Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 14
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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:
- 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?
5909 Woodvine Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Forest Lake
Residential
Location, Renovations and PRIVACY- Situated on a nearly 1/2 acre lot, with an INGROUND POOL and ample green space, this MOVE IN READY, ALL BRICK ho...
6316 Grosse Point Drive
Columbia, SC 29206
Forest Lake
Residential
Welcome to this conveniently located all brick home minutes from downtown Columbia and Fort Jackson on a small, private road. This Forest Lake beau...
3715 Rockbridge Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Forest Lake
Residential
BACK ON THE MARKET. Welcome to 3715 Rockbridge Road in the heart of downtown Columbia. This Forest Lake home features gorgeous hardwood floors that...
16 Lake Court
Columbia, SC 29206-5147
Forest Lake
Residential
Well here you go for that Multi-Generational home that is in the Gill Creek section of the Forest Lake Subdivison on a quiet safe CuldeSac just 5 M...
Reduced -$17,500
3427 Overcreek Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Forest Lake Estates
Residential
Welcome to your in-town resort, minutes from the vibrant Forest Acres shopping/dining corridor! The views from this spectacular home are that of a ...
6323 Goldbranch
Columbia, SC 29206-3339
Forest Lake Estates
Residential
One level brick ranch home with easy one step access from carport into home. Gas Pac Lennox 2013...Roof 2017... Avg. Dominion bill= $176/month .. R...
Reduced -$25,000
6347 Goldbranch Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Forest Lake Estates
Residential
Beautiful all brick home in the heart of Forest Lake Estates. This 4 bed, 2.5 bath home is minutes from Fort Jackson, transit on I-77, and shopping...
6058 Robinwood Road
Columbia, SC 29206-4358
Forest Lake Estates
Residential
YOU could be SPLASHING IN YOUR POOL this year! Notice the Vinyl Windows and 2015 Roof! Step through the front door and find beautiful hardwoods, tr...
329 Arbor Drive
Columbia, SC 29206-5004
Forest Lake Estates
Residential
Welcome Home so if you are one of the many Buyers that are looking for a one story Brick Traditional Ranch in the Forest Lake or Forest Acres areas...
3334 Northshore Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Forest Lake Estates
Residential
Discover the unique opportunity to transform a spacious fixer-upper into your dream home, nestled on over an acre of land in Forest Lake Estates. T...
Reduced -$10,000
4741 Fernwood Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Forest Lake Estates
Residential
Forest Acres living at its finest! This lovely one level home has been updated and is move-in ready. The cooks kitchen was recently updated to incl...
116 Academy Way
Columbia, SC 29206-1402
Forest Lake Estates
Residential
$5,000 Seller Concessions offered to Buyer at closing! Situated in the highly sought after Forest Acres community, this property boasts a prime loc...
Reduced -$10,000
5011 Forest Lake Place
Columbia, SC 29206
Forest Lake Place
Residential
A beautifully tucked away condo on Gills Creek and the Forest Lake waterfall. ""I have always wanted to live in Forest Lake Place"" a phrase that i...
6434 Goldbranch Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Forestwood Estates
Residential
Great 3 BR ranch with hardwood floors throughout. Freshly painted, kitchen and bathrooms remodeled by Brunson Hendrix of Alpine cabinets. Walk-in b...
208 Montadale Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Foxhall
Residential
Welcome to your dream home! This charming traditional abode boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and recent updates throughout. The main floor master s...
25 Garden Springs Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Garden Springs
Residential
This charming brick ranch boasts 3 beds, 2 baths, and a refreshing pool, all complemented by a versatile additional building nestled in the backyar...
1138 Greenvalley Lane
Columbia, SC 29210
Gardendale
Residential
Welcome home to Gardendale subdivision. This well established subdivision is close to shopping, schools and the interstate Plus it does not have an...
909 Rollingview Lane
Columbia, SC 29210-4924
Gardendale
Residential
Brick Dutch Colonial features 4 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Bathrooms, Large 2 Car Garage with Workshop Space Plus a great Storage Shed. Beautifully landscaped...
797 Gardendale Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
Gardendale
Residential
WOW....Beautiful Home with So Much Character. From the English Garden Style Backyard to the Cozy Living Room, This House Screams Southern Living. M...
810 Kingsbridge Road
Columbia, SC 29210
Gardendale
Residential
Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home nestled in a well-established neighborhood with convenient access to Bush River Rd. Boasting a 2-...
Reduced -$5,000
547 Summit Terrace Court
Columbia, SC 29229
Gatewood
Residential
Welcome to this beautiful property that boasts a natural color palette, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere throughout. The kitchen is a sho...