Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 45
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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?
105 Pebble Creek Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Wildewood
Residential
Lakefront! Pool Perfect! Sprawling finished basement! Ideal multi family compound in sought after WildeWood! 3 huge stone fireplaces, cherry cabine...
Reduced -$40,000
213 Miles Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Wildewood
Residential
Beautiful all-brick 3bed, 2.5 bath home located in Wildewood Home is full of potential and has an extra room that can be used as an additional bedr...
205 Oak Brook Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
Wildewood
Residential
Experience lakeside luxury in this stunning home, perfectly situated to capture Columbia's breathtaking lakefront views. The grand foyer unveils su...
200 Camden Chase
Columbia, SC 29223
Wildewood
Residential
Welcome to luxury living in the prestigious Wildewood golf course community! Nestled on a spacious half-acre lot, this stunning all-brick executive...
111 Holliday Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Wildewood
Residential
Step into the timeless charm of this classic two-story residence nestled in the heart of a Wildewood! Boasting five spacious bedrooms and 4.5 bathr...
109 Running Fox Road
Columbia, SC 29223-3020
Wildewood
Residential
Nestled in the prestigious Wildewood subdivision, this stately all-brick two-story home stands on a serene 0.7-acre lot. Featuring a harmonious ble...
Reduced -$10,000
209 Harwell Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
Wildewood
Residential
Step into luxury living in this gorgeous abode nestled within Wildewood Golf & Country Club. Open floor plan includes large living room with gas fi...
Reduced -$1,000
124 White Birch Circle
Columbia, SC 29223
Wildewood
Residential
Luxury, low maintenance living in an established WildeWood subdivision! Everything you need on one level This precious home is nestled in a gardene...
400 Mallet Hill Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Wildewood
Residential
Beautiful Townhome with high ceilings, extensive moldings, hardwood floors & wonderful updates! Great Kitchen with quartz counters, loads of cabine...
124 Hollingwood Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
Wildewood
Residential
Location ! Location!Location! Beautiful one level home in wildewood subdivision.Custom built all four sides brick one level home with Recreation ro...
129 Vermillion Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Willow Tree
Residential
Only 6 miles to Ft. Jackson and 12 miles to McCrady training Center! OWNER WILL ACCEPT RENTAL OFFER AT $2,500 PER MONTH, OWNER FINANCING ALSO AVAIL...
305 Vermillion Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Willow Tree
Residential
***Assumable VA loan at 3%!!!*** This beautiful two-story home in Willow Tree has it all! Five bedrooms (one is downstairs and also makes a great o...
Reduced -$5,000
476 Summerlea Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
Willowbrook
Residential
This is a renovated 3 BR/2 BA home in downtown Columbia and nice neighborhood. There is a large, covered front porch and a rear deck looking over t...
102 Deer Pass Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Winchester
Residential
You said you want Character, well this one has plenty of it! This spacious 5 bedroom situated on a large fenced lot in a quiet swim & tennis commun...
Reduced -$5,000
304 Shamley Green Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Winchester
Residential
Classic 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home on big, beautiful private corner lot in the heart of popular North East Columbia. Well maintained, this home has t...
301 Brickingham Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Winchester
Residential
Up to 5K in Preferred Lender Credit. Welcome to this beautiful four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home nestled in a well-established neighborhood, eagerly ...
112 Deer Pass Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Winchester
Residential
Welcome to this charming home with a cozy fireplace and a calming natural color palette throughout. The property boasts flexible living spaces, inc...
Reduced -$5,000
2909 Bagpipe Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Windsor Lake Park
Residential
Exquisite craftsmanship & attention to detail in this beautifully remodeled home. Quiet street with updated landscaping. This house has all of the ...
7736 Loch Lane
Columbia, SC 29223
Windsor Lake Park
Residential
Welcome to this tri-level 4-bedroom,3 bathroom all brick home with covered carport w/ storage room, rear chain link fenced backyard and property zo...
Reduced -$12,500
2710 Wales Road
Columbia, SC 29223-1815
Windsor Lake Park
Residential
THIS COZY RANCH STYLE HOME WITH 4 BEDROOMS AND 2.5 BATHS HAS MANY UPDATES THROUGHOUT. THERE ARE LARGE HIS AND HER CLOSETS IN THE MASTER BEDROOM; HA...
6 Winslow Court
Columbia, SC 29229
Winslow
Residential
Move-in ready home, one-level in the heart of Sandhills. Family room centered around beautiful, wood-burning fireplace. Galley style kitchen featur...