As Always, Vote Early and Often! :)


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!

11th Commandment Out The Window

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!!!

Phone Now Vibrating Early and Earlier

Email, Facebook & TXTs Probably Best Before 9am
While I try hard to communicate with as many friends and clients as possible, I’ll never claim to be a telephone answering champion. It’s constant challenge that I’d love to perfect.

Email, texting and Facebook afford Realtors the opportunity to to keep up with all facets of their client’s lives but the job also requires a lot of face to face time. I happen to think that if I’m with someone face-to-face, I shouldn’t answer the phone and interrupt that face-to-face interaction with a 10-minute telephone talk with someone else. I can only think that everyone would like the same courtesy.

Enter the current morning telephone situation. As our listing/sold inventory has grown, the phone is ringing more and thank goodness for it! What has transpired though is a new blitz of calls between 7:30am and 9:00am; enter Finley Jones and her morning routine.

While I appreciate that folks want their needs met, only so much can be done before I drop Finley off at her little school house. Lately the phone has been buzzing hard early, and as I try my best, I simply can’t answer the early morning vibrations. My face is either full of toothpaste, hands full of diapers, or I’m helping Jenna make ‘botbots’ for Finley’s day ahead.

I only type this because I’ve felt an uptick in the amount of early morning calls. Given that we’re in a sliding scale/imperfect system and the fact that I’m a natural ‘pleaser’… all I can do is try my best.

I’ve pondered changing my mobile number (perhaps to differentiate business calls from personal calls) or purchasing a ‘team phone’, but now that Amanda is on board we seem to be doing better with our current PhoneTag system.

YAY for all of the action and I hope it compounds as we grow our practice, but given Finley’s morning routine, calls before 9ish will likely be returned at a later time. As a Realtor, it’s a wonderful problem and wouldn’t trade this situation for anything.

If you’re an early morning caller…Finley, Jenna and I THANK YOU for any patience that can be afforded! 803.758.1669 (office vmail) or 803.447.8683 (m/text) 🙂

Late Night Catfishing Is Hard to Beat

This weekend presented an opportunity of simple relaxation. Late Saturday and Sunday nights we were able to hit the Congaree River for some late-night catfishing.
The way it usually goes is around midnight, my brother will scoop me up from Shandon and we head to the Rosewood landing. We’re loaded down with rods, coolers, chairs, and two containers full of chicken livers. I’m almost embarrassed to report that I lived in Columbia for over 10 years before we found this easy river access.

Memorial Day weekend allowed us a great opportunity to hang out and try to tackle some good fighting catfish. I have to admit, our efforts produced zero results as we didn’t catch squat in two nights of slinging chicken livers in the water. No big deal, as we had a great time regardless.
If the river is ‘up’ and moving swiftly, it’s pretty obvious that any efforts will be fruitless. Nevertheless, it’s hard not to challenge the situation and just do the best you can.
Saturday night my brother Michael Jones and I stayed until about 2:00 AM. On Sunday night, lifelong friend Trav Robertson decided to forgo a short stint away from Sheheen for Governor and holiday slumber to join our efforts until about 3:00AM. Even though we lost about a dozen hooks, dozens of sinkers, and countless bait, it’s hard to imagine a better time.
Maybe the next holiday we can report a different result but this weekend provided nothing more than an awesome time together and the ability to do it again.

Columbia’s Newest Real Estate Listings

>>Columbia’s Newest Hotsheet: May 3 – 26, 2010
It’s been a while since I’ve thrown the HotSheet on blog but with fun stuff like Jenna going to the Bahamas and Amanda joining the team, Columbia’s newest list of homes for sale had to wait.

Be sure and click “See All” on the MLS link in the top left hand corner. If you don’t take advantage of the See All you may drive yourself crazy clicking each page.

Welcome Home Amanda Quick Payne

After six months of preparation, the worst kept secret in downtown real estate circles is finally official. 🙂

In the world of real estate, career changing events don’t come along very often. Sure, selling a high priced home or listing a neighborhood is a happy event, but a real game changer can be a difficult thing to achieve.

This weekend we solidified such an event as Amanda Q. Payne joined me at Coldwell Banker United, Realtors – Midtown. Amanda is a fantastic Realtor and a top shelf asset to our brand.

As I strive to continue to grow this real estate practice, Amanda is a perfect fit. She and I will combine our time and talents to maximize each other’s assets.

Amanda and I met in a little pink house on Bagnal Dr. in the first few months of my career. We were previewing the new listing, introduced ourselves and struck up an instant friendship. Ever since meeting at the pink house we’ve barbed, joked and recruited each other over and over again. In short, this has been a long time in the making.

