HOA Amenities Versus Private Club Memberships

Two different relationships

An HOA is an association of owners created by recorded documents. Its amenities are usually funded by dues and available to eligible owners. A private club is a separate organization with its own membership categories, fees, eligibility rules and sometimes waitlists. In Steele Creek, The Palisades and its private country club are a common example of how the two can sit side by side.

Where buyers get confused

• Marketing photos of a clubhouse that belongs to the club, not the HOA.
• Listings that say “golf community” without stating membership terms.
• Assumptions that membership transfers with the home.
• Section-level amenities that not every lot in the master community can use.

Documents to request

• HOA declaration, bylaws, rules and current budget.
• Amenity access policy for the specific lot.
• Club membership categories, initiation fees and dues — directly from the club.
• Any written terms on transferring membership with a sale.

Cost of ownership

Add HOA dues, any sub-association dues, and — if you want it — club initiation and dues as separate line items. Ask about special assessments for both.