After five years of late-night typing, I feel like the time has come to make a blog change. This is a bittersweet move, to be sure, but I think it’s the right call.

In 2007, “blogging” was a relatively new thing, especially for the real estate industry. As far as I know, this is the oldest real estate blog in the Midlands. Five years ago, I decided to give it a try. Amy customized it and I started typing, adding widgets and gadgets along the way. Has it been worth it? I think so.

Of all the marketing that goes into this job, blogging is probably the most laborious of them all. The trick to blogging is to keep “posts” short, frequent, and in some sort of rhythm. This is no easy task, especially when I don’t open the laptop until midnight.  

Enter Facebook and Twitter, which made blogging more difficult. Even though I pounced on both big-time (remember “Late to bed, early to rise, work like hell and socialize.”?); as effective as that Facebook ad was, the entrance of Fbook and Twitter made everyone aware of everything, which made blogging more challenging.

I can’t quantify how many sales the blog is responsible for, but it’s pretty heavy. While most real estate websites sit around stagnant, this blog shows folks who I am and brands what we’re doing. Again, I can’t completely quantify it, but two of my largest sales of the year are directly related to this blog. The owners of Delano ($675,000) and Martha’s Glen ($589,000) didn’t know me, but enjoyed the blog and learned how we do things through my late night posts. Kinda cool!

You may ask, “If it’s working, why mess with a good thing?” It’s just time. As awesome as “Blogger” has been, I don’t own any of my content. Making the move to WordPress will change this. Further, even though Google owns Blogger, switching to WordPress will boost my search engine optimization (SEO) options. Further, I think it will be easier and less intrusive for readers to leave comments. We’ll see.

As a rule, I usually don’t reveal what I’m doing next. The blog is different, however, as I know full well most Realtors aren’t going to have the time to emulate this facet of the business. After all, right now it’s 2:24AM… and there’s only so much time in the day.

I just looked up and saw a bunch of text. It seems as though I need to take my own advice in regards to keeping posts short. That said, in the next few days we’ll be changing the look, feel, and vibe of our web presence.

In short, given that Facebook and Twitter are easier outlets to self-promote and blurt out real estate tidbits, most Realtors continue to abandon their web/blog efforts. Conversely, I’m stepping it up a notch.

It’s bittersweet, but I’m excited to move forward with our new blog and WordPress theme. It’s Graduation Day for www.TeamFranklin.com .

Every now and then a home hits the market that speaks to a “niche”. A few examples of this are those that are uber swank, zero maintenance, wheelchair friendly, horse affable, or perhaps have a built-in “mother-in-law” suite. That said, if you’re familiar with the small paved loop in the back of the King’s Grant neighborhood, you know why the homes @ Oakman Court are rarely for sale.

In the coming days, we’ll put 10 Oakman Court West on the market. These King’s Grant homes usually speak to a few of the attributes in the paragraph above, and 10 Oakman West is no different.

There aren’t many areas in downtown Columbia that can offer what “Oakman” can. A few that may put up a good fight are Wheeler Hill, The Preserve, The Cloisters, or Olde Park in Forest Acres. All of these have “zero lot lines,” and enjoy little maintenance. Everything considered (amenities, schools, and pools) Oakman remains a top option. 

What really sets Oakman apart is that it’s a neighborhood within a neighborhood. This small pocket of homes enjoys all the goodies that popular King’s Grant can offer.

In the coming days I’ll post more pics and info of the property. I can tell you with zero hesitation that this home may be the primo listing in the “Oakman Loop” in a long time. It’s full of arches, high ceilings, tall doors (both floors), a killer kitchen, and sports a primo setup for entertaining.

Stay tuned for more pics and details. No doubt, this week 10 Oakman Court West will be the new shiny listing in King’s Grant, and downtown Columbia, SC.

Thank you!  FJ

In today’s world of quick jabs and sound bites, pretty much everything is used to churn political venom into Facebook and Twitter gold.   Today is a prime example of this.  In the vain of political savvy(ness), we all watched our Facebook pages fill up with photo ops of politicians sitting around with bags of fried sandwiches.

Sad truth is that many of those Chick-fil-a bags are likely props filled with staplers or wireless keyboards.  Who knows…

The Olympics is no different.  Remember the Ralph Lauren designed suits Team USA wore during the opening ceremonies that were, “Made In China?”  This was pounced on by the spin machine, big time.  A few days later, we all saw some of Team USA in Adidas garb.  Still outraged?   Notre Dame wears Adidas.  Andy Roddick wears Lacoste .  “It’s different,” I know.  I get it.

This all said, in the next few days you’re gonna see some spin regarding the value of the medals, and how the athletes will be taxed about $9,000 for bringing home a medal of precious metal.   Digging a little further, the actual medal/metal isn’t what brings the bill, it’s the $25,000 cash prize that comes with winning.

Here’s the apparent rub.  Unless the athlete makes over $380,000ish, and takes $0 deductions, they may owe the dough.  Well, after you peel back the soundbites and the layers of what’s really going on, the deductions from food, travel, equipment, and an Olympic level coach, pretty much zaps the bill away.  There ya go.

So, if you catch a Tweet or Facebook ‘Status Update’ from a fuming friend about Team USA getting taxed 9 clams for succeeding, don’t get as fired up so fast.  The original post may be created by a spin jobber couched as a soundbite intended to fire you up, one way or the other.  

Disclaimer:  I’m not saying the hard working athletes shouldn’t keep every cent, no matter what.  I’m simply pointing out that we prolly don’t want to go crazy per a political soundbite without peeling back a few informative layers.  

Just a fleeting thought.

