Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 2

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:

1. Geographical setting
2. Price and style of homes
3. Accessibility
4. Population density
5. Age
6. 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:

1. Recreational facilities - Public swimming facilities, tennis courts, golf courses or racquetball courts.
2. Medical services - Hospitals, physicians, dentists or special needs.
3. Cultural facilities - Nearby colleges, adult education courses, concert facilities or museums.
4. 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:

1. Academic standing
2. Class size
3. Special programs
4. Extracurricular activities
5. Sports programs
6. Community support of education

Convenience
You'll also want to consider:

1. Commuting distance and time to work.
2. 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:

1. What your tax bill will be and what it includes.
2. If real estate assessments and taxes are recalculated at time of resale.
3. The potential for any special assessments, such as new sewers or water lines.
4. That portion (if any) of real estate taxes earmarked for public education.
5. If your taxes are expected to increase because the town is growing quickly.

Financial considerations - Consider value received against costs incurred..

1. Taxes may be comparatively low in a particular town, but will this adversely affect public services such as education, police protection or snow removal?
2. Will extra assessments and levies directly benefit you?
3. Are there indications of steadily increasing property values?

$98,000 - Columbia, SC @ Angel Garden

MLS#

304235

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of RE/MAX Midlands Realty
Property is located in an All-Gated Community in Angel Garden with 3 bedrooms/2.5 bath/living room, kitchen and dining area, laundry room and a 1 c...

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$97,500 - Columbia, SC @ Angel Garden

MLS#

292818

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Russell & Jeffcoat
Great price for this newer home in gated community.Numerous upgrades incl.recessed lights,extra electrical outlets,dbl wooden hand rails @ stairwe...

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$154,900 - Columbia, SC @ Arborchase

MLS#

292772

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of The Mungo Company Inc
Beautiful home on 1/3 acre lot! This home is located in the ARBORCHASE subdivision, and has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2038 square feet. Master s...

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$135,900 - Columbia, SC @ Arborchase

MLS#

291741

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of Crossroads Realty LLC
WELL MAINTAINED, MOVE IN READY CHARLESTON HOME. ROOF IS 1 YEAR OLD. HVAC IS 3 YEARS OLD. OUTSIDE OF HOME WAS PAINTED 3 YEARS AGO. FLORIDA ROOM/OFFI...

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$163,900 - Columbia, SC @ Arcadia Lakes

MLS#

311854

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Bollin Ligon Walker Realtors
This 4 bedroom ranch is on a quiet cul-de-sac nd a very big lot. Enjoy views of Cary Lake from the deck! The kitchen is wide open to the den, and...

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$155,000 - Columbia, SC @ Arcadia Lakes

MLS#

311361

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of ERA Wilder Realty
Inviting neighborhood with the ''off the beaten path'' location, yet close to many things. This home is ''calling you home''.

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$588,000 - Columbia, SC @ Arcadia Lakes

MLS#

300889

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

3 Full / N/A

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Forest Acres Reliable Realtors
Gorgeous intown lakefront contemporary. Remodeled 2000 with all upgrades. Beautiful lakeviews from nearly every room. Open floor plan, perfect for ...

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$375,000 - Columbia, SC @ Arcadia Lakes

MLS#

276016

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

5

Baths:

4 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of MaxM Realty
Unbelievable Value in Arcadia Lakes! This one-owner home is perfect for entertaining or just a great retreat with access to Carey Lake for ,skiing ...

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$275,000 - Columbia, SC @ Arcadia Woods

MLS#

299152

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Columbia
Major Price Reduction...Motivated Sellers! Enjoy the outdoors comfortably in 575sf Sunroom (not included in heated sf) overlooking view of 14 Owner...

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$223,900 - Columbia, SC @ Archers Courts

MLS#

311458

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

5

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of ERA Wilder Realty
A must see Irmo home in excellent condition that is for sale below the 2009 purchase price. Features an open floor plan with a formal dining room, ...

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