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:
- 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?
- MLS#
307674- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Richland Two
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...
- MLS#
304207- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Richland Two
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 ...
- MLS#
224185- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 3 Full / N/A
- School:
- Richland One
Arresting views from the rounded windows & balcony overlooking beautiful western skyline. 10' ceilings, crown mouldings, hardwood floors, granite,...
- MLS#
307936- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 3 Full / N/A
- School:
- Richland Two
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...
- MLS#
308742- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Richland Two
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...
- MLS#
304441- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Richland Two
Hancock ''C'' model. Features stone accent exterior, 9ft ceilings down, hardwood entry, formal dining with picture framing and 2pc crown molding, K...
- MLS#
304645- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Richland Two
Essex floor plan, Portsmouth ''B'', elevation. A large home with hardwood entry, 9ft ceilings, over-sized Kitchen full of loads of cabinet space an...
- MLS#
291546- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / N/A
- School:
- Richland Two
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 ...
- MLS#
308447- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / N/A
- School:
- Richland One
Great flr plan open & charming in small friendly neighborhood convenient to VA and downtown and interstates. Nice corner lot with private backyard.
- MLS#
309340- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Richland Two
GATED COMMUNITY! 2 story home with hardwood flrs throughout, granite kitchen countertops, large sink, extra cabinets, heavy moldings, built ins, la...
- MLS#
304235- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Richland Two
Property is located in an All-Gated Community in Angel Garden with 3 bedrooms/2.5 bath/living room, kitchen and dining area, laundry room and a 1 c...
- MLS#
292818- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Richland Two
Great price for this newer home in gated community.Numerous upgrades incl.recessed lights,extra electrical outlets,dbl wooden hand rails @ stairwe...
- MLS#
292772- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Beautiful home on 1/3 acre lot! This home is located in the ARBORCHASE subdivision, and has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2038 square feet. Master s...
- MLS#
291741- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
WELL MAINTAINED, MOVE IN READY CHARLESTON HOME. ROOF IS 1 YEAR OLD. HVAC IS 3 YEARS OLD. OUTSIDE OF HOME WAS PAINTED 3 YEARS AGO. FLORIDA ROOM/OFFI...
- MLS#
311854- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Richland Two
This 4 bedroom ranch is on a quiet cul-de-sac nd a very big lot. Enjoy views of Cary Lake from the deck! The kitchen is wide open to the den, and...
- MLS#
311361- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / N/A
- School:
- Richland Two
Inviting neighborhood with the ''off the beaten path'' location, yet close to many things. This home is ''calling you home''.
- MLS#
300889- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 3 Full / N/A
- School:
- Richland Two
Gorgeous intown lakefront contemporary. Remodeled 2000 with all upgrades. Beautiful lakeviews from nearly every room. Open floor plan, perfect for ...
- MLS#
276016- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 4 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Richland Two
Unbelievable Value in Arcadia Lakes! This one-owner home is perfect for entertaining or just a great retreat with access to Carey Lake for ,skiing ...
- MLS#
299152- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Richland Two
Major Price Reduction...Motivated Sellers! Enjoy the outdoors comfortably in 575sf Sunroom (not included in heated sf) overlooking view of 14 Owner...
- MLS#
311458- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
A must see Irmo home in excellent condition that is for sale below the 2009 purchase price. Features an open floor plan with a formal dining room, ...
- MLS#
311274- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
ENJOY ALL THAT ARCHERS COURT HAS TO OFFER!! THIS HOME IS SITUATED ON A LARGE BEAUTIFUL LOT IN A CUL-DE-SAC. RELAX AND ENJOY THE OUTDOORS FROM THE W...
- MLS#
304669- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Perfect Location-1 mile from Interstate, yet quiet cul-de-sac. Colonial style home has good bones, very well maintained; just needs some TLC and up...
- MLS#
310390- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 4
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
Awesome cul de sac location and beautiful two story all brick home. Foyer welcomes w/ gleaming hardwoods with formal dining room to the right and...
- MLS#
309341- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / 1 Half
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
This home is only 4 yrs old yet packed w/ character! Foyer welcomes w/ gleaming hardwoods & French doors. Both Living & Dining Rms enjoy great na...
- MLS#
308316- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 3 Full / N/A
- School:
- Lexington/Richland Five
GORGEOUS 4 BEDROOM 3 BATH HOME IN PRISTINE CONDITION LOCATED IN PRIME LOCATION, 5 MINUTES TO LAKE MURRAY AND 5 MINUTES COLUMBIANA CENTER. 3400 SQUA...
- MLS#
311607- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / N/A
- School:
- Richland One
This one is a JEWEL! SUPER PRICE for quick sale for this GREAT, UPDATED home. Neat as a pin & shows beautifully! Updated kit with glass top cookt...
- MLS#
307044- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / N/A
- School:
- Richland One
Nice one-level home in Ashewood Lakes. 3BR/2BA, large Family Room, eat-in kitchen, deck & 2-car garage. Community pool and clubhouse. Convenient to...
- MLS#
297584- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / N/A
- School:
- Richland One
Great one level home close to shopping, schools, interstate 77 and Fort Jackson/McEntire Air Base. Tile in foyer, kitchen and baths. Laminated hard...
- MLS#
298283- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 5
- Baths:
- 3 Full / N/A
- School:
- Richland Two
Beautiful home with open floor plan. Brazilian hardwoods in both formals, den, and kitchen. Oversized Master bedroom with sitting area and double v...
- MLS#
310807- Class:
- Residential
- Status:
- Active
- Beds:
- 3
- Baths:
- 2 Full / N/A
- School:
- Richland Two
GOOD LOCATION WITH EASY ACCESS TO EVERYTHING. ALL BRICK RANCH WITH FROG. WELL MAINTAINED WITH OAKWOOD FLOORS, HIGH CEILINGS, SCREEN PORCH AND PATIO...
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