Please welcome 3356 Overcreek Rd to the downtown Columbia real estate market. Now that I’ve typed a pleasantry, here’s what’s really going on: this property may be “the best bang for the buck” in all of Columbia right now.

3356 Overcreek features gleaming hardwood floors, high/smooth ceilings, heavy moldings, four bedrooms, loads of living space, and a roof line that touches the sky. Why would anyone care about a high roof line? Three things come to mind: 1) “Wow! factor” curb appeal; 2) Storage! You won’t believe the slightly unfinished areas – it’s massive, and could easily be expanded living area; 3) The scenery.

How does one categorize a roof line that touches the sky? I can’t quantify it with math (and stuff), but given I have to move my head back to see it, you see what I’m getting at. It’s grand, and provides for awesome views from inside.

Overcreek features a real-deal owner’s suite complete with double vanity, separate shower, and jetted tub. No kidding, the view from the master bath makes you feel like you’re in the mountains. It’s high up, and kinda awesome.

The updated, semi-open, eat-in kitchen includes new appliances, granite tops, and flows into the family room/den and elevated screen porch. One of my favorite facets of this house is the eat-in kitchen. Before Finley (my 3 year old) was born this wouldn’t have been a big deal for me, but now I know better. That said, the breakfast area is large and has a treehouse-like view of the backyard. It’s pretty cool. The dining room is the same, btw.

Outside the windows, you’ll see the backyard is uber private. It’s suggestive of your own golf driving range, surrounded by mature trees on all sides. Take a look at the pics… you’ll see what I mean. Notice all the playsets, slides, deck space, and the garden. In short, there’s room for just about anything you can imagine.

Overcreek is only a few turns from I-77, and minutes to anything downtown or everything Forest Acres has to offer (Trenholm Plaza). 

If you’re looking for the amenities of a newer home, four bedrooms, lots of living space, private backyard, outdoor fun, and tons of storage… this is it. 3356 Overcreek has just about everything, and all for only $289,900. 

If you or anyone you know would like to see this stately home, please call or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com. It’s a pleasure to show.

Remember, if you visit the links above be sure to click the picture itself and not the arrows. This way, you’ll have larger images to look at. 

Thank you!

Historic Lincoln St. Home @ Elmwood Park For Sale
Part of what makes Columbia, SC real estate interesting is how different the neighborhoods are within a very close proximity. To name a few: Forest Hills has intertwined streets and huge oaks; Shandon enjoys a hodgepodge of architecture (led by its classic bungalow), grid-like master plan, and sidewalks absolutely everywhere; Forest Acres is full of large lots, ranch style homes, and tall pines.

Elmwood Park is different from them all. Populated with “four-square” and Charleston-style architecture, Elmwood Park is arguably the most colorful neighborhood in Columbia. It’s like a kaleidoscope of real estate. Further still, I’d bet there are more front porches per capita than any neighborhood in the Midlands. In short, Southern Charm is everywhere.

As most clients know the age of these houses (about 100), every now and then I’ll stick a mind-bender on Elmwood Park buyers and sellers. When they ask about the history of the area, or start talking about the age/charm of a house, I’ll toss out, “Elmwood Park is the only neighborhood that looks like this ’cause it’s the only area in Columbia Sherman didn’t burn.” Pretty much everyone goes with it, until the math kicks in. Nothing wrong with a little “duh” moment!

Many think Lincoln St. is the premiere street in all of Elmwood Park. This one, 2214 Lincoln, has been completely renovated. As you can see from the pics in the link, the star of this show is the top-shelf kitchen and the size of the lot. Both features are very large, awesome, and perfect selling elements.

HOLD UP:  Well, as a reader you couldn’t know this, but I just took a little break in the blog action to check my email. Looks like this house is now Under Contract. WOW!  

Congrats to my sellers of 2214 Lincoln!

Notwithstanding the Pending Contract, if you or anyone you know would like to view this beautiful home, please call or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com .  

Thank you!

Over the next few posts you’ll notice a ton of good homes hitting the market.   If we decided to press the issue, nine nice new listings would’ve entered the marketplace on Monday (This doesn’t include Amanda’s action).   However, since Amy is at the beach for the week, and as I knew I’d be in Anderson all of Wednesday, we felt it would be wise to spread the timing, and the responsibilities.

A good example of “spreading,” is the photography.  Taking pics isn’t as easy as snapping a pic.  There’s cropping, sizing, uploading, etc.  That said, with Amy gone, I’m paying a good photographer $65 to snap pics of each home.  After he takes about 100 pics, he’ll zip the photos to Amy so she can do her thing.    

Further, key production, lock box placement, data sheet input, and “write ups” are all important part of the listing process.  That said, we’re utilizing the combination of talents throughout the office to get it done.

As a heads up, there’s some awesome inventory about to hit the market.  To start, three in Lexington are almost ready:  They’re all move in ready, and enjoy different price levels.  One is in Woodcreek, one is in Rose Lake, and the other is in Palm Court, respectively.  Asking prices vary from $89,000 to about $450,000.

To give you another heads up, we’re about to absolutely rip it up in Forest Acres/Druid Hills.  Homes on Mills Dr., Concord Dr., Craig Rd., Glenwood Rd., Glenbrook Circle, and Overcreek will be hitting the market in the next few days. 

The pics above are some of the sharp features of Mills Drive – 29204.  This home, which is located on a very quiet street, has a surprisingly large owner’s suite, dining area, and family room.   There’s a lot of bang for the buck for this downtown listing, offered at $174,500.

If you’re curious about any of these new listings about to hit the market, please call or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com .  

When Amy returns from a week of fam time, we’ll be back on the fast track!

Thank you!  FJ