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:

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?

$15,000 - Columbia, SC @ None

MLS#

298442

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of ERA Wilder Realty
Nice mobile home in a quiet community. Conveniently located off Fairfield Road at I-20. 3 bedroom/2 bath with large living room with beautiful ston...

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$16,500 - Columbia, SC @ Barony

MLS#

290748

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of EXIT Real Est Consultants
Investors special, remodel had begun so new windows in portion of house, walls are down to studs before it was abandoned. Bring all offers!

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$17,500 - Columbia, SC @ Heron Ridge

MLS#

306497

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of RE/MAX Real Estate Services
4 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home. Living Room with fireplace. Kitchen with island. Den. Formal dining Room. Master bath with large garden tub. R...

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$19,750 - Columbia, SC @ None

MLS#

299995

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Palmetto Real Estate Grp of SC
Investor Special, NO OFFERS REFUSED. Sold As-Is, inspections are courtesy only. Needs major work. Heat/air stolen.

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$22,500 - Columbia, SC @ None

MLS#

311209

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Kelpat Real Est Professionals
Spacious four bedroom two bath manufactured home with a fireplace and located on a cul-de-sac. Has private wooded views in rear and front. Close ...

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$22,500 - Columbia, SC @ Eau Claire

MLS#

309637

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Morris Morgan Realty
Seller Financing available. Current price reflects 'AS-IS' value. Seller may select to rehab home and thus increase its value to current market rep...

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$24,900 - Columbia, SC @ Edgewood

MLS#

301461

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Prudential Midlands Real Est
All brick house currently rented month to month for $550/month. Great investment opportunity in great school district.

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$27,000 - Columbia, SC @ None

MLS#

304272

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of iRealty International LLC
Great brick 3bdr,2 bath home. Large lot. Make an offer. Property Sold AS-IS. Conveniently located on busline and close to downtown Columbia.

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$27,500 - Columbia, SC @ Hickory Ridge

MLS#

309499

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
Large 3 bedroom 2 bath with den and family room. Master bedroom with private bath. Large yard. Eat-in kitchen has lots of cabinets.

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$29,900 - Columbia, SC @ None

MLS#

309205

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
CALLING ALL INVESTORS! GREAT DUPLEX GET UP FOR AN AWESOME PRICE NEAR COLUMBIA COLLEGE! HOME NEEDS SOME TLC. SEPARATE KITCHENS FOR UP AND DOWNSTAIRS.

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