As In Politics… All Real Estate Is Local.

April 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment

PalmettoPushPinWhile browsing around the Internets I noticed that noted political (and fellow) blogger, FitsNews.com, posted about the nation’s housing market.   To throw in a disclaimer: I can’t endorse or dispute his stats.  That said, I can report from experience that… as in politics, all real estate is local.

Here’s what’s going on locally.  Coldwell Banker-Midtown’s sales board has run out of room once again. Amanda and I have closed a good amount of homes this year and have a lot of transactions “Pending Contract.”  Taking the local theme further,  we have four families renting at 42 Magnolia and one renting a home in Forest Hills, all of which are waiting on their perfect home to come to market.  What I’m getting at is the downtown Columbia, SC may be a small local real estate fishbowl, but it’s the bowl we’re in…and it’s kinda full.

While I’m not sure what the post is conveying, I’m fine with giving him the benefit of the doubt enough to ‘re-post’ his post.

Thank you!  FJ

“More On Housing “Recovery”

EXISTING HOME SALES SLIP … BUT THAT’S NOT THE REAL PROBLEM

Three weeks ago we did a post discussing the softness of the so-called housing “recovery” – focusing in particular on the stagnation of mortgage applications. More recently, we wrote about efforts by the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama to “stimulate” the market by approving loans to people who cannot afford them.

Which in case anybody forgot is exactly what started the current recession we are “recovering” from …

Anyway … according to data released this week from the National Association of Realtors sales of previously occupied homes dipped to 4.92 million last month from 4.95 million in February. And while that number is much higher than last year’s number, only 30 percent of those sales were to first-time buyers.

That’s well below the norm … and a bad sign for the sustainability of this market’s “recovery.”

In fact we can’t wait to hear Tyler Durden’s take on all of this over at Zero Hedge (yes, that Tyler Durden).

Wait, you’re not hip to the greatest site on the internet? Click here … “

***

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , , , ,

Heathwood Home For Sale @ Kenilworth

March 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment

KenilworthFor obvious reasons I don’t make a habit of advertising listings that I/we don’t represent. Every now and then, however, a listing comes along that I feel compelled to “put out there” for the benefit of my clients and readers of this blog. Disclaimer: As long as I disclose that it’s not my listing, and share the listing agency somewhere on the link, I’m in compliance.

On Tuesday I previewed 3902 Kenilworth Rd., in Heathwood. Located on a corner lot in the middle of Heathwood, this updated, move-in ready property is a rare find today and worthy of a post.

If you or anyone you know is in the market for a sharp Heathwood home please call 803-758-1669 or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com for more info or would like to schedule a showing.

Thank you!

FJ

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , , ,

Sharp, Polished 4/5 BR Home @ 29206.

February 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Macgregorfront1MacgregorlivingMacgregorbathmacgregordown

macgregorkitchenTuesday afternoon the awesome home at 3812 Macgregor Drive hit Columbia’s real estate market.  While we’re still finishing up some of the photos (it was rainy yesterday), I thought readers might enjoy “the jump” on this new downtown listing.

Here’s the MLS write-up of this 3,136 square foot Heathwood home: Spacious all-brick 4 or 5 BR home in popular downtown neighborhood. Features include HW floors, smooth ceilings, recessed lighting, 3′ plantation shutters, moldings, and tankless water heater system. Kitchen is filled with beautiful cabinetry, stainless appliances, and granite slab counter tops/peninsula which flows into a keeping area. Owners’ suite contains a private, custom-built bathroom. Downstairs contains a stellar family room w/built-ins, wet bar, & BR5/playroom/bonus. Large, level, fully-fenced bkyd is ready for sunny afternoons & entertaining. This is a polished home zoned for award winning schools and 5 minutes to anything downtown or Forest Acres.

I’ll post more as the syndicated websites pick up the information. In the meantime, if you or anyone you know would like more information or to schedule a showing, please call 803-758-1669 or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com . As you can tell from he address and the remarks above, we’re never more than a few minutes away from this awesome home.

This is a sharp house.

Thank you!

FJ

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , , ,

Video @ 521 Congaree Ave. Please Enjoy!

February 5, 2013 by 1 Comment


Welcome to the video debut of our latest listing at 521 Congaree Avenue – Wales Garden – in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. This 4,750 square foot downtown Columbia, SC home is sleek, polished, and replete with top shelf creativity, and materials. For instance, pay special attention to the narrow board heart of pine floors, massive granite topped island in the kitchen, resort style pool, and two story owner’s suite.

