Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 11
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?
2712 Chestnut Street
Columbia, SC 29204
Edgewood
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1802 Pennsylvania Avenue
Columbia, SC 29204
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7120 Fairmont Road
Columbia, SC 29209
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1606 Jayne Lane
Columbia, SC 29210
Elm Abode
Residential
Ranch style home, with 4 bedrooms and 2 living areas to allow you to the ability to host all of your events. The home is located in a neighborhood ...
2228 Wayne Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Elmwood
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Welcome to 2228 Wayne Street, an exquisite residence nestled in the heart of the historic Elmwood Park district in downtown Columbia. This charming...
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2222 Rembert Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Elmwood Park
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2316 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Elmwood Park
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2223 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 29201
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933 W Confederate Avenue
Columbia, SC 29201-1819
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SELLER IS ACCEPTING HIGHEST AND BEST OFFERS THROUGH 5PM MONDAY, APRIL 15. This gorgeous 3BR/2BA home in Earlewood sits on a corner lot with a great...
2402 Park Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Elmwood Park
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Amazing downtown historic Elmwood Park home on Park Street with a 2136 sf primary residence and 716 sf above-garage fully functional tenant occupie...
812 Chester Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Elmwood Park
Residential
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1345 Young Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
Emerald Valley
Residential
BEAUTIFUL HOME NESTLED ON HALF AN ACRE IN DESIRABLE EMERALD VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD, CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA AND IRMO! This 4 bed/ 3 bath home is fu...
5911 Seabury Street
Columbia, SC 29203
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Residential
Beautifully renovated 3 bedroom and 2 bath home. No HOA. Large lot. New roof and hot water heater in 2023. New HVAC unit 2024. New interior and ext...
339 Cornflower Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Falls Mill
Residential
This Gem features 6 large bedrooms and 4 baths and is ready for new owners. Extra large deck will be great for entertaining after some TLC! The nea...
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249 Tabor Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
Farrow Hills
Residential
Lovely home with lots of room! 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 baths! New flooring and all new stainless steel appliances. Recently installed brand new r...
675 Poplar Grove Lane
Columbia, SC 29203
Farrow Pointe
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Location! Location! Location!! This one owner home is now ready for its new beginnings with you!! It is conveniently located near Fort Jackson, res...
204 Birchfield Drive
Columbia, SC 29203-9094
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Welcome to your dream home! Nestled in the serene neighborhoods' cul-de-sac of Farrow Pointe, this charming 2-story residence boasts everything you...
137 Farrow Pointe
Columbia, SC 29203
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141 Farrow Pointe Lane
Columbia, SC 29203-8931
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Welcome Home to this One Story Ranch Style home built in 2014 in the Award winning Richland Two School District with loads of upgrades all on one l...
604 Valleybridge Road
Columbia, SC 29223
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210 Muirfield Drive
Columbia, SC 29212-0925
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Beautifully maintained home. Move right in, put your feet up and relax. Nothing to do. Walk into the foyer which leads to a spacious formal living ...