Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 9

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:

1. Geographical setting
2. Price and style of homes
3. Accessibility
4. Population density
5. Age
6. 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:

1. Recreational facilities - Public swimming facilities, tennis courts, golf courses or racquetball courts.
2. Medical services - Hospitals, physicians, dentists or special needs.
3. Cultural facilities - Nearby colleges, adult education courses, concert facilities or museums.
4. 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:

1. Academic standing
2. Class size
3. Special programs
4. Extracurricular activities
5. Sports programs
6. Community support of education

Convenience
You'll also want to consider:

1. Commuting distance and time to work.
2. 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:

1. What your tax bill will be and what it includes.
2. If real estate assessments and taxes are recalculated at time of resale.
3. The potential for any special assessments, such as new sewers or water lines.
4. That portion (if any) of real estate taxes earmarked for public education.
5. If your taxes are expected to increase because the town is growing quickly.

Financial considerations - Consider value received against costs incurred..

1. Taxes may be comparatively low in a particular town, but will this adversely affect public services such as education, police protection or snow removal?
2. Will extra assessments and levies directly benefit you?
3. Are there indications of steadily increasing property values?

$129,900 - Columbia, SC @ Bradley

MLS#

309416

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
NEWLY RENOVATED HOME IN WELL ESTABLISHED NEIGHBORHOOD. THIS 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME WITH SPLIT FLOOR PLAN SITS ON APPROX .8 ACRES. BEAUTIFUL NEWLY R...

 View Listing

---

$114,900 - Columbia, SC @ Bradley

MLS#

293416

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of RE/MAX Real Estate Services
Beautiful 1900 SQ FT All Brick 3 br and 2 baths with BEAUTIFUL GLEAMING HARDWOODS that SET THE STAGE FOR THIS SPACIOUS ALL UPDATED FROM TOP TO BOTT...

 Virtual Tour  View Listing

---

$134,900 - Columbia, SC @ Bradley

MLS#

303440

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of RE/MAX The Advantage Group Inc
Quality updates. Home is light & bright. Lots of counter space in kitchen. Includes stainless steel appliances. Kitchen has tile floor & backsplash...

 View Listing

---

$119,900 - Columbia, SC @ Bradley

MLS#

279811

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Realty World-Foster & Assoc.
A MUST SEE! This home is like BRAND NEW! Home completely renovated with 2 1/2 bath, 3 bedrooms, Hardwood Floors and Sunken Den w/cozy fireplace.

 View Listing

---

$99,900 - Columbia, SC @ Braewick

MLS#

298907

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Lexington/Richland Five

Provided courtesy of Keller Williams Columbia
Updated open floor plan with many upgrades! Laminate hardwood floors in family and dining room, large galley kitchen with pantry and eat in area or...

 View Listing

---

$129,900 - Columbia, SC @ Brandon Acres

MLS#

311737

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
SHANDON STYLE HOME WITH ENTERTAINING IN MIND. EXTRA LARGE DECK LOCATED OFF DINING ROOM WITH SLIDING GLASS DOORS. LARGE ROOM AT REAR COULD BE 3RD BE...

 View Listing

---

$239,500 - Columbia, SC @ Brandon Acres

MLS#

311541

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of RE/MAX The Advantage Group Inc
Great lot, almost 1 acre, beautiful setting. House gets good light, bright kitchen w/deck off rear overlooking garden setting. Property also includ...

 View Listing

---

$137,900 - Columbia, SC @ Brandon Hall

MLS#

311357

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / 1 Half

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of SC Homes & Land Realty, LLC
This is a great house with an inviting front porch. Just like New! Fresh paint, new carpet and ceramic tile in the kitchen. Best Deal in Northeast ...

 View Listing

---

$139,900 - Columbia, SC @ Brandon Hall

MLS#

311223

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

3

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Real Estate Partners LLC
GREAT VALUE! SINGLE LEVEL. VAULTED GREAT ROOM WITH FIREPLACE, LARGE EAT IN KITCHEN AND BIG LAUNDRY ROOM. THE MASTER SUITE HAS TREY CEILING WITH GAR...

 View Listing

---

$32,500 - Columbia, SC @ Briargate

MLS#

304539

Class:

Residential

Status:

Active

Beds:

4

Baths:

2 Full / N/A

School:

Richland One

Provided courtesy of RE/MAX The Advantage Group Inc
4BR condo, leased for $775 per month. A gated community convenient to Harbison shopping & dining. Just off I-20. Complex recently underwent a major...

 View Listing

---