Is 40 acres Enough for a Golf Course?

jlemon · Jul 31, 2003

( The only thing holding us back is the possibility that the land wouldn't be re-zoned, which would blow a hole in everything. So if we purchased it before having a reasonable expectation (not 100% necessarily) that it would be re-zoned, and then it wasn't, we'd be up that crick without that paddle! That's why right now, the most important thing is for us to be able to talk with the Township Supervisor to get is take on how things might play out. )

I would be nervous about not being able to get the land rezoned; all kinds of things seem to pop up at the last minute. I agree 100% that it is important to sound out the Township zoning committee and see how likely it is that they (and the county) will approve rezoning, and what additional restrictions (if any) they'll attach to the plats. It might take a while too; a few years ago I purchased 70 acres split off from a 90 acre parcel, and it took about 6 months to finalize the rezoning and complete the sale.

For the subdivided plots, you don't have to have perc/septic tests done; this is usually the buyer's responsibilty, but it may help in selling the plots faster.

However, if you're now looking at the land as a pure investment opportunity (and not as a place to live immediately), I note there is a 62 acre unimproved parcel on the same road, which claims to have lots of trees, and "possibly" can be subdivided. Maybe your golf course needs another 20 acres. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

PS. I love on-line MLS listings. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Golfgar4 · Jul 31, 2003

( I note there is a 62 acre unimproved parcel on the same road, which claims to have lots of trees, and "possibly" can be subdivided. )

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Where did you see that? Granted, I haven't been looking in the paper or any of the listing services since we got involved in this whole thing, but my realtor is supposed to be keeping an eye out for just such other properties.

Thanks for the tip! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

jlemon · Jul 31, 2003

( Where did you see that? )

Wisconsin Homes, listing 316463. I really like the online listings, you get information (almost) as soon as the property is entered into the MLS, which is faster than the agent mailing out the quote sheets.

However, often times "fantastic" properties are snapped up before they are placed in the MLS. Case in point, we got lucky with our current property, as our agent was friends with the listing agent, and we viewed the property (and made an ooffer the same day) *prior* to the parcel being placed in the MLS. As you pointed out, good properties do not stay on the market very long.

Golfgar4 · Jul 31, 2003

Thanks Johnathon! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

dummy · Aug 1, 2003

For the subdivided plots, you don't have to have perc/septic tests done; this is usually the buyer's responsibilty, but it may help in selling the plots faster.
 Maybe, but this could fall into the nonsellable lot category also. Not many people I know would buy a lot without any perc sites.

Slamfire · Aug 1, 2003

I was reading in a country magazine, the other day, an article about "country" golf. You could squeeze a lot of golf course into 40 acres by judicious use of a few tees and greens. You don't have to have it manicured like a "real" golf course, mowing the greens daily, the fairways once a week, and the rough when you get a round tuit. It is a kind of retrograde movement back to the roots of the game. The old barn can be renovated into a clubhouse, and it is kind of a retirement business for those who love the game. It is more in keeping with my ideal of not breaking up the property in the first place, and just might make it affordable. You'd only need to check on zoning, and whatever licenses you'd require. Selling off the grain bins and incorporating their bases into a parking lot would probably save a bit of money also. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Golfgar4 · Aug 1, 2003

Wow! That's a cool idea. The title of my thread was just kind of a joke!

What magazine was that article in? I'd be interested in reading that! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Slamfire · Aug 3, 2003

Country Living or something like that, it was in the rack at the local greasy spoon. I'll see if I can find it the next time I'm feelin' the need for grease. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Golfgar4 · Aug 4, 2003

That's be great Stan! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

tdenny · Sep 3, 2003

Garry,

Thanks for sending me a link to this thread. I haven't been out here much lately so I miss alot of good stuff. This one is outstanding and that piece of property you are looking at is simply beautiful.

I'm all for land preservation and all but it sounds like it would be a great way to finance your future retirement. I hope you keep telling yourself that and don't worry about splitting the acreage up. 5 acre plots aren't exactly urbanizaion. Let us know how this all plays out. Very interesting scenerio.