | | | | community. Often, they are built for specific |
| Each gated community may offer unique living | | | | owners or for events such as the Panama City |
| and investment potential. For the consumer | | | | Parade of Homes. |
| interested in these types of communities, there | | | | They will feature the highest quality construction |
| may also be additional benefits. When speaking | | | | materials and fixtures, and often are the highest |
| with my customers regarding their desire to own | | | | priced homes in the community. While many |
| a home in a gated community, an over-riding | | | | gated communities offer luxury homes, vacation |
| factor seems prevalent: Gated communities are | | | | homes, and luxury condos there are also those |
| perceived safer for children and families and offer | | | | that offer affordable homes, condos and home |
| unique living styles for those that so desire them. | | | | sites. |
| They are also perceived as maintaining their home | | | | These communities may not have the full |
| values and appreciation. | | | | amenities of the more luxurious communities, but |
| While gated communities may not be for | | | | still manage to offer safety, community spirit and |
| everyone, they do offer features many find | | | | modest community pools and club houses. Many |
| attractive for their choice of style and quality of | | | | of these practical communities are specifically and |
| living. Features such as private and semi-private | | | | conveniently constructed near schools and local |
| marinas, on-site fitness clubs, golf courses and | | | | recreation venues. |
| child day care are being required by home buyers | | | | Summary |
| more and more in today's real estate market. | | | | Not all master planned gated communities have |
| These features and amenities tend to be | | | | uniformed security guards and cameras, but all |
| prevalent in many gated communities and fulfill the | | | | offer unique living opportunities for those that |
| wants and needs of these types of home buyers. | | | | desire the features and amenities the gate |
| In addition, I've recently been made aware of | | | | community has to offer. |
| another unique style of gated community which | | | | From retirement communities to equestrian |
| caters to the racing fan! These communities offer | | | | communities, from waterfront communities to |
| residents race tracks for their amusement. From | | | | forested secluded communities, gated |
| oval stock car style tracks to 1/8 mile drag racing | | | | communities are sought out by many of today's |
| tracks as well as motocross racing. How's that for | | | | home buyer looking for that little something |
| a unique recreation and living style!!! | | | | "special" for their investment. Gated communities |
| A retired couple I am currently working with | | | | work for everyone, not just for the wealthy. |
| would like to find an Active Adult 55+ Community. | | | | © Copyright 2008 Jennifer MacKay. All Rights |
| Both husband and wife workout daily, own a boat | | | | Reserved. |