The Pelican Sound Newcomers Club is all about supporting newcomers to the community whether they are owners or renters. Here is something that I believe most members of the Pelican Sound Community do not realize. The statistics show that about 50% of new owners at Pelican Sound were current or former renters of units here. In addition, as newcomers in the community learn more about the various kinds of units here, they often upgrade to larger units or single family houses. This is clearly borne out by the demographics of those who visit units on the market each weekend during the many open houses of units for sale in our community. So why is this such an important statistic?
First, most newcomers, as past renters at Pelican Sound, have a much better idea about the community and especially about the systems that we use to operate the various amenities at the Club. Many of these “newcomers” or new buyers are not only past renters, but many have been renting for several seasons, if not longer. They have already made friends in the community, and many have been active in all of our various functions. They chose Pelican Sound with a good basis of knowledge about the community and what it has to offer. In short, they are the perfect candidates for becoming active and participating, new members of our Pelican Sound community.
Another statistic that we have been told is that new buyers at Pelican Sound tend to be somewhat younger than the average age of the current members of the community. This is good on several levels. It brings in some diversity of age and helps lower the average age of members which we are told is currently about 70. As our baby boomers age and look for places to retire, there will be greater demand to find attractive, well-managed communities like Pelican Sound. This bodes well for continuing our economic stability in the future.
Also, as I am sure that you all realize, renters and other guests at Pelican Sound pay a higher rate for golf and the shops here, and most fully support the dining rooms with their charge accounts (if they are transferred the amenities as a part of their leases). Without the active participation in our amenities by renters and guests, we would risk having operational deficits which might require higher annual charges.
Finally, having an active real estate market at Pelican Sound especially with renters buying units and newcomers trading up to larger homes can keep prices stable or growing and demand high. Newcomers and renters are clearly the most likely people to buy units here in our Community because they have already been here and know Pelican Sound the best. It is clearly much harder to attract buyers from outside who have to take what we say about the values of our bundled community as truth, without experiencing it on their own behalf.
One of our very best selling points as a community is the extreme friendliness and openness of our members. We have felt this from the first hours that we arrived here at Pelican Sound. We were never made to feel like second-class citizens as renters here, and that is especially true as new owners. However, it never hurts to remember why it is so important to the entire community to welcome renters, and all newcomers for that matter, with open arms. You know that this is the right thing to do, and ultimately this will inure to all of our benefits.
