Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 15
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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?
308 Christian Street
Columbia, SC 29203
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Come see this beautiful new home on one level located in Greenview community. Close to interstate
512 Easter Street
Columbia, SC 29203
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Columbia, SC 29206
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128 Alexander Circle
Columbia, SC 29206
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2808 Hardwicke Road
Columbia, SC 29210
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2803 Hardwicke Road
Columbia, SC 29210
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Renovated and spacious brick split-level on a 1/3-acre corner-lot in Grenadier! Enjoy close proximity to the amenities of Columbia and Irmo in this...
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Columbia, SC 29204
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227 Spartan Drive
Columbia, SC 29212
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111 Hampton Crest Trail
Columbia, SC 29209
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When entering this 4 bedroom home, you're greeted by an abundance of natural light and an open concept living space. The house is lined with gleami...
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711 Garden Forest Road
Columbia, SC 29209
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Sought after 3 Bedroom town home in amenity rich Hampton Forest. The neighborhood amenities include a Pool, Clubhouse, Dog Park, 16 seat Theatre Ro...
346 Forest Green Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Hampton Forest
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Beautiful Hampton Forest home convenient to Woodhill and Crosshill Markets, transit on area interstates, Fort Jackson, and minutes from downtown Co...
168 Top Forest Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Hampton Forest
Residential
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath detached home is located in sought after Hampton Forest and offers a 1 car garage, located less than mile from VA Hospital, ...
8 Trafalgar Court
Columbia, SC 29209
Hampton Leas
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Nestled on a cul-de-sac street is this 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with separate Bonus Room in sought after Hampton Leas/Old Woodlands area. The selle...
6000 Rutledge Hill Road
Columbia, SC 29209
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Stunning custom built Mediterranean contemporary home. This home has it all! Ten foot ceilings, large rooms with open floor plan. First floor prima...
Reduced -$60,000
811 Arbutus Drive
Columbia, SC 29205
Hampton Terrace
Residential
All Brick home in popular Hampton Terrace! The area is well established and close to Devine St amenities and shopping, major interstates, and Fort ...
328 Hampton Trace Lane
Columbia, SC 29209
Hampton Trace
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This all brick home is tucked back into one of Columbia's most sought after neighborhoods - Old Woodlands. The 2,300 square foot home features thre...
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113 Rosebank Drive
Columbia, SC 29209-1911
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A classic charmer in the Hampton Trace subdivision! This three bedroom and two and a half bathroom home has been beautifully maintained. Walk into ...
17 Fairforest Court
Columbia, SC 29212
Harbison
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Columbia, SC 29212
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100 Whitwood Circle
Columbia, SC 29212-3419
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Now under $200K!!! $35,000 HUGE Price Reduction on this Newly refreshed 1,300 square foot home w/ 3 bedrooms, 2 FULL baths located in the establish...
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5 Fairleaf Court
Columbia, SC 29212
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Reduced -$5,000