Sunday afternoon I found myself participating in one of the longtime traditions of a real estate practitioner, the Open House. Earlier that morning I put out a few directional signs pointing the way to a home with all its lights flaring, blinds open and ceiling fans twirling. On this Sunday, my efforts fell victim to a huge washout as the bottom fell out of the skies as I was driving to the neighborhood at 1:45.

On the surface, the photo above may seem a tinch creepy but it’s really just a funny snapshot of me being stir crazy in an unfurnished house. I’ve done scores of Open Houses throughout the last five years and can type with authority that the houses with TV’s, sofas and chairs are a lot more fun. An unfurnished home is usually less eventful and has most Realtors searching for a place to sit. Over the years, I may have even fallen asleep on a few floors while reading the newspaper.

In this market, almost everyone knows that a Sunday’s Open House is pretty ineffective. In theory, the Open House is a perfect way to see a home without being intrusive to homeowners. However, the reality is that Columbia’s downtown market is geographical pretty small and tight knit. If someone wants to see a house during the week it’s no trouble for the Realtor or seller to open the door for buyers.

When on listing appointments almost all sellers ask if I do Open Houses. I tell them, “Sure!!” However I immediately continue with, “Columbia’s Open Houses aren’t like what you see on HGTV. Do not expect 20 or 30 souls to blow the hinges off the doors. Yes, I do them as much as I can but please recognize Columbia isn’t an Open House town.” Sellers usually concurr but still request their doors to be open once or twice.

Even though they aren’t the greatest way to procure a buyer we continue to do them. Many times our sellers want action and an sometimes that means an Open House. If we’re able, we certainly aim to perform and if holding Open Houses is part of this then so be it.

This is one of the great assets of working with the dominant intown office. We can almost always find someone to handle most Sunday’s so keep them coming!

General Sacrifices Life’s Brand In One Interview
This is one of the saddest episodes I’ve witnessed in a long time. Here we have a man that has given his entire life to serving his country. He’s probably sweated more than any person we know, lead more Americans than we’ve met and sacrificed more than we can comprehend. Given all of this, his legacy has been diminished to a single magazine article.

General McChrystal deserves better than this but his recent interview with Rolling Stone Magazine is what he’ll be most remembered. It’s almost like a 100 year oak tree growing with such balance and strength, only to be taken down by a chainsaw in less than 30 seconds.

I have no idea why, but as the story unfolded, the first thing I thought about was Jerry Rice. Jerry Rice is the greatest receiver to ever play the game of football and arguably the greatest player to put on an NFL uniform. Notwithstanding his accomplishments as a hall of fame football player, Jerry Rice is now more recognized as a contestant on the TV program, “Dancing With The Stars.” This may end up being great for Jerry, but certainly not what the Hall of Famer intended.

We thank General McChrystal for his service. Who knows what lead him to speak as he did to a ‘reporter’ for an entertainment magazine. For a fleeting moment, he obviously forgot that he serves at the pleasure of the President of the United States, or didn’t care. Now, even though he has four stars on his shoulders, he’s now known as, “That army man in a magazine.”

Thank you for your service, General McChrystal.

Columbia’s New Listings; May 26 – June 22, 2010

Father’s Day Becomes An Entire Relaxing Weekend
I’ve never been one to make a huge deal of holidays. That said, I have to admit that my first Father’s Day was pretty cool.

Father’s Day inadvertently became a Father’s Weekend as Jenna took Finley to the beach with her parents. While I recognize not being with Finley doesn’t fit into the mold of “Father’s Day,” it was kinda nice to ‘kick up’ and relax on Friday and Saturday nights.

What a fantastic and relaxing weekend! Friday I had dinner with Gunn and Dillard, then hung out with my brother, Michael, cat fishing until about 3:30 am. Saturday was dinner with the Denemarks, Owens, Dubeys and Cacioppos, then late night with Gunn, Amanda and other buds.

Finley was back Sunday but her beach trip gave me the ability to be in church (FBC-Columbia) with my dad and grandaddy. It may be on the cheesy side, but have to admit it was pretty cool to participate when the preacher called for all dads to ‘stand up’ during the service.

By Sunday afternoon my wife and baby were back, and I got to love and hold Finley until my sweet baby girl completely crashed out.

For the first time I was on the receiving end of, “Happy Father’s Day!” It’s an awesome feeling and my first year as a dad was compounded as it became a full, fun weekend.

Closed Transactons: May 18 – June 17, 2010
As the popular $8,000 tax credit comes to an end, you’d expect a lot of lower priced homes to be closing this month. If you click the link above you’ll certainly see a great number of homes that fit the stereotype of a ‘first time buyer.’

