Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 16
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?
346 Forest Green Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Hampton Forest
Residential
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
Residential
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
Hampton Ridge
Residential
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
Residential
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...
Reduced -$10,000
113 Rosebank Drive
Columbia, SC 29209-1911
Hampton Trace
Residential
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
Residential
Welcome to this charming home with an array of desirable features. Step inside and be drawn to the cozy fireplace, providing both warmth and ambian...
Reduced -$1,000
1 Eastfern Court
Columbia, SC 29212
Harbison
Residential
BACK ON THE MARKET Nestled on a corner lot, it boasts a spacious front porch and a fenced yard - perfect for your furry friends or hosting gatherin...
Reduced -$2,000
100 Whitwood Circle
Columbia, SC 29212-3419
Harbison
Residential
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...
Reduced -$35,100
5 Fairleaf Court
Columbia, SC 29212
Harbison
Residential
Don't let your client miss this Beautifully Renovated Home ! Price Improvement ! Move IN Ready ! Home being Sold AS IS ...Nestled in a Great cul de...
Reduced -$5,000
116 Shadowpine Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Harbison
Residential
This spacious 3 bedroom and 2 bath home is in a well-established Harbison neighborhood with many amenities. The updated kitchen includes a stove, r...
Reduced -$5,000
1 Eastpine Court
Columbia, SC 29212
Harbison
Residential
HANDY MAN SPECIAL! Spacious home on corner lot in Irmo area. This floor plan offers 2078 square ft of living space with 4 bedooms and 3 full baths....
Reduced -$10,000
739 Wild Duck Lane
Columbia, SC 29210
Harbison Grove
Residential
* Under Construction Special. Refrigerator, washer and dryer included* The first-level features an open floor plan where family and friends can gat...
721 Wild Duck Lane
Columbia, SC 29210
Harbison Grove
Residential
Lot 86* Under Construction Special. Refrigerator, washer and dryer included* The first-level features an open floor plan where family and friends c...
733 Wild Duck Lane
Columbia, SC 29210
Harbison Grove
Residential
Lot 81* Under Construction Special. Refrigerator, washer and dryer included* The first-level features an open floor plan where family and friends c...
723 Wild Duck Lane
Columbia, SC 29210
Harbison Grove
Residential
* Under Construction Special. Refrigerator, washer and dryer included* The first-level features an open floor plan where family and friends can gat...
737 Wild Duck Lane
Columbia, SC 29210
Harbison Grove
Residential
* Under Construction Special. Will be completed May 2024 Refrigerator, washer and dryer included* The first-level features an open floor plan where...
741 Wild Duck Lane
Columbia, SC 29210
Harbison Grove
Residential
Lot 76* Under Construction Special. Refrigerator, washer and dryer included* The first-level features an open floor plan where family and friends c...
Increase +$2,500
735 Wild Duck Lane
Columbia, SC 29210
Harbison Grove
Residential
* Under Construction Special. Refrigerator, washer and dryer included* The first-level features an open floor plan where family and friends can gat...
Increase +$2,500
713 Wild Duck Lane
Columbia, SC 29210
Harbison Grove
Residential
Lot 90* Under Construction Special. Refrigerator, washer and dryer included* The first-level features an open floor plan where family and friends c...