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?

$229,000 - Columbia, SC @ Sherwood Forest

MLS#

282411

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United 01
Brick home with lots of storage space. Hardwood floors down. Large 2 car detached 26 x 24 vinyl garage + one car attached garage. Enclosed florida ...

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$330,000 - Columbia, SC @ Governors Hill

MLS#

282698

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Prudential Midlands Real Est
Downtown living at its finest! This 3 bed, 2.5 bath, Charleston style home is located in coveted ''Governors Hill'' & centrally located to all down...

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$169,000 - Columbia, SC @ Rose Creek

MLS#

311478

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
Charming Cape Cod style house in lovely, established Rose Creek subdivision. Seller has added new double-hung vinyl windows & French doors, vinyl ...

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$218,900 - Columbia, SC @ Commons At Winchester

MLS#

306495

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

3 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
The Huntington floorplan. Bonus room has a full bathroom (no closet) but is a Double bonus room. Stunning hardwoods in Foyer. Formals and 2 story c...

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$82,990 - Columbia, SC @ Legend Oaks

MLS#

303722

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Russell & Jeffcoat
Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home all on the main level! New paint, carpet & fans throughout. Cathedral ceilings in Kitchen & great room. Complete s...

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$134,900 - Columbia, SC @ Grove Park

MLS#

310011

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Palmetto Homes and Land Realty
Quaint three bedroom traditional ranch home with lots of character and space.

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$167,900 - Columbia, SC @ Kingston Ridge

MLS#

310013

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

4 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Peachtree Communities Rlty Grp
WINDSOR B20- 4BED/4 BATH WITH LOFT. COME SEE WHAT SETS PEACHTREE COMMUNITIES APART FROM THE OTHER BUILDERS! CORNER LOT!!! BRICK FRONT WITH HARDY PL...

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$311,174 - Columbia, SC @ Lake Carolina - Ashland Downes

MLS#

310024

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

5

Baths:

4 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Lake Carolina Properties, LLC
Ever-popular Lexington plan featuring 5 BRs/4.5 BAs! Spacious and private owner's retreat on the second level includes cathedral ceiling, cozy sitt...

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$219,900 - Columbia, SC @ Forest Acres

MLS#

309996

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Home Shop Realty Company
Terrific Two-Story Brick in peaceful and quiet area of Forest Acres. Beautiful, private backyard w/Koi Pond. Updated Kitchen w/Granite Counter-Tops...

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$287,000 - Columbia, SC @ Murraywood

MLS#

310005

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of Weichert Rlt,Ray Covington
Beautiful home boast over 4000 sq ft! One of the largest homes in Murraywood. Kitchen updated with custom cabinets, granite countertops & skylight...

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