Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 40
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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?
15 Stagbriar
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The Summit - Fawnridge
Residential
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Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Gatewood
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116 Glen Knoll Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Glen Meadow
Residential
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Increase +$10,000
2 Hunters Pond Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Hunters Pond
Residential
Nestled in Columbia's sought-after Hunters Pond neighborhood, this stunning all-brick home offers elegance, space, and convenience. With 4 bedrooms...
19 Piedmont Ridge
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Hunters Pond
Residential
Brick, Brick on a corner lot with 4 Bedrooms down and 1 up. Good Condition. This residence offers an inviting and open flexible floor plan containi...
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Columbia, SC 29229-7135
The Summit - Indigo Springs
Residential
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400 Indigo Ridge Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Indigo Springs
Residential
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offering 3,104 square feet of comfortable living space. The property features a charming front ...
433 Indigo Ridge
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Indigo Springs
Residential
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317 Indigo Springs Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Indigo Springs
Residential
Location, Space & Updates! Featuring an inviting front porch, 3 car garage, 5 bedrooms & 4 baths, this home offers new updates to include: LVP floo...
312 Indigo Springs Drive
Columbia, SC 29229-0000
The Summit - Indigo Springs
Residential
**Back on the market due to buyer unable to get financing. This 5 bedroom 4 full Bath home is perfect for your growing families needs. This home is...
Reduced -$5,500
5 Barnley Court
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Maywood
Residential
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221 Cherry Stone Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Pine Brook
Residential
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101 Long Ridge Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Pine Brook
Residential
Welcome home to this stunning property featuring a cozy fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The natural color palette throughout br...
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10 Clover Crest Court
Columbia, SC 29229-8895
The Summit - Pine Brook
Residential
Charming 3 bedroom 2 bath, ranch style home nestled in a cul-de-sac and located in desired Summit community. This home features new paint, new carp...
113 Long Ridge Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Pine Brook
Residential
Welcome to this stunning home featuring a cozy fireplace, a soothing natural color palette, and a stylish center island in the kitchen. The flexibl...
Reduced -$5,000
113 Pineclave Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Pineclave
Residential
Welcome to this stunning property with a natural color palette, perfectly blending with its surroundings. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully de...
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1108 Waverly Place Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Waverly Place
Residential
Welcome to your NextHome! Situated in a wonderful neighborhood, zoned for desired schools and close to shopping and dining, this three bedroom, two...
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101 White Wing Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
The Summit - Whitney Falls
Residential
Welcome to your new home! This charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Situated in a friend...
12 Founders Lake Court
Columbia, SC 29229-7676
The Summit-courtyards At Founder
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Your home search can end today. This beautiful home is move-in ready. This 3 bedroom, 2 and a half bath is located in the Heart of the Summit in th...
5 Cypress Cove Road
Columbia, SC 29229
The Villages At Lakeshore
Residential
This 4 bedroom and 2.5 bath home is ready for you to make your own! The traditional home welcomes you with a large covered front porch, spacious fr...
209 Arbor Falls Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
The Villages At Lakeshore
Residential
Conveniently located to all of the new and exciting growth in the NE area and I-77. The home features a 3BR/2.5BA with a large kitchen and dining a...
Reduced -$10,000