More and more high-end residential communities are offering “test drive” packages to help woo would-be homeowners. In this tough economic climate, developers are getting creative with “try before you buy” techniques to give prospective buyers a taste of the lifestyle.
These inclusive packages allow people to stay in a comparable home, play golf, use dining facilities, the spa and other amenities – at a reduced fee! By offering and marketing these formalized multi-night vacation packages, developers are getting more prospects through the door and allowing their developments to sell themselves. According to John Fair at Paraiso del Mar in La Paz, “gone are the days of buying real estate site-unseen. If you believe in the community you’ve built, half the battle these days is just getting prospects through the door. This package helps us do that.”
Here are a few examples:
Paraiso del Mar in La Paz, Mexico offers a try before you buy package for $299 per person. This includes 4 nights in a deluxe beachfront condo with ocean view and 2 rounds of golf on their new Arthur Hills designed course. www.paradiseofthesea.com
Estrella del Mar in Mazatlan, Mexico offers a Stay & Play package for $399 per couple. The package includes 4 days at the resort, 3 nights lodging, complimentary dinner for 2, airport transfers and access to the entire Estrella del Mar activities and amenities (including Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course and 3.5 miles of beachfront). Real Estate tour required. www.estrelladelmar.com
One Steamboat Place in Steamboat Springs, Colorado invites prospective buyers to stay in a restored Victorian Guest House for $175 per night/per suite. Price includes breakfast, après ski cocktails and appetizers. Guests can also enjoy pre-arrival grocery shopping, concierge, trip activity coordination and airport pick-up/drop-off upon request. www.onesteamboatplace.com
The Tribute in Dallas offers two nights in a clubhouse suite, one round on each of the club’s two golf courses for $500 per couple. www.thetribute.com.