Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community
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What are the three most important criteria in choosing a property? As any real estate broker will tell you, "Location, location, location." Because you're buying into a community and not just a home, your choice is critical to both the home's future investment potential and to its livability.
Defining a community
A community corresponds roughly to a town. One community will differ from another on the basis of:
- Geographical setting
- Price and style of homes
- Accessibility
- Population density
- Age
- Desirability
It's wise to narrow your initial selection to two or three communities. Examine your present surroundings; specify those features you hope to keep or change in your new community.
Services
Never underestimate the importance of essential services. Water, natural gas, police and fire protection, sewer systems, garbage collection and snow removal all affect the livability of an area. Also, look into:
- Recreational facilities - Public swimming facilities, tennis courts, golf courses or racquetball courts.
- Medical services - Hospitals, physicians, dentists or special needs.
- Cultural facilities - Nearby colleges, adult education courses, concert facilities or museums.
- Newcomer's club - A club to help you socially acclimate to your new community.
Schools
If you have children, the quality of education available in a community is an important consideration. Schools vary from one community to the next, so it's a good idea to visit the schools, speak to the principals and find out about:
- Academic standing
- Class size
- Special programs
- Extracurricular activities
- Sports programs
- Community support of education
Convenience
You'll also want to consider:
- Commuting distance and time to work.
- The area's conveniences or isolation. Drive around to find out what is or isn't within reasonable distance.
Taxes
Property taxes - Property taxes are established by the local government on an annual basis. These funds are used to run your town, county or city. The largest portion of this usually goes toward education.
Resale homes - In many areas, property taxes may be raised or the property reappraised when a house is resold. Check the local custom and determine what the cost to you will be.
New homes - The taxes quoted by the builder may be on undeveloped land, or they may be a "guesstimate" of the tax bill. Check to determine the actual costs.
Localities - As a general rule, suburban and rural communities have lower taxes than large cities, but may not provide the same services. All those facilities and services cost money. After your mortgage payment, your tax bill is likely to be your biggest home ownership cost. Find out:
- What your tax bill will be and what it includes.
- If real estate assessments and taxes are recalculated at time of resale.
- The potential for any special assessments, such as new sewers or water lines.
- That portion (if any) of real estate taxes earmarked for public education.
- If your taxes are expected to increase because the town is growing quickly.
Financial considerations - Consider value received against costs incurred..
- Taxes may be comparatively low in a particular town, but will this adversely affect public services such as education, police protection or snow removal?
- Will extra assessments and levies directly benefit you?
- Are there indications of steadily increasing property values?
6713 North Trenholm
Columbia, SC 29206
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Reduced -$10,000
6800 Pine Tree
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You dont want to miss seeing this beautiful new listing in Arcadia Lakes! Now you can have it all with living on the lake and being close to downt...
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Columbia, SC 29201-2708
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This home makes you feel like you are in Charleston SC while you are right here in Columbia SC. The home is flat out Amazing! Over 7,000sqft of bea...
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508 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Callaway is a one-story floor plan with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The kitchen has a large center island and it overlooks an open family...
561 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Middleton B is a four bedroom with primary bedroom and bed 2 on first floor. 3 full baths. It features a large family room that is open to th...
533 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Jasmine B is a three bedroom with three bathrooms. This split bedroom plan features a large family room that is open to the kitchen and eat-in ...
557 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
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441 Durwin Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Jasmine A is a three bedroom with three bathrooms. This split bedroom plan features a large family room that is open to the kitchen and eat-in ...
549 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
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The Lockerly B is a three bedroom one and a half story home. It features a large family room that is open to the kitchen and eat-in area. Upgraded...
525 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
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The Lockerly B is a three bedroom 2.5 bath one and a half story home. It features a large family room that is open to the kitchen and eat-in area....
505 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Jasmine B is a three bedroom with three bathrooms. This split bedroom plan features a large family room that is open to the kitchen and eat-in ...
541 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Callaway B is a one-story floor plan with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The kitchen has a large center island and it overlooks an open fami...
569 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
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The Highstead A is a spacious open plan. High Vaulted ceiling in family room and primary bedroom makes this home feel even bigger. Two bedroom o...
545 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Middleton B is a three bedroom with primary bedroom and a flex space on first floor. 3 full baths. It features a large family room that is op...
501 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Hatcher A is a three bedroom and three bath home. This home features a large family room that is open to the kitchen and eat-in area. Upgraded ...
1035 Ashcroft Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Vernon features primary suite on the main floor and guest suite on the second floor. This home greats you at the foyer with an arch leading in...
517 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Hatcher B is a three bedroom and three bath home. This home features a large family room that is open to the kitchen and eat-in area. Upgraded ...
1028 Ashcroft Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
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The Underwood is a two-story, Craftsman-style home with three bedrooms and two and a half baths. The downstairs includes an open kitchen with a lar...
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Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Highstead B is a spacious open plan. High Vaulted ceiling in family room and primary bedroom makes this home feel even bigger. lvp flooring ...
504 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Middleton A is a three bedroom with primary bedroom on first floor, two bedrooms on the second and 2.5 baths. It features a large family room...
1026 Ashcroft Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
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The Vernon features a primary suite on the main floor! This home greets you at the foyer with an arch leading into the open plan. Spacious galley ...
Reduced -$4,196