Offers Subject to Lender Approval

"Short Sale" = 2 Attached Lofts for the Price of 1

Stadium Village Lofts # 57 & 59 may one of the best tailgating spots in the entire SEC. These two adjoining units are located at the very end of the complex. This location provides a prime view of everything going on including tens of thousands of fans that walk directly beside the unit.

The attached units feature over 2,400 sq. ft. and have 4 full bedrooms. The opening in the wall between the units is huge which allows a party to flow easily between them

The huge party deck pictured above can are equipped for the biggest parties. You may think I'm kidding but it would be a perfect set up for Corso and Herbstreet to air segments of ESPN's College Gameday.

Inside the units are filled with all of the best amenities. Huge T.V.'s, pool table, movie screen and projector, granite slab and on and on. All of the furniture is negotiable.

The condo can be lived in year round, rented for parties or rented to a full time resident.

This is a potential "short sale" situation. Any and all offers will be subject to lender's approval. The lender is easy to contact so any offers should be responded to in a timely manner. This property is being marketed at $350,000.

Manning, Cola, Clinton & Anderson

2009 Holiday Season - A Good Time Had by All
For most Americans, the term "travel" is a relative one. Some people think that it isn't "traveling" unless they get in a plane, big boat or train. If I had to arrive hours before a flight and hang out in airport floors for hours I could certainly understand where they're coming from.

Some may call me lucky and some may call me spoiled so I'm not going to pretend that I do a lot of "traveling" during the holidays. Conceding this, moving about away from home during the holidays is relative and I can surely claim to participate in a healthy road trip.

This map of South Carolina shows that I celebrate Christmas in four facets of our state's landscape. During the week we visit The Capital City, Santee Cooper Country, Old 96 District and The Upcountry. To say the least we all had a fine time together. I have to thank my wife and Townes Denemark for finally enabling me to enjoy a wireless Anderson experience. It's about time.

We'll see how future 'road trips' play out but now that Finley is with us, I'm pretty sure the family will be visiting the capital city for a little while

We all love the Chirstmas season but I'm happy to admit that it'll be glad to be back to work on Monday morning.

New Heathwood Area Listing For Sale

3706 Macgregor Drive, 29206 Hit Market This Week
This week Caroline and I listed this good looking home which has about 1,820 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. It features hardwoods, smooth ceilings and moldings throughout.

To start, the kitchen is located in the center of the home and opens up to a large yet cozy den. This floor plan sets up nicely for entertaining and certainly makes the kitchen more fun for the cook.

The home has a large long master suite with a private bath and deep closet. As most of you know, most homes this size don't have a true master suite.

A neat feature about 3706 Macgregor is that it has a separate breakfast area and a cool office nook.

The back den of this home opens up to a wooden deck and flat backyard which are also great for entertaining.

Macgregor Drive is a popular location that is surrounded by attractive neighboring homes and is zoned for award winning schools.

3706 Macgregor is move in ready and is a five minute drive to anything downtown or Forest Acres. This is a sharp house.

Call or email at fjones@cbunited.com if you would like to view this Heathwood area property.

Columbia's Newest Real Estate Listings

>>Columbia's New Listings; Nov. 30 - Dec. 16, 2009

Gov't Recalls All of Your...Mini Blinds??

What's Next? Hardwoods, Books...Toilet Seats?

The latest 'Shade String' Recall has me walking around the house wondering what else should be recalled. Perhaps the toilet seat that doesn't rest at a solid 45 degree angle should be replaced because it could fall and bonk my baby in the head.

Millions of Americans raised their eyebrows and shook their collective heads as the news spread that 50 million sets of blinds and shades were being recalled. I don't mean to be insensitive,...but really?

I hope this post doesn't bite me in the tail later as I'm all about "safety first" but this seems to be a little over the top. If the blinds and shades that we've all lived with for decades are dangerous then I can't imagine whats next.

If shade strings are a danger then hardwood floors must be much too hard. Everyone knows that a pointy book with 8 right angles can do some serious damage to an infants melon. Shouldn't all coasters that stick to the bottom of sweaty cups be taken off the shelves immediately???

Again, I understand where folks are coming from where safety is concerned but if 50 million blinds and shades have to be recalled...this could get endless. Should refrigerators without locks be taken out? Perhaps all rope ever made should be destroyed immediately.

I don't want to ramble on too long but it just seemed to me that this recall is a little much. It will be interesting to see how many Americans take their 10 year old mini-blinds down to get a credit for the more attractive 2" variety.

Shandon Cutie Now Only $199,900

3529 Heyward St. Move in Ready and Priced to Sell
It's not often that we come across a cute, move in ready Shandon home for under $200,000. Actually, it's pretty rare unless you are shopping for a townhouse or condo. Dollar for dollar this is a good one to know about.

This all brick home is good looking inside and out. It sits on a corner lot and features a front porch that any Shandon resident would be proud of.

