Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 34
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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?
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...
3510 Greenway Drive
Columbia, SC 29206
Sandwood Hills
Residential
Well maintained home ! All brick. Refinished hardwood floors in most of the house. New paint on walls and ceilings. Kitchen cabinets have new paint...
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 ...
3515 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon
Residential
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE 4/21 1pm-3pm ""Experience the charm and sophistication of this fully renovated 3 Bedroom 2 Bath home in Shandon, one of Columbia'...
Reduced -$4,500
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...
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...
3104 Heyward Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon
Residential
Nestled on Heyward Street in the heart of Shandon, this classic bungalow is a rare find with 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths. The 9-foot ceilings and o...
518 Sims Avenue
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon
Residential
Discover luxury in this low-maintenance brick patio home located in the desirable Shandon neighborhood. Enjoy THREE large suite bedrooms, each with...
2714 Kiawah Avenue
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon
Residential
This brick bungalow in Shandon is one of a kind with a fabulously updated kitchen! With a mature landscape in full bloom, this home is welcoming at...
119 Sims Avenue
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon
Residential
PRICE REDUCED!!! Unique all brick, custom built in 1991, five bedrooms, 3 full baths, two half baths and one car attached garage in Shandon. This h...
Reduced -$29,000
208 King Street
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon
Residential
Nestled in the heart of Shandon, this beautifully re-imagined 4-bed, 3.5-bath home offers all of the modern amenities while maintaining its 1940s c...
3012 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon Gardens
Residential
A Golden Opportunity for Investors! Step into the market with this newly renovated Bungalow, ideally located just 1.7 miles from the vibrant USC Ca...
3014 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, SC 29205
Shandon Gardens
Residential
Great Investment Opportunity Awaits! Discover the convenience of this newly renovated Bungalow, perfectly positioned just 1.7 miles from the Univer...
424 Telfair Way
Columbia, SC 29212
Sheffield
Residential
The Romleski Group wants to welcome you to this beautiful 5 bedroom 4.5 bath plus bonus room (frog). Almost 3400 square feet of WOW. HARDWOOD floor...
100 Amstar Court
Columbia, SC 29212
Sheffield
Residential
Stunning classic low-country style home situated on a beautiful .55 acre culdesac lot & custom built by this original owner! Rare to find a primary...
118 Williamstown Way
Columbia, SC 29212-8649
Sheffield
Residential
Stunning all brick estate located in the prestigious Sheffield Subdivision with community pool, clubhouse, picnic area & scenic lake. Great sub for...
Reduced -$9,900
201 Williamstown Way
Columbia, SC 29212
Sheffield
Residential
The Romleski Group wants to welcome you home to this grand estate. This GORGEOUS home 4700 square feet is located in the highly desired neighborhoo...