If we’re Facebook friends or if you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’re well aware of how proud I am of our video productions. While I spent many hours researching who might be the perfect fit for this facet of our marketing efforts, the videographers themselves have gone far beyond what I thought they could produce. If you can’t tell, I’m busting with pride. Jamie and Marianna’s time and talents make me sit up, lean forward, and hit the re-play button. They’re the best.

When I first saw the video of Tanglewood in Heathwood, I knew I had something special. The video of “Ashworth Place” was equally as fun and impressive. Enter, 521 Congaree Avenue. BOOM.

I hope you enjoy the video of this awesome Wales Garden home. Tomorrow we’ll attach it to www.ColdwellBanker.com, www.Zillow.com, www.Realtor.com and every other dot com out there.

If you or anyone you know is interested in viewing 521 Congaree Avenue, please call 803-447-8683 or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com . The home is a pleasure to show, and as you may gather from the address, we’re always only a few minutes away.

If you don’t know how to go “full screen” and would like a larger experience, here ya go: TeamFranklin

Thank you!

Franklin Jones

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Primo Location @ King’s Grant For Sale

January 28, 2013 by Leave a Comment

A few days ago we put 6 Mackay’s Point on the market in King’s Grant. While most of you know my affection for King’s Grant, I’m going to change things up a little and post a few points in list form.

1) The house itself: “6 Mackay’s” sports over 3,500 square feet, with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. As you can see from the pics and link, features include hardwoods, vaulted ceilings, granite slab/stainless filled kitchen. A formal living area of the house has been cleverly turned into a private den, just off the owner’s suite.

The “double FROG” is AWESOME and ready for and combo of Wii’s, PlayStations, studio, and/or office. Outdoors has an elevated, large screened porch and over-sized deck.

2) Location of Mackay’s Point: If you know King’s Grant or follow this blog, you’re aware that the streets are geographically in alphabetical order. That said, given this street begins with an “M” means that any other cul de sac traffic travels ‘the other way’ to exit the neighborhood. For example, folks that live on Foot Point or Fenwick tend to use N. King’s Grant Drive, whereas residents on Somerton and Ravenwing enter and exit via S. King’s Grant. In short, this may be the quietest cul de sac in all of King’s Grant.

While Cotton Hope may be home the the biggest homes in KG, Mackay’s Point is arguably the primo ‘spot.’

3) The neighborhood itself: At present, King’s Grant is effectively SOLD OUT. There are two homes listed above $750,000, and two Under Contract in the $400,000’s. The only other homes for sale are “Mackay’s” and a home on Otranto, which is listed in the $600,000’s.

A few years ago there were 18 homes on the market in King’s Grant. Yikes! This made me nervous, to be sure. No longer. King’s Grant is a hot product and I expect the traffic at 6 Mackays to be very high.

If you or anyone you know is interested in living in a community with five tennis courts, uber popular pool, walking trails, clubhouse, and security gate, please call 447-8683 or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com .

Thank you!

FJ

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

Wales Garden Stunner Is For Sale – 29205

January 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Take a look at this house. First of all, it’s in one of Columbia’s premiere historical neighborhoods; Wales Garden. After that sinks in, take a look at the pics in the attachment. 521 Congaree Ave. is so slammed full of creativity and cool things that we’re still adding photos and different angles.

I mean seriously, I’ve been in a lot of homes but can’t remember ever seeing narrow board heart of pine floors…which are on the first and second levels of the house.

Take a look at the master. When living in Boca Raton, Florida, I showed homes of professional sports figures in Boca, Palm Beach, and Miami (My dad owned a real estate company in the heart of Boca, Champion Realty, where I worked my first year out of USC). While they were awesome and impressive South Florida homes, I don’t remember ever seeing a two story owner’s suite complete with overlooking balcony. The master is a beautiful amenity, and almost acts as a private town home within a home. To say, “it’s cool,” doesn’t quite do it justice.

On MLS we have limited space for “Remarks” to describe a listing. Here’s what I had room for; “Amazing home replete with stunning details in one of Columbia’s most beautiful neighborhoods. Features include tall ceilings; recessed lighting; very rare, narrow-cut heart pine floors throughout; wine cellar; rain chains; elevated decks; and French doors with transoms at every turn. Spectacular two-story owner’s suite w/balcony and a 3-head steam shower. Vast kitchen with massive island is complete with thick granite slab and 10-piece stainless appliance collection. The backyard is resort-like: gorgeous pool surrounded by flagstone decking, a cascading waterfall, lush landscaping, up-lighting, and a gas-supplied fire pit. This is a sharp, polished home ready to provide any level of entertaining.” I could’ve used triple the space allotted.

If you or anyone you know would like to view this beautiful Wales Garden home please call or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com .   I live about four blocks from this house, and the 5-Points Starbucks is literally 150-200 yards away.

