Decoding Club Memberships On The Plateau

Thinking about a second home in Highlands and wondering how private club memberships fit into the picture? You are not alone. On the Plateau, the right membership can shape your day-to-day life, your budget, and even your resale value. In this guide, you will learn what the membership terms actually mean, how local clubs operate, what to ask before you buy, and how to align a membership with your lifestyle and property goals. Let’s dive in.

Why club memberships matter on the Plateau

Highlands–Cashiers is a lifestyle market with golf, spa, tennis, pickleball, hiking, and a full social calendar throughout the warmer months. Many owners are seasonal, so clubs often offer flexible categories that fit part-time use. You will also see hybrid setups where resort amenities serve hotel guests while members enjoy added benefits such as priority tee times and member-only events.

Because memberships can be tied to properties, included for a term, or fully separate, they influence both your purchase decision and future resale. Waiting lists, application steps, and sponsorship requirements are common, so timing matters if you want access your first season.

Membership types and common terms

Categories of access

• Full or Golf: Broadest access to golf, practice facilities, racquet sports, fitness, pool, dining, and events.
• Social or Dining: Dining and social events, sometimes pool and fitness, but typically no golf.
• Limited, Weekday, or Seasonal: Restricted days or months tailored to part-time residents.
• Junior or Associate: Age or usage-based options with lower dues.
• Corporate or Family: May allow multiple designees under one account.
• Temporary or Trial: Short-term access, sometimes for new residents.

Ownership structure

• Equity: You hold an ownership interest in the club entity. Resale may be allowed under club rules, and value can change with market demand.
• Non-equity or Subscription: You have contractual privileges without ownership. Transfer is limited or requires club approval.
• Developer or Amenity Allocations: In some communities, developers control memberships and assign them to buyers under specific terms.

What it costs

• Initiation or Entrance Fee: One-time fee, which may be refundable, partially refundable, or nonrefundable.
• Annual Dues: Recurring operational dues.
• Food and Beverage Minimums: Required spend at dining venues in some clubs.
• Other Fees: Cart or trail fees, lockers, tournament entries.
• Capital or Special Assessments: For facility upgrades and major projects.
• Transfer or Resale Fees: When a membership changes hands.

Governance and approvals

Expect an application and approval process. Many private clubs require sponsors and an interview. Desirable clubs often maintain waiting lists, and some prioritize residents of affiliated communities.

How Highlands–Cashiers clubs operate

Resort and private hybrid

Local organizations often blend public resort amenities with private club benefits. For example, the Old Edwards organization has long combined hotel and spa offerings with private club privileges. While hotel guests may access certain amenities, members usually receive priority access and member-focused programming. Always verify current categories and rules directly with the club.

Seasonal realities

Winter weather can affect road conditions, staffing, and the timing of golf and racquet seasons. If you visit mostly spring through fall, a seasonal or limited membership may fit better than full access you will not use in colder months.

Guest and rental rules

If you plan to rent your home, understand the guest policy. Some clubs allow renters to use facilities only when the owner is present or with a temporary pass and added fees. Other clubs restrict renter access entirely. These rules can shape your rental strategy and the property’s appeal to guests.

Reciprocal privileges and culture

Some area clubs participate in reciprocal networks that offer visiting rights to other clubs. Culture also varies club to club, from formal dining traditions to casual, activity-driven communities. Align culture and calendar with your expectations.

Memberships and your home search

Proximity and winter convenience

Walkable or near-club locations can be a game changer, especially in winter. For example, in-town neighborhoods like Satulah Village sit near Old Edwards amenities, so you can enjoy quick access when weather or time is tight. If a membership is not included, proximity can matter even more because short trips need to feel effortless.

Value and carrying costs

Compare total cost over the years you expect to use the club. A high initiation with moderate dues can be better or worse than a low initiation with higher recurring costs, depending on your usage. Equity memberships may add perceived value at resale if demand is strong and transfers are straightforward.

Renting your home

If renters cannot use club facilities, your nightly rates and occupancy may be lower for amenity-focused guests. Confirm guest rules, fees, and blackout dates before you rely on rental income to offset carrying costs.

Resale impact

Homes with clear, transferable membership privileges are often more attractive to amenity-driven buyers. If the membership is temporary or non-transferable, set expectations for future buyers and price strategy.

