Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 25
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?
201 Penrose Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
Meadowlake
Residential
Welcome to this stunning property with a natural color palette that creates a calming atmosphere throughout. This home offers plenty of flexible li...
212 Clover Bay Drive
Columbia, SC 29203-3010
Meadowlake
Residential
One story brick home with lots of potential. Home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Schedule your showing today.
201 Cordova Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
Meadowlake
Residential
Beautiful 3 BR, 2 BA brick single family residence on large corner lot, nestled in an established neighborhood. New HVAC, new bedroom floors, firep...
130 Silverwood Trail
Columbia, SC 29229
Meadows At Summer Pines
Residential
Welcome to this charming home featuring a cozy fireplace perfect for those cooler evenings. The natural color palette throughout creates a warm and...
Reduced -$1,000
1515 Gladden Street
Columbia, SC 29205-1243
Melrose Heights
Residential
Price Improvement! Back on the Market! Roof being replaced with architectural shingles week of 4/15 and HVAC has had a tune up! A charming Colonial...
Reduced -$10,000
3118 Kershaw Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Melrose Heights
Residential
This 4,500 square foot home is on a very quiet cul-de-sac and zoned for great schools (Brennen, Crayton, and Flora), has 5 true bedrooms, 4 full ba...
1516 Maple Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Melrose Heights
Residential
Back on the Market due to no fault of the seller! A Downtown Dream with NO HOA! Come view this renovated 4 bed 2 bath home in Melrose Heights in do...
1317 Shirley Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Melrose Heights
Residential
Gorgeous Mediterranean-style bungalow in the heart of Melrose Heights. Features a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Hardwood floors, smoot...
1210 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Melrose Heights
Residential
- Recently renovated with meticulous attention to detail - New construction addition seamlessly integrates with the original structure - Vast front...
Reduced -$500
1506 King Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Melrose Heights
Residential
Welcome to this charmingly renovated residence in the heart of Columbia's desirable Melrose Heights off Gervais Street. This classic home beautiful...
Reduced -$25,000
1101 Princeton Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Melrose Heights
Residential
This beautiful Melrose Heights home has been lovingly restored! If you dream of a home with modern updates and historic charm, this is it. Located ...
1508 King Street
Columbia, SC 29205-1110
Melrose Heights
Residential
Welcome to your new home in the charming neighborhood of Melrose Heights in Columbia, SC! This stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house boasts 2013 sqf...
2429 Marling Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
Midland Terrace
Residential
This is an attractive 3br/2ba in Midland Terrace, minutes away from Forest Drive and all it has to offer to include Fort Jackson. It's also 5 minut...
Reduced -$14,000
2526 Sheryl Lane
Columbia, SC 29204
Midland Terrace
Residential
PRICE IMPROVEMENT! MOTIVATED SELLER -- MAKE AN OFFER!! Welcome to your Carolina Oasis! This pristine modern property is set on a corner lot and wit...
Reduced -$40,000
123 Mill Creek Parkway
Columbia, SC 29209
Mill Creek Estates
Residential
Price drop! Owner has recently completed extensive repairs to the crawl space and exterior. A wonderful canvas for anyone looking to flip or even r...
Reduced -$5,400
500 Antioch Place
Columbia, SC 29209
Mill Creek Estates
Residential
Calling all air bnb investors! This beautiful, newly renovated/stylishly updated 3 Bed, 2 Bath family ranch is 10 mins to Ft Jackson and 15 mins to...
Reduced -$10,000
107 Millhouse Court
Columbia, SC 29223
Millbank
Residential
Multiple offers received, offer deadline 5pm 4/30/24. New refrigerator and one-year Premium Home Buyer Warranty Included Act now! Come check out th...
Reduced -$10,000
8 Millpond Road
Columbia, SC 29204
Millpond
Residential
Views of private Millpond! This wonderful townhome boasts tons of space with three levels of living and 4BR/3BA. Formal spaces like living and dini...
7629 Sunview Circle
Columbia, SC 29209
Mountainbrook
Residential
Beautiful move in ready home in Mountainbrook off Caughman Road. Enjoy being minutes away from downtown Columbia, Fort Jackson, transit-on intersta...
7306 Fontana Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Mountainbrook
Residential
This beautifully renovated Ranch style all brick home is a must see in an established neighborhood. Key Features include: New 30-year Architectural...
Reduced -$1
7020 Mountainbrook Drive
Columbia, SC 29209-3122
Mountainbrook
Residential
Welcome to 7020 Mountainbrook Drive. This charming recently updated house is now available for sale. As you step inside, you'll immediately notice ...