Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 33
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?
132 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 - 136 Rio Rose Circle in Columbia is located off Rosewood Drive, c...
136 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 - 132 Rio Rose Circle in Columbia LOT 2 is located off Rosewood Dr...
101 Rio Rose Circle
Columbia, SC 29205
Rosewood Commons
Residential
ONLY 2 LEFT IN ROSEWOOD COMMONS! New construction featuring 3 bedrooms with 3 full baths & a 1/2 bath on the main - 105 Rio Rose Circle in Columbia...
Reduced -$7,500
138 Rio Rose Circle
Columbia, SC 29205
Rosewood Commons
Residential
ONLY 2 LEFT IN ROSEWOOD COMMONS! Brand new construction (end unit) featuring 3 bedrooms with 3 full baths & a 1/2 bath on the main -130 Rio Rose Ci...
Reduced -$5,000
130 Rio Rose Circle
Columbia, SC 29205
Rosewood Commons
Residential
Brand new construction (end unit) featuring 3 bedrooms with 3 full baths & a 1/2 bath on the main -138 Rio Rose Circle in Columbia is located off R...
134 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 - 134 Rio Rose Circle in Columbia LOT 3 is located off Rosewood Dr...
724 Burmaster Drive
Columbia, SC 29229-4315
Royal Pines Estates
Residential
Back on the Market due to no fault of the seller! Don't miss out on this Rare Find! This spacious floorplan of approximately 3181 sq ft of living s...
Reduced -$10,100
636 Burmaster Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Royal Pines Estates
Residential
Price Reduced!! Location!, Location!!, Location!!! Huge Corner Lot; The Value Is In The Land And Possibility To Build! This Double-Wide Mobile Home...
202 Glenridge Court
Columbia, SC 29212
Sandhurst
Residential
Welcome to this charming two-story home boasting three spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an array of delightful features to make everyday living co...
2113 Greenoaks Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Sandwood
Residential
Come tour 2113 Greenoaks Road in the Sandwood subdivision. This lovely all-brick ranch situated on the corner of Crossfield Road and Greenoaks Road...
Reduced -$20,100
3533 Greenleaf Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Sandwood
Residential
One story living in an established neighborhood can be found right here with this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home. Located in the Rockbridge neighborhood ...
3772 Greenleaf Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Sandwood
Residential
BACK ON MARKET DUE TO NO FAULT OF SELLER. Welcome to your new home in Forest Acres, South Carolina! This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence...
Reduced -$4,600
3616 Greenleaf
Columbia, SC 29206
Sandwood
Residential
This beautifully designed single story floor plan provides 1,529 square feet of living space and has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The home has an ex...
677 Ross Rd.
Columbia, SC 29223
Savannah Oaks
Residential
New two story home on 2.1 acres. This home has LVP floors on both levels and tile floors in both upstairs bathrooms. Primary bedroom has a tile wal...
Reduced -$3,000
118 Old Selwood Trace
Columbia, SC 29212
Selwood Trace
Residential
Be in your new custom home for the holidays! Come and see this gorgeous custom home with a gorgeous covered porch! Quartz countertops, hardwoods, l...
18 Sims Alley
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon
Residential
Charming townhome in Sims Alley complete with updated kitchen and bathrooms! a A light-filled kitchen has bar seating, granite countertops, plenty ...
3217 Amherst Avenue
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon
Residential
Welcome to 3217 Amherst Avenue, a stunning blend of historic charm and modern luxury in the heart of Columbia, SC. This meticulously renovated home...
412 Maple Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon
Residential
Welcome to this charming 1910 home nestled in the coveted Shandon neighborhood, offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Enjoy the vi...
3717 Coleman Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon
Residential
Fantastic 1950s brick home in the highly sought after Shandon neighborhood. This one is packed with character with three bedrooms two full bathroom...
2425 Terrace Way
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon
Residential
Unique opportunity to renovate or build. Property is offered at lot value. As-is where-is sale.
2905 Monroe Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon
Residential
Beautifully updated bungalow in the heart of Shandon with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and 1,848 sq. ft. Second bathroom added to primary bedroom in 2...