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Realtors confirm: National media fails to focus on local markets

COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 20, 2008) — According to the S.C. Realtor Confidence Survey, ninety percent of Realtors report that the national media is negatively influencing South Carolina’s housing market. The monthly survey is a key indicator of housing market strength based on responses from 316 real estate practitioners in South Carolina. The Confidence Survey conducted by the South Carolina Realtors (SCR) will provide further insight into the housing market and predict future trends by gaining feedback from the front lines of the industry.

Nick Kremydas, CEO of SCR explained, “The national media repeatedly reports on the doom and gloom of the housing market. The media went on and on about the real estate bubble, not realizing that all real estate is local. Through accurate reporting and reliable data sources, local media has the power to ease the fears that have been instilled in the general public.

“February’s housing figures show that South Carolina’s market is resilient to national trends. Despite lower sales figures reported by Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data from SCR, median home prices continue to remain steady and market conditions are starting to show signs of improvement

“WHETHER YA LIKE IT, OR DON’T LIKE IT…SIT DOWN AND LOOK AT IT… CAUSE IT’S THE BEST THING GOIN TA’DAY… WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!”

Icons of X’ers; Michael Jackson, Cindy Lauper, Duke Boys, Luke Skywalker, Madonna, E.T. and Ric Flair…

On Monday, Mayor Bob Coble is going to give 16 Time World Heavyweight Champion, Ric Flair, a key to Columbia. Mayor Bob will also deem March 24 as “Ric Flair Day,” in the Capital City.

My buddies and I loved Saturday mornings growing up. Sure, The Smurfs were cool and Thundar: The Barbarian was a badass, but we were really up to watch the NWA. The National Wrestling Association had the best tv hour of them all. It’s biggest star, and most glamorous figure, was Ric Flair.

This guy couldn’t fly through the air or lift 300lb men, but his personality (and robes) made him the king of the wrestling movement. Ric Flair introduced us to limousines, Baby Doll’s and Space Mountain.

Tomorrow, The Natureboy will have a key to Columbia. Keep this in mind when you are cruising in Forest Acres or across the river, and for some reason can’t get in…

$595,000. Details to follow…

Rookie Vegas Tourist is Impressed…

Best Breakfast; Rio. I think we actually had to show our I.D.’s to get in. The buffet is Ginormous. I got tired of walking…

Best Dinner; N9NE. We ordered every appetizer, and everyone got a steak. Unreal food and atmosphere at this restaurant at The Palms.

Prettiest People; Unstaged – Bellagio. Staged – The Palms. Staged or Unstaged, who cares! These two hotels had beautiful people EVERYWHERE.

Best Lunch; Paris. Having lunch on the patio overlooking on the strip, across from Bellagio’s fountains was pretty awesome.

Unluckiest BlackJack Table; Ceasar’s. Ooooooooooooof.

Best Luck BlackJack Tables; 1. The Palms 2. Rio If you go low, and slow…

Best Pool; Mandalay Bay. We didn’t even get through the gate to the pool, but I could tell that this was something special.

Worst Experience; Tie. 1) The plane ride. If you are over 200 pounds, a 5 hour flight is a little bit awful. 2) Internet Access at The Rio. I’ve stayed in EconoLodge’s in Athens, Ga. and TravelLodge’s in Knoxville…and they had internet. A Vegas veteran buddy of mine, told me that this is by design so that visitors won’t stay in the rooms. I guess it makes sense, but this was BAD for some of my Sellers. I wasn’t prepared at all, not to have web access.

Grand Prize Hotel/Casino’s; Tie – 1. Bellagio, 1. The Venetian. These two hotels make you raise your eyebrows, while you shake your head. I want to say The Bellagio’s fountains put it over the top. On the other hand, The Venetian’s indoor river/outdoor illusion is so impressive. Although I didn’t go in all of the hotels, these two stand at the top…even over CEASAR’S and The Wynn.

P.S. Starbucks and PEPSI are everywhere. There is a Starbucks at every third corner, and Pepsi (someone had to point this out to me) owns the fountain drink business. If I were the the Coke sales rep, I would plead for a transfer, or hang it up…

>>>Last Weeks New Listings…

Creme Puff in Popular Hamptons, is Move In Ready…
This Hampton Trace home has just over 1,900 sq.ft., 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths and great curb appeal.

Some of its features include shining hardwoods, eat-in kitchen w/ glass cabinet doors, nice screened porch and neutral colors w/ designer touches througout. The home also has a brand new master bath with granite double vanity and tile shower. Click HERE to view more pictures.

Call/Text (758.1669) or email (fjones@cbunited.com) if you would like to view this Hampton Trace Cream Puff. It is offered for $250,900.

What a Great Front Door!

This nice looking home is on Airy Hall Ct., which is the first street in the neighborhood (after entrance, take first right). I will post details as soon as I know them.

$489,000. 2,854 Sq/Ft. 3 or 4 bedroom w/ 3 baths, all on one level…

Does USC have the toughest schedule in the nation?

USC finally got rid of the annual back, to back, to back challenges known as “Orange Crush.” However, with Arkansas and LSU thrown in, I’m not sure it’s going to make much difference. As one of my buddies wrote today, “Last 5 Games…Maybe Garcia has an ‘S’ under his jersey.”

vs. North Carolina State
at Vanderbilt
vs. Georgia
vs. Wofford
vs. UAB
at Mississippi
at Kentucky
vs. LSU
vs. Tennessee
vs. Arkansas
at Florida
at Clemson