Home For Sale @ Forest Acres: $189,900

May 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment

CherryLaurelCherryLaurelLivingCherryLaurelKitchenCherryLaurelBackMonday afternoon we put 2007 Cherry Laurel Drive on the market.  Located just off of Forest Drive, this move in ready home is smack in the middle of popular Forest Acres.

Cherry Laurel has 1,704 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 and a half baths.  Here’s a portion of the MLS remarks:  “Beautiful updates and shining hardwood floors. Eat-in kitchen with stainless appliances. Huge family room with cork flooring, small kitchenette, and full bath. New siding. Fenced backyard with recently installed retaining wall/planter boxes that include drip lines; remodeled deck; full sprinkler system; storage shed; and patio area. HVAC ’10. 2 paved driveways plus 1-car garage w/workshop.”

As nice as some of the features are, three standout IMO: 1)  The large downstairs family room is awesome (not pictured above) .  This will serve someone well as a playroom, game room, over-sized man cave, or Wii Room.  It’s as large or larger than most FROGs of a $500,000 home. 2) The double driveway is cleverly done.  There’s enough room for multiple cars, trailers, and/or boats…or whatever.  Folks can comfortably store a boat and still not have to ‘tandem’ park.  3)  Satchel Ford Elementary school.

Physical features notwithstanding, the best quality is the location.  Cherry Laurel is two blocks from what I call the ‘Forest Drive Corridor’ and only blocks away from Gold’s Gym, Trader Joes, Bonefish, and Trenholm Plaza (Starbucks, Fresh Market, Café Caturra).  Further still, the property is only 5ish minutes to I-77, or anything downtown Columbia.

If you or anyone you know would like more info about this updated Forest Acres home, please call 803-758-1669 or email fjones@cbunited.com / amandaqpayne@live.com .   It’s a pleasure to show.

Thank you!

Franklin

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , ,

Columbia, SC’s Newest MLS Hotsheet

April 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment

hotsheet

This weekend’s weather may have been on the cool side, but as far as real estate is concerned spring has sprung!…and this edition of The HotSheet has some good stuff.  71 properties have hit the Downtown/Forest Acres market since I published the last list.

This Hotsheet includes the newest listings that have come to Columbia’s market within the last 14 days (one of the ‘drop down’ time spans I can choose from) ranging from $150,000 – $1 babillion in the downtown Columbia, SC zip codes of 29201, 29204, 29205, 29206, and 29209.

As you know, if you or anyone you know would like more information or to view any of these properties please call 803-758-1669 or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com .

Thank you, and have fun clicking!

FJ

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

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: , , , , ,

3714 Blossom St. – 29205.

April 19, 2013 by 1 Comment

Blossom3714Blossom3714livingBlossom3714denTake a look at 3714 Blossom Street.  This downtown, move-in ready home sports 2612 square feet, 3 or 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths and located in one of Columbia’s most popular downtown neighborhoods.

While I’d love to describe features like hardwoods, tall ceilings, stone slab countertops, heavy stainless appliances, and designer colors/finishes, the photos set a scene better than I can convey from this keyboard. Check out the living spaces and the black doors & floors!  In short, ‘Blossom’ is a classic Shandon charmer that’s replete with modern amenities.

3714 Blossom is a slick/polished home and the location is even better. To give you a quick visual, everything that Devine St. offers is on one side, and Whole Foods and everything at Cross Hill Market is on the other.  Primo.

If you or anyone you know would like to see this charming and stellar Shandon home please call 803-758-1669 or email fjones@cbunited.com.  As I’ve typed in former posts, “Blossom” is a pleasure to show and one of us is always only a few minutes away.

Thank you!

Franklin

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , ,

Starbucks Buzz @ Downtown Columbia

April 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

StarbucksWoodhillStarbucksDriveThruThis morning I found myself in an impromptu meeting with a national rep from Starbucks. If you know me, or are a regular reader of this blog you’re fully aware of a few of my traits. 1) I have no problem striking up conversation with complete strangers at any time. 2) I sop up information like a Swiffer Mop. 3) I love Starbucks.

Not that you care anything about my characteristics… I learned today that the Starbucks at Woodhill Mall (Target location) will be moving its Barristas a few doors down to the former Qdoba Mexican Grill location. Why? Please welcome your new downtown Columbia, SC ‘Drive Thru’ Starbucks Coffee! WoOHoO!

Turns out Drive Thru opportunities open a whole ‘nother profit center for Starbucks (duh), and the retail giant is pouncing on the former Qdoba corner. Makes sense to me!

If this info has been published before and is old news, please excuse the post. That said, the info was news to me so I’m going with it. I asked her, “Is this happening? Can I blog/tweet about it?” She responded, “It’s done. Probably in the fall of 2013.” There ya go.

Further still, after discussing about real estate opportunities in the vicinity of the other Columbia, SC Starbucks locations, we talked at length about one of the other stores making a change. Whoa…

Stay tuned. I’m all over this one…

FJ

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , ,

Listing Alert: ‘Worchester’ Coming Soon!

April 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment

WorchesterTrue to form I want my clients and readers of this blog to be ahead of the curve. That said, keep an eye out for a pretty awesome home to enter Columbia’s real estate market in the next coming days.