I’ll be hosting a Sunday Open House soon, and will post the video as soon as my man is done.

Tidbit about Wales Garden;  A lot of folks refer to the neighborhood as, “The River Streets” – Congaree, Saluda, Waccamaw, Santee, Wateree, Catawba, etc. You get the idea.

Here are two more pics we couldn’t fit in MLS but I slid in last weeks post.

Thank you!

Franklin Jones

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , , ,

House On Adger Rd. Is Taking Shape

December 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment

About a week ago Amanda posted on Facebook we have a home in Heathwood that will be coming to market soon. While I don’t have the actual address handy, you may have noticed the property on Adger Road with a roll-off dumpster in the front yard.

The pic above is a raw image of what’s to come. The structure has been taken down to the studs, the interior has been completely redesigned, and a new garage and FROG has been added to the back of the right side. As you can see, a lot of work has been done and there’s still a ways to go. That said, this is going to be one nice updated Heathwood home.

The new floor plan is pretty clever. A newly designed owner’s suite takes up the depth of the entire left side, and the cavernous eat-in kitchen will be in the center of the home which will overlook a large family area and patio. When finished, the home will sport five bedrooms and over 4,000 sqaure feet.

As I understand it a new driveway will be poured leading into the new garage, complete with launching pad in the front of the house.

It won’t be long before it’s time to pick paint colors, granite, fixtures and other finishes. With that in mind, if you or anyone you know would like to know more about this soon to be finished home on Adger call or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com . We have a copy of the floor plan ready to hit your inbox.

If you’d like to do a drive-by; From Shandon Methodist on Devine, take Adger Rd. to where Adger forks with Berkeley. Veer down the hill on Adger and the home is three or four houses down on the left.

As many of you know, the address speaks for itself.  This stretch of Adger is among the grand manors of popular Heathwood, which is one of downtown Columbia’s most popular neighborhoods, respectively. As a point of reference, surrounding streets are Heatherwood, Tanglewood, and Tomaka.

Stay tuned on this one!

FJ

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , ,

Sharp Home @York Dr., Only $184,900.

September 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Monday we put an all brick, super charming, bungalow style home on the market.  1904 York Drive is on a corner lot, has just under 1,500 square feet, and only minutes to anything downtown in downtown Columbia or Forest Acres. Winner!

Some features include glossy/shining hardwoods, smooth ceilings, moldings, designer colors, and even more than you’d expect from an updated classic downtown Columbia bungalow.

Location notwithstanding, the star of this show is probably the kitchen.  It’s posh.  Cabinets, appliances, hardware, and fixtures are all updated.  You can see from the pics attached the back splash, with black accents, is top shelf.  What you won’t be able to see in the pics are the awesome blue flecks shimmering from the granite slab.

The manicured, level, private backyard is complete with large patio that serves as a perfect venue for BBQ’s and just hanging out.

1904 York Drive is incredibly convenient to anything downtown.  If you or anyone you know would like to view this downtown home, please call or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com to set up a showing.

The listing is so fresh it hasn’t been picked up by the Zillow’s and Realtor.com’s of the real estate world, so the links above will take you directly to the CMLS website.  That said, you’ll see this is a sharp, move-in ready home offered at $184,900.  Remember, for larger pics, click on the photo itself instead of the arrows.

Thank you!

FJ

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Snapshot of Inventory Under Contract

August 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

When folks ask me, “How’s the market?”, I give a conscious effort not to answer with a good ole’, “GREAT!”, or “Couldn’t be better!”  If you know me, you know full well that being salesman(y) is something I try to avoid.

Could I spin a huge spool of good news and awesomeness within a few sentences? Absolutely, but it’s just not me. After all, Amanda and I have a lot of active listings and a lot of work ahead of us to get them sold.

This all said, the blog gives me the opportunity to project a snapshot of what’s going on. The pics above are some examples of our listings “Under Contract” that you may otherwise not know about. A couple of interesting dynamics about the homes above: 1) They reflect different price levels ($249,000, $289,000, $389,000, $699,000) and 2) All four represent very different neighborhoods within downtown Columbia.

Circle Drive (Forest Acres), Somerton (King’s Grant), Blossom Street (Shandon), and Lincoln Street(Elmwood Park) are all at different stages of their respective due diligence periods. Appraisals and inspections have been ordered on a couple, while the other two haven’t navigated very far through the process. Even so, they’re Pending Contract, and that’s a good thing.

In sum, inventory is moving and I thought you might like a quick read of what’s going on in a few downtown Columbia, SC neighborhoods.

Thank you!  FJ

Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,