Hmmmmm. I know nothing about the Golf memberships. I'll check into it!
Thanks, all, for your thoughtful comments. SHELLY, we really haven't wanted to join, for the reasons you all brought forward. That's why I opened it up to the board for comments: to confirm we wouldn't be making a huge mistake to take a pass.
I agree with Spencer that $20,000, while still a boatload of money and not easy to come up with right now, isn't much when compared with the total investment. I believe we can make up some of the money (maybe just the quarterly dues) over time with extra increases in rent each year, as we intend to keep it for the long haul.
I agree with 30-A Rules and Miss Kitty that many will pass us by if we don't have the membership. We rent to adults, so they may not miss the pool so much, but when they see people at the bar, they will want in and may not chose us the next time down. I don't think charging a couple hundred less for a week than those with a membership will bring us more business, which I'm trying to build.
I agree with SHELLY that if there is wind damage it will be an ugly scene, all the while we are required to pay dues. We already have our tails in the air with a beach front investment. Scares me to add more!
I agree with TooFarTampa and Santiago: a club with few members is not feasible and downright spooky. Will wait staff want to hang around for 1 or 2 tables, at most, even if well paid? I agree that Joe changes course on a whim and can open/change memberships again, which is allowed in the rules and regs, which may also be changed. And if we sell thru Joe, buyers may very well get a membership.
One thought is to join now, see what happens, then sell, if desired, when WaterSound North comes on board (if it does) and new owners are buying. Oh yeah, can't get our money back until FOUR memberships are sold.
Miss Kitty, it is a pickle. One day I think we should join, the next two, not.
If we hope to offer the best beach experience, we should say yes. But Joe has made me furious and we personally are not 'club people'.
I've always tried to keep doors open and this one is closing fast! If not for the deadline, we would wait and see. Joe knows that.