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?

$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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$119,900 - Columbia, SC @ Abington

MLS#

304462

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Assist 2 Sell,Buyers & Sellers
WOW!!! Complete Remodel! Like New, NO--BETTER Than New! 4 Bedrooms, 2 Full and 1 Half Baths. Formal Living & Dining Room. Large, Eat-In Kitchen Op...

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$109,900 - Columbia, SC @ Abington Park

MLS#

301355

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of ERA Wilder Realty
Cul De Sac location, 4 Bedrooms, formal Dining Room, large Great Room, lots of closets, eat in Kitchen, huge Master with private Bath, Large Bedrooms.

 Virtual Tour  View Listing

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$340,000 - Columbia, SC @ Adesso

MLS#

304553

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

3 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Holder Properties
Final Closeout Now!!!!! Beautiful home overlooking the Strom Thurmond Fitness Center Dome and West to the airport. Granite, hardwoods, 10' ceilin...

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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,...

 Virtual Tour  View Listing

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$109,900 - Columbia, SC @ Alexander Pointe

MLS#

277965

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Columbia
Builder says this one MUST go! Essex's Preston B flrpln. Cute single story home features a very open flrpln, huge family room open to the eat in k...

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$137,500 - Columbia, SC @ Allans Mill

MLS#

297186

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of RE/MAX Real Estate Services

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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 and ...

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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, Kit...

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$149,800 - Columbia, SC @ Allans Mill

MLS#

303470

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Columbia
MUST SEE 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Home with Bonus with a Beautiful View of the Pond! This partial brick home is a rare treasure in NE Columbia, SC.This ope...

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