As you click further, you’re going to be surprised at the number of higher priced homes that closed during this period. There’s big stuff out there selling!!!

As a blogging Realtor it obviously makes sense to showcase as many listings as possible on such a great marketing avenue. That said, I’m going to take an opportunity to advertise some of my buyer’s needs.

Good Looking Home on Blossom Is For Sale – Shandon
2905 Blossom St. is a classic Shandon style home but has obvious differences from the bungalows I’ve blogged about in the past few months.

This all brick home is 2,000 sq.ft. and features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The downstairs enjoys nice hardwoods, moldings and proudly enjoys a nice sized dining room. One feature that comes to mind is that the kitchen flows into a nice “keeping area,” that could be used as a cozy den or second TV area.

The large backyard is populated with a cool building that’s broken up into to two sections. One is obviously perfect for storage but the ‘open air’ area seems perfectly conducive for oyster roasts, card games or just hanging out.

Some great features and curb appeal aside, perhaps the best thing about 2905 Blossom St. is the incredibly central location. The home sits directly behind a popular and convenient section of Devine St. Cantina 76, The Junior League of Columbia, Za’s and Momo’s are only a few steps away. Hard to beat!

Call or email if you’d like to know more about this good looking Shandon home. Five minutes to anything downtown this home is easy to show and may be just the right fit.

Confused GOP Has Clear Choice for Lt. Governor
While this year’s race for governor has turned into a hybrid version of Jerry Springer, a raunchy soap opera, and a cut-throat reality show, many voters are still asking questions. Contrarily, in my bias, there is no question who should receive the GOP nomination to replace Andre as Lt. Governor: Eleanor Kitzman

Eleanor and I met when I was employed at Leon Jones Insurance, where we became friendly competitors as she owned the very popular Driver’s Choice Insurance. Later we served on a ‘working group’ at the Department of Insurance, where we worked towards a more perfect auto insurance enforcement and reporting system. It was during this time that Eleanor was chosen to be the Director of the SC Department of Insurance. No small job, I assure you.

On the credentials side, Eleanor is far and away the candidate of choice. As the former owner of a statewide company, Driver’s Choice, combined with her experience as director of a state agency arguably make her more than qualified to deserve the GOP’s nomination for Lt. Governor.

Superior credentials notwithstanding, I’m suggesting that you vote for Eleanor because I know her well. She wants the job and will work tirelessly for a more perfect Palmetto State.

If you’re voting in the Republican primary, aren’t convinced on a candidate and trust my judgment, I encourage you to consider voting for Eleanor. She’s a top shelf talent that will make Republicans proud.

If you are voting for Eleanor and/or trust my judgment regarding personalities and politics, don’t hesitate to click the “Share This” tab in the right hand corner of this blog or your Facebook page. ReTweets are also appreciated!

The race for the Republican nomination for Governor has gone absolutely bonkers in the Palmetto State. I’m certain that Ronald Reagan is rolling over in his grave as the campaigns have blown the GOP’s 11th commandment, “Thou shalt not speak ill of any other Republican,” out of the water.

First, we had Will Folks claim to have slept with front-runner Nikki Haley. A few days ago, Republican consultant Larry Marchant admitted to also sharing a bed with Representative Haley (R-Lexington). I know the characters mentioned in this paragraph so I’ll obviously keep my thoughts to myself. That said, I have always liked Nikki and would hug her neck if we cross paths at Starbucks.

This afternoon Sen. Jake Knotts (R-Lexington) took the conversation to a new level. On the Internet show ‘Pub Politics,‘ he went off on a rant that mentioned Haley’s mom wearing a ruby on her forehead while labeling Haley and President Obama as “Ragheads.” I watch the show because it’s fun and I like the hosts, Wesley Donehue and Phil Bailey. I’ve actually sponsored the show a few times, as it’s a fun gig.

While watching the show tonight I knew Knotts’ comments were going to be a BIG deal. Sure ’nuff, CNN and other news outlets have contacted Wesley and Phil. After Sen. Knotts made his comment, Wesley was smart to throw out an immediate disclaimer on Facebook. I have to admit, watching Senator Knotts’ rant was a hard thing to watch.

Having said all of this, it’s a shame our state will be covered on a large portion of the national news tomorrow. The Republican side of the aisle has not only broken the coveted 11th commandment but has fallen into the gutter and deserves a spot with Jerry Springer.

Notwithstanding political affiliation, I don’t think Republicans should bring up “Chicago style politics” any longer. South Carolina may be the new Chicago.

Now the candidates and consultants are offering lie detector machines to one another and rumor is that Larry Marchant will be on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Ruh, Roh!!!