Final answer:
Golf course homes are sought after by high-income buyers as symbols of luxury living and exclusivity. Economic trends and cultural norms surrounding homeownership, as well as the historic rise in homeownership rates before the global financial crisis, have influenced this preference.
Step-by-step explanation:
A golf course home is often associated with luxury, comfort, and exclusivity. Members of the upper class who have a significant income are the typical purchasers of such properties. These homes are situated in areas that offer security and a host of amenities tailored for those seeking an upscale lifestyle, often found in gated communities or country clubs. The trend of pursuing such luxury real estate is influenced by various factors, including economic conditions and cultural preferences for homeownership.
As the history of the U.S. housing market has shown, particularly between 1990 and 2006, rising homeownership rates and the notion of housing as a safe investment have fueled the desire to buy rather than rent, which includes the pursuit of high-end properties like those on golf courses. The shift towards purchasing rather than renting was also influenced by the global financial crisis and the subsequent change in the perception of homeownership.