Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 37
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?
78 Fieldrush Court
Columbia, SC 29229
Summit Hills
Residential
Gorgeous Cul De Sac lot with EXTRA-Long Driveway, Welcomes you HOME to this LIKE NEW, Open-Concept Gem. Enter the home thru Craftsman Front Door, t...
32 Twinspur Court
Columbia, SC 29229
Summit Hills
Residential
PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! Looking for a large home with a great floor plan? Here it is! This is the Great Southern Homes' Beaujolais D floor plan with 5 ...
407 Summit Hills Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
Summit Hills
Residential
Welcome to this charming home with a cozy fireplace and a soothing natural color palette. The spacious master bedroom boasts a walk-in closet for a...
Reduced -$5,000
31 Twinspur Court
Columbia, SC 29229
Summit Hills
Residential
Do you need more space but dislike the upkeep of a large yard? Are you seeking privacy without sacrificing community amenities? This low maintenanc...
294 Oleander Mill Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Summit Hills
Residential
This lovely 2 story traditional 5 BR/3 BA home located in Summit Hills Subdivision could be yours.This home features a formal dining room as you en...
Reduced -$10,000
332 Summit Hills Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
Summit Hills-amaryllis Woods
Residential
This all brick home is The Crandall floorplan. The main level features a formal dining room, great room with fireplace, all with Hardwood Floors, k...
605 Gladiolus Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Summit Hills-amaryllis Woods
Residential
Seller did not hold back on getting this home ready for you. All brick home in cul-de-sac with 1,778 heated square feet of living space. Three bedr...
115 Gallivan
Columbia, SC 29229
Summit Townes
Residential
WOW! This Fully Loaded and Fully Upgraded 3bd 2bth Ranch Patio Home is located in the well-sought after area of town with close proximity to local ...
108 Sweetoak Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
Sweetwater At Smallwood
Residential
PRICE REDUCED $11,000. Check out this 5 bedroom home with the master on the main and a huge bonus room with a closet that can be the the 5th bedroo...
Reduced -$11,000
621 Laurel Street
Columbia, SC 29201-2335
The Battery At Arsenal Hill
Residential
Looking for Downtown living, look now further. Check out this three level townhouse located walking distance away from USC and other local downtown...
Reduced -$10,000
210 Berry Tree Lane
Columbia, SC 29223
The Commons
Residential
Beautiful waterfront home in gated community minutes to downtown! Situated above tranquil waterfront, this brick home offers an elegant street side...
291 Branch Hill Lane
Columbia, SC 29223
The Commons
Residential
All brick home located on a cul-de-sac at The Commons in Arcadia Lakes is ready for a new owner! This home spans over 2,400 sqft with a large, open...
151 Branch Hill Lane
Columbia, SC 29223
The Commons
Residential
$10,000 PAINT & CARPET ALLOWANCE! This victorian style home is peacefully nestled in a quiet gated community with a pool, and an active living envi...
Reduced -$19,000
320 Ash Tree Road
Columbia, SC 29229
The Commons At Winchester
Residential
Welcome to 320 Ash Tree, a beautiful home in the Winchester community. Step inside to discover a cathedral ceiling foyer with an open floor plan th...
1085 Shop Road
Columbia, SC 29201
The Gates At Williams-brice
Residential
This highly sought after 3 bedroom condo at The Gates is just 2 blocks from Williams Brice Stadium and 1 mile from USC. It is the only one availabl...
Increase +$25,000
14 Baltusrol Court
Columbia, SC 29223
The Gates Of Wildewood
Residential
Nice 3/2 Move-in ready townhome in the Popular Townhome Community ""Gates of Wildewood"" in NE Columbia. This one won't last long. Owners Suite on ...
1204 Glendovan Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
The Highlands
Residential
PRICE IMPROVEMENT: Traditional two-story home with 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, formal living & dining, great room with fireplace, eat in kitchen and large...
Reduced -$10,000
237 Kenmore Park Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
The Homestead
Residential
This UPDATED 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath is MOVE IN READY! Upon entry, you'll be greeted by gorgeous flooring throughout the main level! The kitchen has up...
265 Kenmore Park Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
The Homestead
Residential
Spacious 3-Bedroom Home Featuring a Finished Room Over Garage (FROG), providing versatility and additional space. Master Bedroom on the Main Floor:...
289 Rolling Rock Road
Columbia, SC 29212
The Rapids
Residential
What a cute starter home! This 3 bed, 2 bath home would make a great home for a first time buyer or small family. Located close to shopping and din...
Reduced -$4,000
232 Rolling Rock Road
Columbia, SC 29212
The Rapids
Residential
Beautifully updated home with great curb appeal. New carpet in bedrooms and new LVP flooring throughout the rest of the home. Fresh interior paint ...