Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community

Let Us Help Make This Decision Easier

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:

1. Geographical setting
2. Price and style of homes
3. Accessibility
4. Population density
5. Age
6. 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:

1. Recreational facilities - Public swimming facilities, tennis courts, golf courses or racquetball courts.
2. Medical services - Hospitals, physicians, dentists or special needs.
3. Cultural facilities - Nearby colleges, adult education courses, concert facilities or museums.
4. 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:

1. Academic standing
2. Class size
3. Special programs
4. Extracurricular activities
5. Sports programs
6. Community support of education

Convenience
You'll also want to consider:

1. Commuting distance and time to work.
2. 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:

1. What your tax bill will be and what it includes.
2. If real estate assessments and taxes are recalculated at time of resale.
3. The potential for any special assessments, such as new sewers or water lines.
4. That portion (if any) of real estate taxes earmarked for public education.
5. If your taxes are expected to increase because the town is growing quickly.

Financial considerations - Consider value received against costs incurred..

1. Taxes may be comparatively low in a particular town, but will this adversely affect public services such as education, police protection or snow removal?
2. Will extra assessments and levies directly benefit you?
3. Are there indications of steadily increasing property values?

$133,000 - Columbia, SC @ Abington

MLS#

307674

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Asset Realty, Inc.
Great home for a 1st time home buyer.Smooth top range. Double-Door Refrigerator,Kitchen has a Island.Plenty of Storage Space.Great Yard with a Priv...

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$122,000 - Columbia, SC @ Abington

MLS#

304207

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of ERA Wilder Realty
4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home w/fireplace in family room, a roomy eat-in area, overlooking large fenced in backyard. This home awaits your enjoyment of ...

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$340,000 - Columbia, SC @ Adesso

MLS#

224185

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

3 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Holder Properties
Arresting views from the rounded windows & balcony overlooking beautiful western skyline. 10' ceilings, crown mouldings, hardwood floors, granite,...

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$133,000 - Columbia, SC @ Allans Mill

MLS#

308742

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
LIKE NEW, ONLY 3.5 YRS OLD ! NEW NEUTRAL PAINT, AND COLORS THROUGHOUT HOME. LOTS OF CABINETS IN KITCHEN W/BLACK APPLIANCES AND PANTRY. ALL BEDROOMS...

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$161,810 - Columbia, SC @ Allans Mill

MLS#

307936

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

5

Baths:

3 Full / N/A

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Columbia
Moultrie, Elevation C floorplan. We've tricked this out out! Features in-law suite downstairs, family room with TV niche and fp, hdwd foyer and for...

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$159,720 - Columbia, SC @ Allans Mill

MLS#

304645

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Columbia
Essex floor plan, Portsmouth ''B'', elevation. A large home with hardwood entry, 9ft ceilings, over-sized Kitchen full of loads of cabinet space an...

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$152,050 - Columbia, SC @ Allans Mill

MLS#

304441

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Columbia
Hancock ''C'' model. Features stone accent exterior, 9ft ceilings down, hardwood entry, formal dining with picture framing and 2pc crown molding, K...

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$124,900 - Columbia, SC @ Allans Mill

MLS#

291546

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Palmetto Homes and Land Realty
Home features a 3 bed room, 2 bath with fire place and finished Bonus Room. Includes the latest Tankless Water Heater. Nickel lighting package and ...

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$125,000 - Columbia, SC @ Amelia Forest

MLS#

308447

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of RE/MAX Real Estate Services
Great flr plan open & charming in small friendly neighborhood convenient to VA and downtown and interstates. Nice corner lot with private backyard.

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$131,000 - Columbia, SC @ Angel Garden

MLS#

309340

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
GATED COMMUNITY! 2 story home with hardwood flrs throughout, granite kitchen countertops, large sink, extra cabinets, heavy moldings, built ins, la...

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