Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 202

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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:

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?

$182,900 - Columbia, SC @ Winchester

MLS#

309859

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

3 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Covenant Properties, Inc.
Spacious 2803 square foot home with 4 bedroooms and 3.5 baths. Winchester subdivision. Richland Two school district. New Fresh Paint!! Square foota...

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$139,985 - Columbia, SC @ Winchester

MLS#

309588

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Covenant Properties, Inc.
Spacious 2487 square foot home with 3 bed / 2.5 bath on .27 acres in the Winchester subdivision. Square footage per tax records. Buyer to verify al...

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$159,900 - Columbia, SC @ Winchester

MLS#

302390

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Asset Realty, Inc.
TERRIFIC HOME NEEDS TLC (CARPET AND SOME PAINTING)/ GREAT PLAN/4TH BR IS FROG/FRONT & BK STAIRS/ LARGE OPEN KIT, BREAKFAST BAYDOOR AREA/OPEN SPINDL...

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$94,900 - Columbia, SC @ Windmill Orchard

MLS#

311741

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Covenant Properties Inc
All updated ready for the next homeowner. Everything is new from the tile floors, new carpet, painted, new appliances to the new roof. Close to eve...

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$109,900 - Columbia, SC @ Windmill Orchard

MLS#

309302

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Consolidated Real Estate LLC
**Like New** New HVAC,New roof w/ Arch shingles, New insulated windows, and beautiful large eatin kitchen w/ new tile floor, new black counter tops...

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$120,000 - Columbia, SC @ Windmill Orchard

MLS#

300746

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of ERA Wilder Realty
Convenient to Ft. Jackson and Shaw AFB & just minutes away from the Village of Sandhill where shopping, fine dining and theaters await you. Relax a...

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$900,000 - Columbia, SC @ Windsong Point

MLS#

295500

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

7

Baths:

5 Full / 1 Half

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of TurnKey Realty
Stunningly beautiful Lake Murray home with sunset views on big water. Just minutes to downtown Columbia. 7 bedrooms 5 full baths and 1 half bath. O...

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$129,900 - Columbia, SC @ Windsor Estates

MLS#

305179

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Russell & Jeffcoat
4 bed/2.5 bath tri-level brick/cedar home located on corner lot in quiet established neighborhood. Home needs some TLC. Priced to sell. Low price f...

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$79,900 - Columbia, SC @ Windsor Estates

MLS#

297982

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
Great home in established neighborhood. Home has been updated for you. Laminate floor in great room, kitchen and hallway. Master has private bath w...

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$234,000 - Columbia, SC @ Windsor Lake

MLS#

300898

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
DRAMATIC ALL BRICK IN TOWN LAKEFRONT HOME WITH 4 BEDROOMS AND 2.5 BATHS AND NEARLY 3400 SQUARE FEET. NEARLY 200 FEET OF BIG WATER FRONTAGE WITH DO...

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