I represent quite a number of listings for sale in the Greater Columbia area. Amanda will communicate with sellers and represent buyers from the different web and print media on which we have a presence. Being part of a real estate team doesn’t necessarily mean that we “share” clients. It does however mean that our time will be strategically leveraged for our clients benefit, which will propel us to the next level and enable us to give a higher level of service.

I’m flattered and humbled that Amanda has decided to bring her work ethic and professionalism to the team. She’s built a successful career in her own right and will only expand on this success at the dominant downtown real estate firm. Further still, Amanda arguably has the nicest voice in the business.

As for our clients this is a win, win, win. Our Buyers and Sellers will be the great beneficiaries of her move and will undoubtedly feel the effects of our combined efforts.

Amanda’s transition and our work ethic notwithstanding, we recognize our success still lies with our friends and referrals. Having said this, I have to thank everyone for being a part of one of the best real estate networks in South Carolina. The addition of Amanda Q. Payne strengthens our network exponentially.

Quick Trip to Mt. Pleasant w/ Friends

Sitting Around At Sullivan’s Island Is Hard To Beat
No doubt one of the best things about living in Columbia, SC is that we can be on a beach in less than two hours.

This weekend we were able to take advantage of some parents vacating a house in Mt. Pleasant for a quick trip. On Saturday everyone had a big time toasting in the sun and chasing kids around Sullivan’s Island for the afternoon.

After playing cards on Friday night we decided to get a babysitter for a relaxing Saturday night out. At first we were worried about our choice of The Mustard Seed as a few in the group were taken aback at the “beer and wine” bar only. Nervousness set in deeper when it was announced that the, “Fryer was broke for the night.” Of course that meant no fried oysters. Grrrr…

After dinner, we decided to hit the road and walked to The Red Drum for dessert. In pure South Carolina fashion, we found a familiar face here as Columbia friend Michael Gunn welcomed us with a smile.

As you can see from the pic above Sunday morning was dominated by the act of couponing. Yes, the women of the group have perfected the art of couponing, and the fellas don’t mind a bit. I’ll write a full post about it later when I have a better grasp of their newest pastime.

I’m certainly glad we headed south for the weekend. As my Park St. open house was ‘covered,’ it was a relaxing weekend and a lot of fun. Anyone that lives in Columbia can always appreciate that a world class beach is only a short drive away.

29206, Satchelford, Totally Renovated

At 2,500 sq. ft. 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths, even the newest shoppers will quickly notice that this isn’t your typical Forest Acres home.
As you can see from the pics and link, this house has been totally renovated inside and out. The home features hardwoods, smooth ceilings and molding throughout. It’s full of living spaces and is very well done. There are lots of closets and also includes a nice laundry room.
The new kitchen is full of granite slab and stainless appliances. It’s large and feels even bigger as it opens up to a fun den/family room.
This home actually features a great owner’s suite complete with large bedroom and private bath with granite double vanities and a jetted tub.
The fenced backyard is very nice and has a little bit of everything. There’s even a veggie garden for the green thumbs among us.
As you can see this isn’t your typical Forest Acres ranch home. 6340 Satchelford Rd. is an extra nice home that enjoys being located in the very desirable Satchelford Elementary school zone.
Call or email fjones@cbunited.com if you have any questions or would like to take a peek.

Richland County Closed Transactions

Richland Co’s Closed Homes; April 24 – May 18, 2010
It’s been a while since I’ve posted the latest closed stats so I decided to narrow the search a little. The link above omits the Northeast section of the county known to Realtors as “Area 4,” which would’ve vaulted the closed count to nearly 150 homes.

It’s probably worth mentioning that Realtors at Coldwell Banker United’s Midtown Office were involved in 104 transactions in April. With this kind of volume produced in one office, watch for a big bump in the number of closed transactions in the next report. We’ll see!

Wedding Brings Friends to Low Country

Blair & Sabrina Herbert Married in Perfect SC Setting
On Saturday Jenna and her friends returned home from an awesome trip to the Bahamas. While the other seven women got to sleep in their own beds that night, my wife was scooped up and taken to the Lowcountry for some different kind of coastal fun.
Blair Herbert, a good buddy of mine from Anderson, SC, became a married man in front of a picturesque creekfront backdrop at a private home in Awendaw. No doubt, this address provided an awesome setting for a wedding. I snapped the first picture above at the very beginning of The Lord’s Prayer. I wouldn’t usually have the guts to do this but since we were outdoors I pulled the trigger hoping like heck my phone wouldn’t make too loud of a click.
Congratulations to Blair and his gorgeous wife Sabrina. The entire weekend’s events were well thought out and executed. A good time was definitely had by all.
As for my sweet wife, she was so glad to be there even though it meant another day away from our sweet baby. We were flattered to be included and glad we were able to attend. It was awesome to see such a happy couple and the venue made it even better.
Have a great time in Italy, Blair and Sabrina!