3 Worchester Court is nestled in a fun cul-de-sac within the popular “Hamptons” neighborhood in 29209. As you can see, “Worchester’s” front facade has a ton of pop from the street and features three stories and five full bedrooms. The exterior is made of hardi-board (hardiplank) and the interior is full of good stuff like a granite slab kitchen.

This house has a stellar screened porch with tile floor, and adjacent open air deck that overlooks a nice backyard with full playset. To the right of the home is an awesome storage building that contains a separate panel box electrical system. It’s cool.

If you or anyone you know would like to know more about 3 Worchester Court, please call 447-8683 or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com .

“Worchester” will officially hit the market on Monday and will be offered in the $335,000 price range.

Thank you!

FJ

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: , , , ,

Columbia’s Newest Real Estate HotSheet

March 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment

hotsheet

Newest Real Estate Listings In Downtown Columbia, South Carolina
As you know from previous posts, I’m attempting to bring The Hotsheet (ALL the latest listings to hit the market) back to the blog. This is proving to be a work in progress as I want to make it as easy as possible for readers to browse.

Again, I’ll get it right and in time, make it as smooth as possible for everyone. In the meantime, this edition of The Hotsheet includes the new listings in 29204, 29205, 29206, and 29209 from $150,000 – $10,000,000 within the last two weeks. If the site asks for a Username or Name, just type in “Blog,” (or whatever you want) and you will be good to go.

The market looks to be heating up as there are 68 new properties on the list as opposed to 43 on the last HotSheet.

Thank you!

FJ

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

Hardware Season @ Real Estate Industry

March 11, 2013 by 1 Comment

CircleofExcellence1As you can probably tell from all of the announcements on Facebook, The State Newspaper, and even this blog, it’s very much “Hardware Season” for Columbia, S.C.’s real estate industry. Today, for instance, The State Newspaper published the Central Carolina REALTOR’S Association’s – Circle of Excellence Award recipients (Commercial & Residential).

To clarify, my last post about winning hardware was within the Coldwell Banker brand, respectively.

If you saw the ad in Sunday’s paper, the residential REALTORS now have four levels of achievement (This is the second year of this system). Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The system is somewhat controversial because some qualifiers belong to teams, and some don’t. Further, some represent new neighborhoods, and some are ‘re-sale’ only. Think of it, REALTORS in the Northeast or Lexington have opportunities to represent entire neighborhoods (potentially hundreds of homes), while downtown REALTORS are almost strictly limited to “re-sales” only (there’s not much dirt left). Don’t get me wrong, we all have our own niche, but it is a “thing” when it comes to production level awards.

The last paragraph may sound like I’m complaining, but I’m not. Here’s why. Even though there are only two of us, Amanda and I turned in enough numbers to qualify for four Platinum Level awards. Pretty awesome.

Congratulations to every other Circle of Excellence recipient. We work with some hard working talented REALTORS and love “doing deals” with pretty much everyone recognized.

The reason we didn’t get a pic together at this event is because Amanda and was out of town with her family. While I hope she had fun, I hate she had to miss a good time honoring the top producers in our industry.

Once again, thank you to all of our friends, clients, and referrals that make for the best real estate network in South Carolina, bar none.

Thank you!

FJ

PS: Yes, I wore both medals for office and group pics. #TEAMWORK

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: ,

Thank You For Our Big Day, Columbia, SC!!

March 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment

TeamFAwards2012Wednesday morning Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS®, held its annual Awards Banquet. Thanks to friends, clients, referrals, hard work, and team work, Amanda and I took home the top prize.

It’s always sobering to see hundreds of fellow REALTORS® in the same room. For seven years now, I’ve been extremely proud to work under the Coldwell Banker brand. That said, when all the CB offices of the Midlands (including Aiken) get together, it’s an eye opening event.

Humbly typing, this is the third year in a row I’ve been the last person called to the stage. This year, however, was a little different. Today, I proudly shared the stage with my teammate, Amanda Payne.

Honestly, I should’ve shared the stage last year, too, but the folks at Coldwell Banker headquarters in NY/NJ hadn’t properly registered Amanda and I as a team. If you remember, this is why I bought Amanda’s “Thank You!” billboard at the corner of Garner’s Ferry and Rosewood. I felt terrible at the time, but think the billboard made up for it. This year we got it right.

Perhaps the coolest thing about this year’s production is that we’re in the Top 10 of the entire Region, and top 50 in North America. I didn’t know this until recently, but the “Region” includes huge states like Virginia, Florida, and even Texas. Think of those mega-markets: Miami, Orlando, Houston, Austin, Charlotte, Dallas, Atlanta, etc, etc. If you’re curious, “The Jills” of Miami are the #1 Coldwell Banker Team in the world. To give you an illustration, their flagship listing is Versace’s mansion. They slay it!

The best part about this job is how much fun we have day in and day out. While every day is full of high energy, hustle, and stress, Amanda and I (along with team manager Amy Ackerman Cartin), make it work and have complete trust in each other. I think we’re even holding each other’s prize. Haha. In short, we have a good thing going.

Once again I need to thank our friends, clients, referrals, and anyone/everyone who was involved in our banner year. I also need to thank Amanda for joining me two years ago. She took a tough leap of faith, and here we are.

Now it’s time to get busy and see if we can nudge up on “The Jills” type of numbers. Ha!

Thank you!

FJ

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: