Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 10
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?
9415 Puritan Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Dominion Hills
Residential
RARE ONE-ACRE LOT FOR THIS SUBDIVISION adjacent to a vacant lot. 4-bedroom, 2-bath residence showcasing meticulously restored original hardwood flo...
Reduced -$7,600
9514 Puritan Rd.
Columbia, SC 29209
Dominion Hills
Residential
TONS of potential here!!! Cute 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home located in the quiet neighborhood of Dominion Hills. Huge fenced in back yard is perfect f...
1817 Pennfield Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
Drexel Lake Hills
Residential
Welcome to this charming 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick ranch with beautiful blooming azaleas located just 2 minutes from I-20 & I-77! Inside, you'll ...
2602 Marling Drive
Columbia, SC 29204-2600
Druid Hills
Residential
This 1 Story Home needs a Little Bit of TLC to make it REALLY Sparkle and Shine. The location is Excellent with the Convenience of Downtown Columbi...
2713 Glenw Road
Columbia, SC 29204
Druid Hills
Residential
Fully renovated ranch home all on one level is ready for a new family! Terrific front porch greets you as you enter into a nice size great room. Ne...
2635 Mills Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
Druid Hills
Residential
This all brick beauty in Forest Acres is fabulous for those seeking one level living and a large- peaceful backyard oasis! Druid Hills is in the he...
Reduced -$1,000
1811 Boyer Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
Druid Hills
Residential
Nestled in a prime Columbia, SC locale, this exquisite 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom all-brick ranch combines timeless elegance with modern comfort, making...
2452 Reynolds Drive
Columbia, SC 29204-2642
Druid Hills
Residential
Wonderful Renovations!! Most impressive refinishing job on the hardwood floors! Pairs so beautifully with the paint job throughout the house that m...
6557 Camelot Street
Columbia, SC 29203
Dunston Hills
Residential
Location..Location..Location - Are you looking to be close to everything? Look no further than this great Brick ranch located in Dunston Hills. Boa...
Reduced -$5,000
447 Hawkeye Court
Columbia, SC 29206
Eagle Park
Residential
Presenting an exquisite 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in the GATED community of Eagle Park. Nestled in a peaceful cul-de-sac. This home boasts grani...
2814 Park Street
Columbia, SC 29201-1645
Earlewood
Residential
Earlewood Arts and crafts home with fabulous front porch perched up high with great views, and,... it has an attached 2 car garage.... What!! This ...
3431 Park Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Earlewood
Residential
Charleston style home vacant, easy to show, front entrance up the stairs. Very generous space with 3 full baths and half bath. Wood floors on the m...
Reduced -$10,000
3308 Keenan Drive
Columbia, SC 29201
Earlewood
Residential
Earlewood 4BR/4 BA house with 2 car garage sits on 1/2 acre, surrounded by wetlands, and large hardwoods, it feels like you are living in a tree ho...
3007 River Drive
Columbia, SC 29201-1549
Earlewood
Residential
Priced to sell, come see this piece of 1930's architecture in one of Columbia's most loved neighborhoods. Just minutes from downtown, USC and all i...
Reduced -$10,000
3426 River Drive
Columbia, SC 29201
Earlewood
Residential
Welcome to 3426 River Drive, a charming bungalow, freshly updated with new carpets in the bedrooms to give the space a modern and seamless lift! Th...
169 Cottage Lake Way
Columbia, SC 29209
East Lake
Residential
Welcome to this charming home with a serene natural color palette throughout. The spacious master bedroom boasts a walk-in closet for all your stor...
100 Lake Way Lane
Columbia, SC 29209
East Lake
Residential
Corner lot located close to I-77, just outside the hustle and bustle of Downtown Columbia. Easy access to restaurants, schools and employment. Grea...
100 Greenfield Road
Columbia, SC 29223
East Lake Hills
Residential
Welcome home to this charming property featuring a cozy fireplace perfect for those chilly evenings. The natural color palette throughout creates a...
2202 Emsworth Drive
Columbia, SC 29209-4133
East Pines
Residential
Newly refreshed with paint, flooring and some light fixtures!!!!! Cute bungalow home located in Southeast Columbia. This cozy 3 bedroom/2 bathroom ...
Reduced -$1,000
656 Legacy Park Court
Columbia, SC 29209
Eastfair
Residential
Welcome to your charming abode near Ft Jackson! This delightful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is a true gem. Built in 2019, it boasts modern aesthet...
525 Eastfair Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Eastfair
Residential
Step into a world of comfort and sophistication with this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home that offers an exceptional living experience. Located in a desir...