down the road. Planning to stay in a home for at least three to five years is desirable, but remember that homes aren’t selling as quickly as they once were: You might want to push that timeline out a year or two, and be sure the home you choose can accommodate your needs.
Location, Location, Location For many buyers, location is the No. 1 factor when they’re searching for a new home. How close is the home to your office or other places you frequent? Are grocery stores and movie theaters nearby? If rising gas prices are important to you, consider the amount and flow of traffic near your home. Because Columbia now has several condos, townhomes and even homes in the Vista and on Main Street, an area’s walkability might also be a consideration in your search.
Welcome to the Neighborhood Once you’ve decided what you’d like your morning drive time to look like, it’s time to find the neighborhoods you’re most interested in. Columbia has an
abundance of great neighborhoods for first-time buyers. But look at neighborhoods with a discerning eye for what will suit you. For example, Melrose Heights, Old Shandon and Heathwood are close to one another and you can find similar homes in each, but the cultures of the neighborhoods are different. Drive around in neighborhoods on weekdays and weekends, during the day and evening. Do neighbors keep yards clean and tidy or are there old cars and trash around? Is it a safe place for walking, running and biking? Understanding a neighborhood’s crime rates will also help you decide if you want to purchase in a particular area. It also pays to have some idea of a neighborhood’s zoning requirements. For instance, if you wanted to run a small business from your home, could you?
School’s the Rule Whether you have children, want children, or couldn’t imagine ever having children, schools are a huge factor in determining a home’s value — particularly when it comes to single-family home neighborhoods. You might not be interested in an elementary school’s average test
In-fill development near Rosewood. File photo. scores, or a high school’s AP-course offerings, but when it’s time to sell down the road, many potential buyers will be.
New Construction vs. Character Closets, storage and modern kitchens or real hardwoods, charming details and established neighborhoods? It’s always a question. New homes offer floor plans for the way families live today and often include home offices, less formal dining spaces and more bedrooms and bathrooms. If do-ityourself projects aren’t your strong suit, and you’d prefer not to deal
with potentially increased home maintenance, a new construction home or a home that’s just a few years old might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you like the idea of classic architecture and weekend projects around the house, a home built in the 1940s may be right up your alley. Just be aware that the word “charm” in real estate listings is often a euphemism for “needs updating.”
The Keys to Resale Value Resale value is an important consideration whether the real estate market is moving rapidly or
If your walls could talk, they’d thank you.
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