Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 21
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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?
328 Pinnacle Ridge Dr
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Pinnacle Ridge
Residential
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128 Leighbrooke Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Pinnacle Ridge
Residential
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207 Ashewicke Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Pinnacle Ridge
Residential
Nestled in award winning Lake Carolina Community offering extensive amenities to include beautiful lakes with boat access, olympic style swimming p...
321 Channel Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Pinnacle Ridge
Residential
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224 Canongate Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Pinnacle Ridge
Residential
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341 Channel Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Pinnacle Ridge
Residential
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220 Canongate Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Pinnacle Ridge
Residential
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185 Ashewicke Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Pinnacle Ridge
Residential
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130 Ashewicke Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Pinnacle Ridge
Residential
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Reduced -$20,000
204 Nautique Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Summerlin
Residential
Welcome to 204 Nautique Circle, located in the beautiful Lake Carolina community! This beautiful 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom property is a blank canvas a...
Reduced -$5,000
107 Wharton Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Tennyson
Residential
**ASSUMABLE FHA LOAN AT A 3.1% INTEREST RATE!** GORGEOUS HOME NESTLED IN DESIRABLE LAKE CAROLINA COMMUNITY, ZONED FOR AWARD-WINNING RICHLAND 2 SCHO...
Reduced -$10,000
53 Shoreline Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - The Bluffs
Residential
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198 Silverwood Trail
Columbia, SC 29229-7554
Lake Carolina - The Meadows
Residential
4 bedroom 2 bathroom brick-front home in the Meadows of Lake Carolina, now available!! Boasting ceilings that touch the sky and enough natural ligh...
201 Beacon Lane
Columbia, SC 29229-7527
Lake Carolina - The Oaks
Residential
Nestled in the highly desirable Lake Carolina neighborhood, this captivating 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of tranquility a...
114 Oak Cove Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - The Oaks
Residential
Located in The Oaks in award winning Lake Carolina, this home features 4 bedrooms / 2.5 baths and is walking distance from the Town Center and Vill...
308 Oak Cove Dr
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - The Oaks
Residential
This inviting and move-in ready traditional-style home is tucked away on a quiet street in an established neighborhood. The attached two-car garage...
109 Beacon Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - The Oaks
Residential
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404 Spinnakers Reach Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - The Peninsula
Residential
Magnificent home in prestigious, gated Peninsula of Lake Carolina. This home features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and 3 car garage. Subdivision features ...
1036 Keeler Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - The Ponds
Residential
Explore the charm of Lake Carolina living in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home featuring a FROG and an inviting open floor plan! ...
514 Eagle Pointe Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Willow Pointe
Residential
Explore comfort and practicality at this thoughtfully designed 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home that seamlessly combines functionality with a touch of ...
Reduced -$10,000
301 Austree Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodcrest
Residential
Up to $7,100 with preferred lender and Seller Credit! Welcome to your familys new oasis in the highly desirable Lake Carolina community. This spaci...