It is a fact that more than 300,000 people move to Florida each year. The reasons are abundant considering the Sunshine State’s booming economy, low taxes, relatively affordable real estate, mild beach climates, and popular attractions. But there is much more, especially for us golfers. And it’s easy to see why Florida appeals to us because there are over 1,300 incredible courses spread throughout the great state of Florida; more than in any other state in the Union.
I mentioned that more than 300,000 people move to Florida each year, but get this: most do so after visiting the state’s top destination, Orlando. Would you believe that Orlando alone attracted a staggering 60 million visitors last year?
“Sometimes people move to Florida with the preconceived idea that living here will be like the experience they had at their favorite Orlando resort,” said Jason Becker, PGA, co-founder and CEO of Golf Life Navigators (GLN). “Living in Florida can be wonderful, but expecting life here to reflect your vacation is not realistic. Fortunately, we’ve found a way for future residents to experience what it’s like to live all over Florida before they actually do, including Orlando.
What does GLN do?
Based in Naples, GLN is dedicated to helping people find their ideal golf club, community and home. Partners with Rent Like A Champion (RLAC), offering people the opportunity to rent a home and experience what authentic Florida living has to offer. If RLAC rings the bell, you may have seen the company on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” where it landed two high-profile investors in Mark Cuban and Chris Sacca. Until now, RLAC mainly helped people find houses to rent in college towns during soccer games and graduation ceremonies.
“Our research at GLN shows that there is a significant trend of people visiting a destination once, twice, sometimes multiple times before they decide to move,” said Becker. “There was a time when a fancy brochure and a street vendor worked well enough to convince people to move. But not anymore. With RLAC, we have created an opportunity for people to experience life within an Orlando community before settling in. It’s the best ‘try-before-you-buy’ vacation experience in the country.
Knowing what you will experience before making a big decision speaks to the GLN mantra: helping people make better informed decisions before moving, joining a golf club, or buying property. Golf remains at the core of the company, but interest in joining a golf club is not a prerequisite for becoming a GLN client. Using proprietary research data combined with a comprehensive assessment of a customer’s tastes, wants, and desires, GLN tailors its recommendations to specific clubs, communities, and homes in a way that no other company can.
What’s different about GLN?
“GLN offers a service that is truly unique,” said Becker. “For example, imagine a couple ready to retire and move to Florida. They can agree on general things like which city or community they like, but in the case of this couple, their personal priorities do not match. The most important thing for the wife is to find a community close to the beach. As for the husband, he hopes to find a club that has a good weekly game and is suitable for high-level players. GLN has the experience and resources to combine these two distinctly different priorities and help that couple find the perfect solution.
And we do it without the stress or hassle normally associated with relocating to a new place.
Rent Like A Champion currently operates in more than 20 college towns across the country, and hosts more than 50,000 guests in a variety of homes, condos, and apartments. The new partnership with GLN is beginning in Orlando because that is where the company already has ties to a variety of rental home options that are located in golf real estate developments or are near a variety of public and private golf clubs. Future plans include expansion to other golf-rich Florida communities, as well as further expansion in the Orlando area.
“We are excited to start in Orlando and spread our partnership with RLAC to additional communities throughout the state of Florida in the coming months,” said Becker. “If you can try something before you buy it, you are much more likely to be satisfied with your decision. Living in Florida may not be exactly what it is like while on a resort vacation, but we think it’s pretty close. “
Very close, in fact; brings a whole new level of meaning to a purposeful Orlando vacation, doesn’t it? To learn more about Golf Life Navigators and available rental home options, you can get started on their website, contact by email, visit their website, or call 888-248-9907.
