Monday, March 31, 2008

Another King's Grant Home is For Sale



5 Trimblestone: At first stop sign, take right. Trimblstone is the 3rd or 4th cul-de-sac, on the right hand side...

This King's Grant home is roughly 3,000 sq. ft. It is one level (except for the FROG), and is red brick.

It is offered for around $500,000. More details to follow...

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Are You Kidding???



Dolla' Bills, Yall....
If this picture is really a Clemson football player/recruit, this guy makes Garcia look smart. Well, maybe not smart, but at least Garcia just took himself down and maybe a local buzz....but this guy may be ruining a program.

This is a Post from an SC political blog. No way this guy is this dumb, and can Bowden be this careless/wreckless? Really? FJ
NEW TIGER FOOTBALL RECRUIT HAS SOME EXPLAINING TO DO

FITSNews - March 28, 2008 - We honestly haven’t seen a wad of bills that thick since the last time we looked at the special interest stash of House Speaker Bobby Harrell, who defended Clemson University the other day for nearly tripling its tuition over the last seven years while keeping a $140 million slush fund hidden from the legislature.

We were wondering what Clemson was going to do with all that money, and according to the website Brahsome, we may now have an answer. Brahsome was just one of several websites (including FITSNews) to obtain a picture of new Clemson football recruit Kenneth Page holding a wad of “straight from the bank” twenty dollar bills.

Page, who chose Clemson over North Carolina last month, posted the image to his MySpace homepage earlier this week but apparently it ”came down about as quickly as it went up.” Which makes it not unlike Clemson’s credibility lately.

Look, people. Either this 17-year-old kid has been washing a lot of cars this month (like, several thousand of them) or Clemson just got busted paying one of its “student-athletes” under the table …

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Britney Spears, Gamecock Style...



Are We Witnessing Another Waste of Time, Talents and Treasures?

At the moment, I don't have time to throw much of a comment on this subject. I have to say though, a lot of wind was just taken out of the 2008 season's sails. With last year's 0-6 debacle, Garcia was the only positive buzz within GamecockNation. Now, I think most folks will expect a season not unlike 2007...

If we can win in the first part of the season (don't forget UGA), maybe Garcia will be ready for the hell, that is the last five games. I would hate for my first start to be against LSU...

Instead of bringing us the flair of Steve Tanneyhill, Garcia seems to be seeking the same legacy's of Demetrius Summers and Derek Watson....which went up in "smoke". For now, everyone needs to keep their 90's "Tanney'Tails," in the box..

On a real estate note, the Condo/Parking Spot Values around Williams-Brice, just took a dip....

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

March 17 - 25, 2008



>>Columbia's New Listings...

All Real Estate Is Local...

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

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Columbia Honors Icon w/ Key to City...





"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...

Friday, March 21, 2008

Monday, March 17, 2008

Vegas is One Cool Place...




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...

March 9 - March 15, 2008



>>>Last Weeks New Listings...

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

220 Hampton Trace Ln. Is For Sale


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.

King's Grant Home On The Market; Airy Hall Ct.

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...

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Could There Be a Tougher 5 Game Stretch? Jeesh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

Monday, March 10, 2008

King's Grant Pine Tree Alters Weekend...



My Saturday/Sunday went from lazy to hazy because a pine tree fell on this King's Grant home.

When this house on Ravenwing became a victim of the huge winds on Saturday, I had the great task of babysitting this nice Schnauzer. A few buddies decided to help babysit, as we watched the Duke/UNC basketball game.

Since the wife was in her hometown for the weekend, a few of us decided to take a quick trip to the Publick House so we could have ourselves a wing night.

The dude sitting with the visiting dog, is researching an upcoming trip to Vegas. I can't tell if he is mesmerized, or just confused...

That pine tree turned a lazy nap filled weekend, into a house full of unhealthy vittles and living room full of Star Wars bar scene lookin' characters.
P.S. I have no idea why the dogs left ear is bent...


Friday, March 7, 2008

U.S. Mortgage Defaults Outpace Columbia, SC


Comparatively speaking, Columbia, SC homeowners are making their payments...

A South Carolina political blog (http://www.fitsnews.com/) wrote about foreclosure stats today. While the stats are true, I want to remind Columbia residents that most "doom and gloom" numbers are national in nature. The "home builder" that wrote the first comment (seen below) is dead on. The map above (please squint) reflects the relative health of South Carolina's mortgage situation. FJ

MORTGAGE DEFAULTS REACH RECORD HIGH
FITSNews - March 6, 2008
- In the latest sign that our national economy pretty much blows at the moment, mortgage defaults reached an all-time high today. At least that’s according to the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, who may be a bunch of lying bastards for all we know. Assuming they’re not, though, here’s the bad news courtesy of the NYT:

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported Thursday that the number of loans past due or in foreclosure jumped to 7.9 percent, from 7.3 percent at the end of September and 6.1 percent in December 2006. Before the third quarter, the rate had never risen past 7 percent since the survey began in 1979.

Comments»
1. home builder - March 6, 2008
While the rest of the country may be in the tank, South Carolina is in better shape, although perhaps not in great shape. Foreclosures are actually down in South Carolina. While the coastal market is not performing well, the midlands and upstate real estate markets are only down slightly from what were historic highs.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

You Mean So Much, Yet So Little...


National Powerhouses Try To Change The Rules in The Middle of the Game...
Michigan and Florida are always major players in almost all facets of the American goings on, including major college sports. However, these two states do not matter at all when it comes to the Democratic nomination process. This is too bad, as their party leaders, decided that their states should not be counted.

Whether Democrat or Republican, most are going to agree that the Democratic Party will lose a ton of crediblity, if they are allowed to conduct a "do-over." If they allow a "do-over," the GOP should (and will) run commercials that tout that they are "the party of law and order."

When the party leaders elected to move their election day to the forefront of the process, in order to cash in on media frenzies that go along with early voting, they (knowingly) forfeited their clout. Even the candidates agreed not to campaign in these states, if they broke "party rules."

I would think that Michigan and Florida would recognize that given the sheer size of their populations (shoot, Detroit alone has more people than South Carolina), they would by default, make a huge media splash on their respective election dates. They decided otherwise, and therefore don't (and shouldn't) count.

The media is tagging the "do-over" effort, as an attempt to "move the goal posts, during the middle of a game." Well sorry, you just can't do this.

I'm sure that the Michigan and Florida football teams would have loved to have a few "do-overs," during their football seasons. However, we all know the season was set, the points were on the scoreboard and the clock read 00:00...and that was that.

Two Stately Homes Hit The Market...

We put these two homes on the market this week...

The first home is located on Amherst Avenue. This part of Amherst in within that little pocket of houses that sits between Devine and Millwood. Currently a very nice duplex, it could easily be converted into a single family residence. Currently, the owner lives on one side, while a tenant supplements his mortgage from renting the other. This in-town home is offered at $439,900.

The second home is on N. Kings Grant Dr. This awesome house was built for entertaining. It has a very open floorplan from kitchen to great room. The dining room ceiling even reaches 20 something feet. This desireable lot sits very high, and backs up to Fort Jackson. I can't remember the last time a King's Grant home was for sale, that backed up to the Fort. It also features a pool, pool house and a covered whirpool hot-tub. This home is on the market for $539,900.