Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 47
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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?
111 Honeysuckle Trail
Columbia, SC 29229
Woodlake
Residential
**Motivated Seller & Owner Financing with 10% down payment!** Immaculate 4-bed, 3-bath home in Woodlake with 2,922 sq ft. Crafted with quality, thi...
Reduced -$5,040
545 Woodland Hills Road
Columbia, SC 29210-5638
Woodland Hills
Residential
Welcome to this charming home as you step inside, you'll immediately notice the clean and fresh atmosphere, with new carpet and freshly painted wal...
2826 Woodland Hills E
Columbia, SC 29210
Woodland Hills
Residential
Welcome to your Next Home in the Woodland Hills community. Home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full bath with an open living concept, with large windows pr...
Reduced -$25,000
809 Wotan Road
Columbia, SC 29229-6506
Woodlands
Residential
Super location. Convenient to shopping and restaurants and only 18 minutes from Downtown Columbia. Great school district. Very cleans, needs some u...
Reduced -$40,000
13 Wotan Lane
Columbia, SC 29229-3338
Woodlands
Residential
Welcome to 13 Wotan Lane, a charming and unique house nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac. This spacious property offers one-level living and boasts a...
Reduced -$10,000
9 Avenel Court
Columbia, SC 29229
Woodlands Glen
Residential
NO HOA!! OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, 4/20, 1-3 PM. All brick home in the charming neighborhood of Woodlands Glen! This home is located right off the Woodl...
Reduced -$5,000
7 Valkyrie Circle
Columbia, SC 29229-3390
Woodlands Ridge
Residential
Welcome to 7 Valkyrie! This stunning 4 bed room/ 3 bath brick home is now available for sale. As you step inside, you'll immediately notice the cle...
Reduced -$4,900
220 Woodlands Ridge Road
Columbia, SC 29229
Woodlands Ridge
Residential
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 28TH 2-4PM - BRING US AN OFFER... Amazing 3/2 home in award winning Richland District 2 just minutes to Sandhills and a po...
Reduced -$15
113 Woodlands Ridge
Columbia, SC 29229-3396
Woodlands Ridge
Residential
113 Woodlands Ridge is nestled within the esteemed Woodlands Ridge Subdivision in NE Columbia. This charming home presents an inviting ambiance, bo...
Reduced -$7,388
16 Valkyrie Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
Woodlands Ridge
Residential
$16,000 Price Reduction!!! Vinyl siding home with a walk-out Basement in Woodlands Ridge! There's a lot of space to stretch out in this home. On th...
Reduced -$16,000
8 Valhalla Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
Woodlands Ridge
Residential
Charming Cape Cod with Wrap-around Porch in The Woodlands - 2,577 sqft 3 BR 2 baths, 2-car garage. Foyer is decked-out with 9-foot ceilings, hardwo...
5303 Windy Run Drive
Columbia, SC 29212
Woodwinds
Residential
BEAUTIFUL HOME NESTLED IN A QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR BOTH HARBISON AND DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA, ZONED FOR AWARD WINNING LEX/RICHLAND ...
237 Beresford Place
Columbia, SC 29210
Wynfield Gables
Residential
Beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Patio Style Home! Tile Floors In Foyer, Dining Room, Kitchen and Great Room! Dinning Room Has Palladium Window With Pla...
153 Seafarer Lane
Columbia, SC 29212
Yacht Cove
Residential
Welcome to this beautiful rare find in Yacht Cove! 3 Bedroom, 2 bath, ALL ONE LEVEL, END UNIT, main area handicap accessible. Enjoy sitting on your...
215 Shoreline Dr
Columbia, SC 29212
Yacht Cove
Residential
WOW! Price Reduced!! Lake Murray condo located across from lake front boardwalk, marina, pool, tennis courts and clubhouse offering a partial view ...
Reduced -$1,000
257 Shoreline Drive
Columbia, SC 29212
Yacht Cove
Residential
Just steps away from the Shoreline of Lake Murray! Beautifully updated 4 bdrm, 3 and half bath Condo in Yacht Cove on Lake Murray! This spectacular...
Reduced -$3,000
103 Cove Court
Columbia, SC 29212
Yacht Cove
Residential
10k Price Drop on the beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom 2 bath Waterfront condo in Yacht Cove on Lake Murray, What a awesome view of Lake Murray! Jus...
Reduced -$15,000