When trying to pick the community that’s exactly right for you, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the choices available in the the Mountains and on the Coast of the southeast. But by asking yourself just a few simple questions before you begin, your search can be an enjoyable, stress-free experience. Here are a few of the primary considerations to keep in mind:
10. What amenities do you need to support your planned lifestyle – golf, tennis, boating, pool, fishing, nature trails, etc.?
Here, as everywhere else, knowing yourself is crucial. Many people insist on a community with a pool – then hardly use that amenity once they move there. On the other hand, those who insist on a golf community typically follow through by making golf a major part of their lifestyle. You may need to do some pretty detailed homework to figure out whether the amenities being offered have all the components you’ll need to be happy with them.
11. Do you want a traditional neighborhood development (TND), with homes close together to support socializing, or do you want more privacy?
Again, the byword is “Know thyself.” Many people have spent a lifetime living in the suburbs, with minimal contact with neighbors, and they think that’s what they’ll want when they relocate. But when you move, you’ll lose the day-to-day social networks you’ve built up over a lifetime – and you may be quite willing to trade some privacy for a built-in social structure. TNDs, where houses are typically built close together and the entire development is designed to create a strong sense of community, offer that kind of structure. However, there are many non-TND communities that offer a strong social network as well. Be sure to ask what clubs and activities are available before you choose a community; previewing them in person is the best way to ensure that they’ll meet your needs.
12. How do the community’s financial arrangements suit your needs?
Some communities insist that you build your home within a set time limit after purchasing a site, others place no time limit at all. Some communities have monthly homeowner fees, others do not. It’s important to nail these factors down, because they’ll play a big role in how quickly you’ll have to invest more money, or how much money you’ll pay once you move in.
For more tips and advice, read Part 1 – “Establishing Place”, part 2 – “Family Matters”, or part 3 – “Financing the Dream” of this four-part series.
