Purchasers Advice Selecting New Community - Page 2
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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?
604 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
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
633 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
Welcome to the Underwood plan! This home boasts luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main living areas, hardwood tread stairs, and an open-co...
121 Brockway Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
Welcome to this immaculately kept 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home in the much sought after Ashcroft community. There are numerous upgrades including new c...
1017 Ashcroft Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
Welcome to 1017 Ashcroft Circle! This home is like new and in immaculate condition. Fully loaded with refrigerator, washer, dryer and window blinds...
Reduced -$9,000
220 Clairmeade Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This Yates plan boasts a formal dining room, office, butler's pantry, gourmet kitchen, and guest suite on the main floor! The dining room has a cof...
226 Clairmeade Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This four-bedroom Langford with loft plan offers you luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout all the main living areas, guest suite on the main floo...
Reduced -$17,319
224 Clairmeade Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This Carson floor plan features four bedrooms and three bathrooms. With one-story living at its very finest and a guest suite upstairs, this Carson...
311 Underhill Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This five-bedroom, three-and-one-half bath Webster plan features an open concept family/kitchen area, natural gas fireplace, guest bedroom on the m...
600 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
The Julian with the two-story double porches on the front is amazing and is one of the most sought-after home plans here. This Julian offers an ama...
Reduced -$6,000
652 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This Vernon plan features four bedrooms and three-and-one-half bathrooms. With the primary suite and laundry on the main floor, this home has plent...
1013 Ashcroft Circle
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This beautiful two story home is located in Ashcroft Subdivision in Columbia! The foyer welcomes you into an open floor plan with a spacious galley...
Reduced -$8,500
596 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This two-car garage Underwood plan has stone around the garage that accents this beautiful front along with stone accent column at the front porch....
Reduced -$10,935
228 Clairmeade Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This Parker plan has great curb appeal with a brick front and a large bay window. This home features four bedrooms with the primary bedroom on the ...
Reduced -$4,161
107 Brockway Drive
Columbia, SC 29229-8011
Ashcroft
Residential
ASSUMABLE LOAN at 2.62%-$2000 a month mortgage payment!! WOW! Welcome to this Luxurious 5bd 3.5bth custom home, on premium lot, in the Highly Sough...
592 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This home greets you with the front porch and stone around the garage. The Townsend is a highly sought-after master suite down plan. The well-organ...
Reduced -$10,667
629 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This Vernon plan features a primary suite on the main floor and a guest suite with a full bath on the second floor. This home greats you at the foy...
Reduced -$9,132
625 Ludlow Lane
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This two-car garage Underwood B has stone around the garage that accents this beautiful natural linen siding. This home is a spacious three bedroom...
316 Underhill Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
Ready to close! The one-and-one-half-story Carson floor plan has four bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Enter this Carson and see the high vaulted...
Reduced -$5,000
230 Clairmeade Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This five-bedroom, three-and-one-half bath Richardson plan features an open concept family/kitchen area, natural gas fireplace, guest bedroom on th...
229 Clairmeade Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
This Victor floor plan features the primary bedroom downstairs, a total of five bedrooms, and three-and-one-half bathrooms loaded with upscale feat...
225 Clairmeade Way
Columbia, SC 29229
Ashcroft
Residential
You will enjoy coming home to this Parker with a beautiful country porch! This home features four bedrooms and three- and one-half bathrooms! This ...