Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community
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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?
430 Spring Oak Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Abington Park
Residential
MLS# 586920 / Pending
Back on the market due to no fault of the seller! Welcome to this spacious 3 bedroom 2.5 bath in NE Columbia. Convenient location is close to schoo...
312 Liliana Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
Alden Glen
Residential
MLS# 592438 / Pending Contngnt/inspect
Welcome to this gorgeous and energy-efficient McGuinn Hybrid Home Cypress floor plan. This open floor plan offers 2 stories with 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 ...
Reduced -$3,000
181 Allans Mill Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
Allans Mill
Residential
MLS# 589119 / Pending
Welcome to this stunning new construction on the northeast side! This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home features an open-concept layout with LVP flooring ...
Reduced -$7,000
562 Kimpton
Columbia, SC 29223
Allans Mill
Residential
MLS# 587019 / Active
Introducing a charming four bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home conveniently located in close proximity to Fort Jackson, shopping, and dining. Inside, you'll ...
Reduced -$5,000
304 Peppercorn Lane
Columbia, SC 29223
Allans Mill
Residential
MLS# 587299 / Active
Spacious 4BR/2.5BA Home in Columbia NE: Close to Fort Jackson Welcome to this beautifully crafted 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home, built by C&C, locat...
Reduced -$10,000
159 Arcadia Springs Circle
Columbia, SC 29206
Arcadia Lakes
Residential
MLS# 584380 / Pending
Classic brick ranch in Forest Acres/Arcadia Area. Spacious with formal living room, dining room, den and family room, both with fireplaces. Hardwoo...
Reduced -$20,000
6725 Sandy Shore Road
Columbia, SC 29206-2243
Arcadia Lakes
Residential
MLS# 591254 / Pending
Love Where You Live - Enjoy sweeping views of Cary Lake and 120 feet of water frontage. Sited on a very private, 1.1 acre lot, this spacious one-le...
201 Arcadia Lakes Drive
Columbia, SC 29206-2147
Arcadia Lakes
Residential
MLS# 581280 / Active
BEAUTIFUL ALL BRICK CUSTOM BUILT HOME IN ARCADIA LAKES ON AN UNBELIEVABLE 2.5 ACRES, A TOTAL OF 4 LOTS, WITH BRICK AND WROUGHT IRON FENCING SURROUN...
35 Lakecrest Drive
Columbia, SC 29206
Arcadia Lakes
Residential
MLS# 586580 / Pending Contngnt/inspect
300 Feet On Water! Priced to sell As-Is. 3000 sqft with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. 1.26 Acres lot can be subdivided. See conceptual drawing in photos....
Reduced -$20,000
6632 Arcadia Woods Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Arcadia Woods
Residential
MLS# 588194 / Pending
Move in ready home. This house has all you thought you wanted and more! Everyone together under one roof with room to move about. Open concept main...
Reduced -$6,000
1200 College View Court
Columbia, SC 29212
Archers Courts
Residential
MLS# 589711 / Active
Welcome to this incredibly well built 4-bedroom one story home with an extra side lot and 2 car garage located at 1200 College View Court off Lake ...
1202 College View Court
Columbia, SC 29212
Archers Courts
Residential
MLS# 590104 / Active
Brick home on cul-de-sac with bedrooms on one level plus FROG close to everything Irmo has to offer. Use the community trail system to access area ...
240 Arrowwood Road
Columbia, SC 29210
Arrowwood
Residential
MLS# 588578 / Active
3 bed/ 2 bath, brick ranch on a huge 2.42 acre lot and convenient to all things Columbia, SC! Spacious family room is centered around an elegant, w...
324 Riley Street
Columbia, SC 29201-4936
Arthurtown
Residential
MLS# 589255 / Active
All Brick Home conveniently located near I-77 and USC. Large Greatroom, eat-in kitchen, split-bedroom plan, covered front porch, flat private backy...
Reduced -$10,000
604 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
MLS# 578850 / Pending
This two-story craftsman-style Dixon boasts an open concept living area, natural gas fireplace, and 2-car garage. This home features three bedrooms...
Reduced -$3,624
653 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
MLS# 588523 / Pending
Welcome to the Dixon floorplan! This two-story craftsman-style home offers an open-concept living area with a cozy gas fireplace and a two-car gara...
612 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
MLS# 589423 / Active
Ready to close now! This two-story craftsman-style Dixon boasts an open concept living area, natural gas fireplace, and 2-car garage. Great homesit...
Reduced -$5,000
15 Runelle Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
MLS# 588526 / Active
Welcome to the Underwood floorplana perfect blend of comfort and modern living. This charming home features three bedrooms and two-and-one-half bat...
620 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
MLS# 587443 / Pending
Ready now! Welcome to Ashcroft! This charming three-bedroom, two-and-one-half-bathroom Julian floorplan is a MUST-see! The home opens to a two-stor...
Reduced -$21,418
633 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
MLS# 584115 / Pending
Welcome to the Underwood plan! This home boasts luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main living areas, hardwood tread stairs, and an open-co...
Reduced -$15,275
641 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
MLS# 589424 / Active
Ready now! Welcome to the beautiful Underwood floor plan! This home consists of three bedrooms and two-and-one-half bathrooms. Luxury vinyl plank f...
Reduced -$6,000