If you’re an avid golfer looking to purchase a home, the thoughts of living with rolling green fairways right outside your back door, or the ability to step outside for a relaxing round after dinner, have likely crossed your mind.

Golf course neighborhoods do offer plenty of appeal, and, according to the Golf Research Group, which tracks the industry, these properties are three times more valuable than the average U.S. home.

But there are other considerations possible homeowners should keep in mind, including where on the course your home sits.

“Location is always a critical factor when making a decision to purchase. It is also important to think about resale when investing in a golf community,” says Patti McKerricher-Boyd, real estate agent, Windemere Real Estate, and past president of Spokane Association of REALTORS®. “With the limited supply of homes available on established golf courses, the demand tends to be higher.”

If looking within an area where there are many golf communities, the more affordable home might be the one in the suburbs. However, the closer to the city center you are, the quicker your home will appreciate.

Then there’s location within the community. Buying a home slightly off the main drag of the course will keep you away from errant balls, golfer chatter, and noisy carts; but, it could also cost you up to twice as much as one on the busier track.

If you decide that living along the hustle and bustle of the fairways is for you and your family, you’ll also want to take into account a few additional considerations.

With the new golf club technology out there, even average golfers are now able to hit a ball 250 yards, and the result is increased impact to homes.

“It’s an ongoing problem made worse by technologically advanced golf equipment that makes golf balls go farther – and farther sideways,” said David Mulvihill, a managing director at the Urban Land Institute, which studies golf course development. “The golf course designers are trying to adjust with wider fairway corridors, but because of liability issues, no one is willing to put on paper what the acceptable setbacks are.”

One solution to this problem is large “nets” to shield homes that sit in the most vulnerable spots from these long drives.

Linda Davis, director of building relationships for Copper Basin Construction, developer of Grayling Estates on the Prairie Falls Golf Club in Post Falls, Idaho, says Copper Basin homes that sit in these positions have not had any problem selling, but adds that the ability to install nets definitely adds to homeowners’ sense of safety and peace-of-mind.

Darrell Hull, Prairie Falls director of golf, says the majority of homeowners in the more “susceptible areas” have chosen to have nets erected. Homeowners are responsible for paying for the materials and having them delivered; the Prairie Falls staff takes care of the installation.

However, to protect yourself, comprehensive insurance coverage is a must, including a deductible for broken windows and liability protection – if someone gets hurt and they sue, you’ll be covered in most instances.

You’ll also want to make sure the developer built the homes using impact-resistant materials. Tile roofs and adobe siding may look nice but may not be so smart when building on a golf course. Your real estate agent should provide you with information on the type of windows, doors, siding and roofing that are currently part of the home. If not, ask for it.

Also, ask for a written document from the developer or previous owner that outlines issues the course has had with errant golf balls. Have an attorney review any clauses that might release the golf club or developer from liability. If it becomes a constant problem, the golf course should look into it. Sometimes the tee boxes aren’t oriented properly; if the course lines them up, it solves the problem.