Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 32
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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?
601 Riverhill Circle
Columbia, SC 29210
Riverhill Condos
Residential
This is your opportunity to purchase a renovated, cash flowing investment property only minutes from downtown Columbia. This condo boasts many feat...
601 Riverhill
Columbia, SC 29212
Riverhill Condos
Residential
Beautiful secluded and peaceful condo close to downtown Columbia and USC. Great rental and investment potential or if you need to live close to Col...
Reduced -$2,500
220 Big Game Loop
Columbia, SC 29229
Rivers Station
Residential
Like new and you are going to love this 4 bedroom, 3 bath floorplan with 2 Bedrooms & 2 Full Baths on the main level. I love this open airy floorpl...
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292 Big Game Loop
Columbia, SC 29229
Rivers Station
Residential
Have you been searching for a three bedroom home in the Blythewood area? The interior boasts gleaming hardwood floors throughout, a beautiful kitch...
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312 Ostrich Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
Rivers Station
Residential
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! Welcome to this beautiful 4 bedroom 2.5 bathroom home! The spacious living room welcomes you as you enter, offering the...
1829 Koulter Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
Riverside Forest
Residential
Welcome to 1829 Koulter Drive, just minutes from downtown Columbia. Discover this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home nestled on a gorgeous almo...
Reduced -$10,000
1832 Romain Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
Riverside Park
Residential
Brick 3 bedroom, 2 bath house awaits you and your vision for more. Enjoy an intimate front porch and beautiful front yard. With a mix of tile and w...
708 Riverwalk Way
Columbia, SC 29063
Riverwalk
Residential
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3449 Northshore Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Rockbridge
Residential
Investor Opportunity! Seller willing to offer concessions with acceptable offer. This lovely move-in-ready 5 bedroom 3.5 bathroom home features gor...
Reduced -$9,000
7021 & 701 Cleaton Drive
Columbia, SC 29206-2307
Rockbridge
Residential
This remarkable property includes a beautiful 5 bedroom estate with an additional home with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath house located on a 3 acres lot ne...
130 Mayhaw Drive
Columbia, SC 29206
Rockbridge Village
Residential
Newer home in ideal Forest Acres location! This home features high ceilings, open floor plan, loads of storage and a two car garage that easily fit...
113 Mayhaw Drive
Columbia, SC 29206
Rockbridge Village
Residential
Nestled in a well-established community located in Forest Acres and near the Arcadia Lakes neighborhoods, 113 Mayhaw Dr. invites you to sophisticat...
3700 Riviera Road
Columbia, SC 29205
Rosewood
Residential
Updated Rosewood bungalow featuring an open floor plan!! Durable LVP flooring throughout, updated fixtures and freshly painted. Updated, spacious k...
1217 S Kilbourne Road
Columbia, SC 29205
Rosewood
Residential
Located in the established Rosewood community, this home beautifully renovated home features an open floor plan, oversized master with walk-in clos...
Reduced -$1,000
1012 Suber Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Rosewood
Residential
Welcome to your dream home! This charming property boasts a cozy fireplace, creating a warm and inviting ambiance perfect for those chilly evenings...
Reduced -$3,000
739 S Beltline Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29205
Rosewood
Residential
3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms! This house is situated on a spacious lot, providing ample space for outdoor activities and potential expansion. The kit...
714 Deerwood Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Rosewood
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Welcome to 714 Deerwood, an updated all brick Rosewood home with tons of space inside and out! This 4 bed, 2 bath home spans just under 2600 square...
1424 S Kilbourne Road
Columbia, SC 29229
Rosewood
Residential
Charming 3bd/2ba desirable Rosewood home. Rosewood features beautiful tree lined streets with sidewalks. Close to USC and Midlands Tech. Beautiful ...
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1344 Glenhaven Drive
Columbia, SC 29205
Rosewood
Residential
This 3-bed, 2-bath home, in Rosewood, embodies modern living with a natural touch. The original hardwood floors have been refinished and with the n...
510 S Bonham Road
Columbia, SC 29205
Rosewood
Residential
This charming bungalow offers a seamless blend of classic design and modern amenities, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a turnkey home. ...
103 Rio Rose Circle
Columbia, SC 29205
Rosewood Commons
Residential
New construction featuring 3 bedrooms with 3 full baths & a 1/2 bath on the main - 103 Rio Rose Circle in Columbia is located off Rosewood Drive, c...
Reduced -$12,500