Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 5
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:
- 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?
432 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
NOW AVAILABLE! This beautiful NEW home is available and has 5 bedrooms 3 full bathrooms w/ a Loft and is a MUST SEE. It has a downstairs bedroom an...
Reduced -$5,490
408 Delahays Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Bowden Village
Residential
MOVE IN READY!! Can CLOSE ASAP! The Elston plan is two story home that features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. This beauty will have Stainless Steel Ki...
3127 Pine Belt Road
Columbia, SC 29204
Bradley
Residential
This exquisite 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom haven invites you to experience luxury living at its finest. Step inside to discover a meticulously crafted ...
216 Braewick Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Braewick
Residential
Fantastic, freshly renovated home boasting four bedrooms and great outdoor space. The stately front entry opens into the foyer where the newly refi...
Reduced -$5,000
225 Braewick Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Braewick
Residential
Are you looking for the most adorable house in Columbia?! Well, you have found It!! This home looks like It came straight out of HGTV Magazine! Com...
136 Torbay Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Braewick
Residential
Move in ready home right in the heart of all that the midlands of SC has to offer! One level home with large master suite and two additional bedroo...
112 Cranewater Drive
Columbia, SC 29212-8216
Braewick
Residential
Welcome to your new colonial-style sanctuary nestled in a serene Braewick subdivision within the prestigious and award winning Lexington/Richland 5...
1135 Cedar Terrace Drive
Columbia, SC 29209
Brandon Acres
Residential
CHARMING ALL BRICK BEAUTY IS A MUST SEE! TOTALLY RENOVATED. NEW 30 YEAR ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLE ROOF AND NEW HVAC. ONE LEVEL SPLIT FLOOR PLAN. LVP FL...
116 Brandon Hall Road
Columbia, SC 29229
Brandon Hall
Residential
One-story, 4 bed, 2 bath home with bonus FROG located in the heart of Sandhills! Spacious family room centered around gas fireplace. Large, galley ...
Reduced -$10,000
104 Tallwood Street
Columbia, SC 29045-8765
Briarcliffe Estates
Residential
Priced to sell. Well maintained home in established neighborhood. Have your favorite beverage on covered rocking chair front porch. Foyer area in e...
105 Menlo Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
Briargate
Residential
Spacious 4-bed, 2-bath condo with long-term tenants and potential for cosmetic upgrades. One of the largest units in the complex, conveniently loca...
Reduced -$6,000
3017 Appleby Lane
Columbia, SC 29223
Briarwood
Residential
Are you looking for a spacious, beautiful, single-family home to flip or renovate? Here is your chance! Located in Briarwood, a well established ne...
3002 Knightbridge Road
Columbia, SC 29223
Briarwood
Residential
New lower price! Appraised for $335,000. Move-in ready, fully renovated. 4/2.5 all brick, one story home. Newly painted inside and out. New white c...
Reduced -$10,010
2920 Cranbrook Lane
Columbia, SC 29223
Briarwood
Residential
Excellent opportunity located in Northeast Columbia. Just a short drive to Fort Jackson, I-77, shops and restaurants. Nestled in the Briarwood comm...
Reduced -$10,000
1 Brittany Way
Columbia, SC 29212
Brittany
Residential
Stunning, custom-built, brick home, situated on a half acre lot, and zoned for award-winning Lex/Rich 5 Schools. Located in the beautiful community...
Reduced -$10,000
1850 Atlantic Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
Broad River Township
Residential
Want to live in a low-maintenance condo that feels like a house? Then come check out this rare gem in gated Broad River Township. This 3-Bedroom, 2...
105 Brook Hollow Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Brookfield
Residential
Welcome to this stunning property! Situated in a peaceful neighborhood, this home features a cozy fireplace, perfect for chilly nights. The interio...
Reduced -$7,000
3715 Oakleaf Road
Columbia, SC 29206
Brookfield
Residential
Welcome to your dream home! This property boasts an alluring fireplace that is sure to add charm and warmth to your living space. The soothing, neu...
508 Halleck Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Brookhaven
Residential
This charming two-story home offers both convenience and comfort, situated in the desirable Richland School District Two and close to shopping amen...
628 Summerall Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Brookhaven
Residential
Back on the market due to no fault of the seller. This home is priced to move! Already priced below comparable homes in the area, this home has a n...
Reduced -$10,000
330 Westmoreland Road
Columbia, SC 29229
Brookhaven
Residential
NESTLED ON A CORNER LOT, THIS STUNNING RESIDENCE COMBINES THE CHARM OF SUBURBAN LIVING WITH THE CONVENIENCE OF MODERN DESIGN. MASTERFULLY LAID OUT ...
Reduced -$8,000