Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 23
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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?
357 Landover Road
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
$10,000 in Closing Cost with Preferred lender. Stunning Curb Appeal, Craftsman Charm A gracious entry foyer and open views welcome you home. Custom...
359 Sunnycrest Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
READY TO MOVE IN HOME! Up to $10,000 in Closing Cost Assistance with Preferred Lender. Home at last, Woodleigh Park at Lake Carolina. Open and spac...
Reduced -$12,000
413 Harbour Pointe Drive
Columbia, SC 28229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
Like new home in Woodleigh Park, only 5 months young where the owner added a brand new privacy fence, blinds and more. Enjoy the formal dining room...
449 Harbour Pointe Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
Welcome to Woodleigh Park living! With fencing included on this home, the gorgeous two-story Palmer plan consists of four bedrooms and two and a ha...
Reduced -$3,100
138 Baysdale Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
This two-story Palmer plan has four bedrooms and two-and-one-half-bathrooms. This home features a formal office with French doors situated right of...
Reduced -$6,095
921 Debensham Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
Classic Craftsman Ranch, warm welcoming and wide open views of green space. Open design perfect for gathering with family and friends. Bright custo...
Reduced -$14,000
917 Debensham Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
You'll love it from the street, architectural details and large front porch says come on in. Spacious foyer is the perfect place to greet friends a...
Reduced -$11,000
115 Siri Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
Your home search has ended with this gorgeous craftsman style home located in the highly sought-after Woodleigh Park subdivision located in the hea...
Reduced -$2,000
584 Harbour Pointe Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
Priced to Sell Fast! Beautiful, like new home in Woodleigh Park. This wonderful two-story plan consist of four bedrooms and two and a half baths. B...
Reduced -$10,000
142 Baysdale Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
Welcome to your dream home in the idyllic Lake Carolina community of South Carolina. This is an impeccable four-bedroom, two-and-one-half bath Star...
225 Woodleigh Park
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
WELCOME, to this stunning 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom that exudes timeless charm and impeccable craftsmanship. Located in the highly sought after Lake ...
Reduced -$5,000
205 Baysdale Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
MOVE RIGHT INTO this immaculately maintained 3BR, 2.5 Bath home and start enjoying all that living in Lake Carolina has to offer. Whether you enjoy...
920 Debensham Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
323 Sunnycrest Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Park
Residential
Public Open House Sunday the 21st from 2-4 PM. This two-year young Lake Carolina home is BETTER than new with stunning, upgraded finishes already a...
472 Harbour Pointe Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina - Woodleigh Pointe
Residential
Welcome to 472 Harbour Pointe Drive. This beautiful Roland floor plan was built in 2023 and is in the highly sought after Lake Carolina Woodleigh P...
Reduced -$10,000
212 Sherborne Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina- Canterbury Park
Residential
Magnificent CUSTOM BUILT, ALL BRICK HOME, situated on a .78 acre picturesque lot surrounded by nature, w/a GORGEOUS POOL in the backyard, in AWARD ...
944 Knowles Loop Road
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina-berkeley Landing
Residential
Executive home on corner lot in upscale neighborhood looking for new owners to call it home. If you like custom materials, heavy moldings, bright s...
914 Layton Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina-executive Courtyar
Residential
BACK ON MARKET -- no fault of sellers. Buyer financing fell through. Rare opportunity in the highly sought-after Executive Courtyards neighborhood ...
120 Bassett Loop
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina-executive Courtyar
Residential
BOM, buyers contract on their home fell thru. Searching for the epitome of quality & tranquility? Look no further! Built by Sendler Construction, a...
454 Abbeydale Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina-sandy Glen
Residential
Welcome to your charming 4-bedroom abode, where comfort meets elegance at every corner. As you step through the front door, you're greeted by the w...
418 Abbeydale Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Lake Carolina-sandy Glen
Residential
Spacious home nestled on a corner lot in the Sandy Glen neighborhood of Lake Carolina! Boasting 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2820 sq ft of living...
Reduced -$20,000