Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 4
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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?
450 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
HOUSE UNDER CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATED COMPLETION/CLOSE FEB! This beautiful NEW home is available and has 5 bedrooms 3 full bathrooms w/ a Loft and is ...
Increase +$3,000
404 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
UNDER CONSTRUCTION can CLOSE in March. The Harrison is a 2 story home, with 3 spacious bedrooms all on the 2nd floor. This home has two full baths ...
376 Sandbach Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
MOVE IN READY!! Can CLOSE ASAP! The Aisle plan is two story home that features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. This beauty will have Stainless Steel Kit...
478 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
MOVE IN READY!! Can CLOSE ASAP! The Aisle plan is two story home that features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. This beauty will have Stainless Steel Kit...
461 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
DON""T MISS THIS ONE! The Aisle plan is a two story home that features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. This beauty will have Stainless Steel Kitchen App...
420 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
MOVE IN READY!! This beautiful NEW home is available and has 5 bedrooms 3 full bathrooms w/ a Loft and is a MUST SEE. It has a downstairs bedroom a...
424 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
MOVE IN READY!!! The Aisle plan is two story home that features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. This beauty will have Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances...
1015 Belmont Green Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
UNDER CONSTRUCTION can CLOSE in March. The Harrison is a 2 story home, with 3 spacious bedrooms all on the 2nd floor. This home has two full baths ...
Reduced -$6,920
2004 Elmridge Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
Experience the allure of a brand-new abode! This exquisite, recently constructed home awaits your discovery, boasting 5 spacious bedrooms, 3 luxuri...
417 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
The Elston plan is a two story home that will have 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms with a Loft. This beauty will also have Stainless Steel Kitchen Applia...
Reduced -$4,150
436 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
DON'T MISS THIS The Aisle plan is two story home that features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. This beauty will have Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances,...
Increase +$3,000
413 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
NOW AVAILABLE! The Harrison is a 2 story home, with 3 spacious bedrooms all on the 2nd floor. This home has two full baths upstairs as well as one ...
Reduced -$5,870
445 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
MOVE IN READY!! Can CLOSE ASAP! The Aisle plan is two story home that features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. This beauty will have Stainless Steel Kit...
Increase +$3,000
416 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
NOW AVAILABLE!. The Harrison is a 2 story home, with 3 spacious bedrooms all on the 2nd floor. This home has two full baths upstairs as well as one...
Reduced -$6,420
454 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
MOVE IN READY!! Can CLOSE ASAP! The Aisle plan is two story home that features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. This beauty will have Stainless Steel Kit...
432 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
NOW AVAILABLE! This beautiful NEW home is available and has 5 bedrooms 3 full bathrooms w/ a Loft and is a MUST SEE. It has a downstairs bedroom an...
Reduced -$5,490
440 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
UNDER CONSTRUCTION can CLOSE in March. The Harrison is a 2 story home, with 3 spacious bedrooms all on the 2nd floor. This home has two full baths ...
216 Braewick Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Braewick
Residential
Fantastic, freshly renovated home boasting four bedrooms and great outdoor space. The stately front entry opens into the foyer where the newly refi...
136 Torbay Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Braewick
Residential
Move in ready home right in the heart of all that the midlands of SC has to offer! One level home with large master suite and two additional bedroo...
112 Cranewater Drive
Columbia, SC 29212-8216
Braewick
Residential
Welcome to your new colonial-style sanctuary nestled in a serene Braewick subdivision within the prestigious and award winning Lexington/Richland 5...
116 Brandon Hall Road
Columbia, SC 29229
Brandon Hall
Residential
One-story, 4 bed, 2 bath home with bonus FROG located in the heart of Sandhills! Spacious family room centered around gas fireplace. Large, galley ...
Reduced -$6,000