Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 26
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?
1440 Leesburg Road
Columbia, SC 29209-2212
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3108 Grace Hill Road
Columbia, SC 29204
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Reduced -$7,500
2506 Bratton Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Residential
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332 Timothy Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
Residential
This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence meticulously updated interior. The spacious living areas are bathed in natural light, creating an inviting atm...
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Columbia, SC 29212
Residential
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Columbia, SC 29210
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Columbia, SC 29223
Residential
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Columbia, SC 29223
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1241 Walcott St
Columbia, SC 29201-5055
Residential
Looking for an affordable home downtown? This is it! Just minutes from Williams-Brice Stadium and the University of South Carolina sits this renova...
302 Prospect Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Residential
Open floor-plan with 3BR 2-1/2 Baths 9ft ceilings downstairs & 8ft upstairs Full width covered front / rear porches Outside- Professionally landsca...
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3819 Ayrshire
Columbia, SC 29203
Residential
Rare Find! NO HOA! Well kept neighborhood just outside downtown Columbia. This great one level 3 bed 2 bath home is a hidden gem. Completely update...
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Columbia, SC 29203
Residential
REMODELED 4 bedroom home with great open floor plans. New flooring, new paint, new countertops, new appliances, and new fixtures. Move in ready wit...
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3157 Bagnal Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
Residential
BELOW MARKET VALUE!!! A MUST SEE!!! STUNNING AWESOME RARE FIND IN FOREST ACRES!!! CUSTOM CREATED!!! STEP INTO ELEGANCE, CHARACTER, & CHARM!!! EVERY...
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2504 Bratton Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Residential
Welcome to your dream oasis in the heart of downtown Columbia - a luxury townhome that epitomizes the essence of modern elegance and urban sophisti...
2502 Bratton Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Residential
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2500 Bratton Street
Columbia, SC 29205
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Columbia, SC 29205
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Columbia, SC 29203
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