Lifestyle fit and calendar

Match your membership to how you plan to live here. Empty-nesters who golf several days a week might value full golf access. If you visit mainly off-season and want fitness, spa, and dining, a social or seasonal option may be smarter.

Risk tolerance

Equity memberships create potential upside or downside at resale. Non-equity options remove resale risk but do not carry asset value. In early-stage developments, expect evolving operations and potential assessments.

What to ask before you buy

Financial and contractual

• Is a membership included with the property? Which category and for how long?
• Is the membership equity or non-equity, and is it transferable on resale?
• What are the initiation fee, annual dues, minimums, and other recurring charges?
• Are any capital assessments pending or planned, and what is the reserve status?
• Are there transfer fees or resale mark-ups when ownership changes?

Access and usage

• Which amenities are included: golf, practice facilities, spa, tennis, fitness, pool, dining, member events?
• How do tee-time bookings and priorities work for members and residents?
• What are the guest rules for homeowners and renters, including fees or sponsor requirements?
• Are there blackout dates or seasonal closures for certain amenities?

Governance and restrictions

• What is the application and approval process and timeline?
• Are there membership caps or waiting lists for your desired category?
• Do the HOA or developer have any rights or obligations related to memberships?
• Are there restrictions that affect renting the property?

Transfer and resale logistics

• If the membership is being sold, what is the process, paperwork, and fee schedule?
• If membership is included with the property, how is it recorded or assigned at closing?
• Must the current owner be in good standing for transfer to occur?

Documentation to request

• Current membership agreement and bylaws.
• Recent budgets and financial statements, including reserve details if available.
• Membership counts by category and any waiting list length.
• HOA covenants or development documents that mention membership.
• Recent notices or minutes about major projects or assessments.

How transfers work at closing

Membership transfers often run on a parallel track to your home purchase. Plan ahead so the club’s approval timeline does not delay closing. The club may require an application, sponsor references, and an interview. Some allow a temporary pass while final approval is pending.

If the membership is an asset being sold, your contract and escrow instructions should address transfer fees, proration of dues, and any conditions that must be met before funds release. When membership terms are part of recorded HOA covenants, review those documents carefully. If the transfer is complex, consult a local real estate attorney to confirm rights, obligations, and timing.

A quick decision framework

• Define your usage: peak season only or year-round, golf-centric or social and wellness.
• Match the category: full golf, social, or seasonal to align with how often you will be here.
• Model the costs: initiation, dues, minimums, and likely assessments over your expected hold period.
• Verify the rules: guest and renter access, waiting lists, application steps, and transfer rules.
• Decide with the end in mind: consider how the membership will affect future resale.

Work with a local advisor

On the Highlands–Cashiers plateau, the right membership can be the difference between a nice getaway and a seamless lifestyle. You want accurate local insight, clear contract language, and realistic cost modeling before you commit. Our team pairs decades of in-market experience with concierge-level service to help you weigh membership options against your property goals.

If you are exploring a condo in town, a home near a club, or a seasonal base with easy amenity access, we can guide you through the membership documents, questions to ask, and how terms may affect closing and resale. When you are ready to align your lifestyle with the right home and club, connect with the Michaud Rauers Group.

FAQs

What costs should I expect with a Highlands area club?

• Most clubs charge a one-time initiation fee, annual dues, possible food and beverage minimums, and add-ons like cart, locker, and tournament fees. Capital assessments may occur for major projects.

Can renters use my club membership if I rent my home?

• Many clubs restrict renter access or require the owner’s presence, guest passes, or added fees. Some do not allow renter use at all. Confirm rules in writing before relying on rental income.

What is the difference between equity and non-equity memberships?

• Equity members hold an ownership interest and may resell their membership subject to club rules. Non-equity members have access rights without ownership, and transfers are limited or require approval.

How common are waiting lists for club memberships on the Plateau?

• Waiting lists are common at desirable clubs, and some keep priority lists for residents of affiliated communities. Application steps and timelines vary by club.

Do seasonal closures affect the value of a full membership?

• If you visit mainly off-season, a full membership may be underused. Seasonal or limited categories can align better with your actual time in Highlands and help manage costs.