Heyward Street is one of Shandon's most popular streets and actually was one of downtown Columbia's boundary streets. Today, on the other side of Harden St., Heyward Street acts as the buffer between Wales Garden and Hollywood/Rose Hill.

Call or email if you would like to know more about this Shandon cutie. This one is hard to beat at $199K. Click the link above for more pics and info!

Grady Patterson: A Profile in Service

When it Comes to Grady Patterson, Character Counts
Years back I received a call from the Patterson home with an unusual request. I was asked to meet my friend Trav one day to remove a varmint that had been causing havoc at Mr. and Mrs. Patterson's house. I probably squinted my eyes and shook my head a few times, but of course I made my way to Forest Acres ASAP.

Trav and I were to properly dispose of a raccoon that was angrily circling around in a 2' steel trap. I'm not much for wild critters but I'm all for helping my friends, especially when it comes to folks like Mr. and Mrs. Patterson. Needless to say, it was probably funny to watch.

The Patterson's home is just around the corner from my grandparents, Leon and Sylvene Jones. Given this geography, I've known the Pattersons since birth. While we've known each other all of this time, my relationship with Mr. Patterson was enhanced because of our friend Trav.

As we all know, and Trav puts it eloquently, General Grady Patterson served a complete life of public service. As you can see from the photos above, he served his country with pride. Look closely. It doesn't take a military expert to notice the two stars on the man's shoulders.

Earning a law degree and having been one of the nation's leading experts on banking and bond issues, Mr. Patterson could have sought fortunes in private practice or Wall Street. Instead, he chose to serve the Palmetto State for decades as its Treasurer.

As a new Realtor, Mr. Patterson knew I was only a few weeks into my new career. As he was walking in his screen/storm door in the carport he leaned back and yelled to me, "Make it work, Franklin!" I know it's not a huge deal to many blog readers, but I remember the scene like it was yesterday.

Godspeed, General. Your nation and state are a better place because of you.

As for the raccoon..., we let him go in the creek area between Brockman School and The Laureate. It scared the crap out of both of us when we opened the cage and to this day I've never jumped in a truck bed so fast. :)

10 Hobonny - King's Grant has Closed!

Gorgeous King's Grant Home Has a New Owner
There are all sorts of rumors surrounding this beautiful home in King's Grant. On Thursday of last week I can report with all authority that 10 Hobonny is sold and closed out.

The new owners of this awesome house should be very proud. They own an incredible dwelling in one of Columbia's best neighborhoods. This home is 6,000+ feet of luxury and serves as an entertaining mecca.

10 Hobonny will go down as one of my proudest closings. This house is so cool and deserves a good owner. I think we achieved just that as the home now is inhabited by a super nice family that is proud to call Columbia home.

Congratulations to King's Grant, too. In a market where "larger sales" are suffering, this shows that King's Grant is thriving and well. No wonder King's Grant is such a local favorite.

I don't have much to type as this photo tells a great story in itself. Three moms and great friends look like a billion dollars for Wednesday nights Preview Party. As always, a great time was had by all in attendance.

Of the hundreds of pictures taken this is the first one I've seen online. It's great! Ginny, Townes and my wife Jennifer were stunning, once again. I have to give a special 'shout out' to Emily at 'M-Boutique.'

WoW, Emily!!! Can you believe my baby's mother has a 16 week old! GREAT DRESS!!

JLC Preview Party is Annual Favorite

Pretty Dresses, Cufflinks and Catfish Bites!

Wednesday night continues a great tradition in the Midlands. The Junior League of Columbia kicks off the annual Holiday Market with their incredibly fun and popular Preview Party & Silent Auction.

As the women will be decked out in awesome couture, the men will surely spring for pressed french cuffs and fresh collar stays as they attempt to look as sharp as their dates. I'm sure there will be a lot of brand new collar extenders too!

This year's Preview Party is sure to be another great event put on by the Junior League. Year after year these local leaders put together one of Columbia's biggest and best annual parties. Many in Columbia consider the Preview Party and Holiday Market as the official start to the Christmas season.

If you're an occasional reader of this blog you know I'm a big supporter of The League. This year is certainly no different. Collectively, the members of the JLC log tens of thousands of hours and donate enormous amounts of money to benefit Midlands charities. The Holiday Market serves as The League's largest fundraiser of the year and the 2009 version is shaping up to be a grand success.

Thank you again, JLC!!!

Columbia's Newest Real Estate Listings

>>Columbia's Newest Hotsheet; Nov 3 - 29, 2009

Cool USC-Clemson Mixer on Monday

A Night with the Stars Brain Injury Awareness Event
USC vs Clemson Week is kicking off with a great event Monday night. Palmetto state recruiting icon Clyde Wrenn and family are bringing out the Gamecock/Tiger legends to thank the medical staffs of Palmetto Health Hospitals for the work they do.

The rivalry between the two schools is exciting but what makes it fun is that South Carolina is a small state and each fan base knows each other very well. "Mixer" fan events like this make it even better.

Join us Monday as we support the awesome staff at Palmetto Health and have fun with some of our states all-time football personalities.

CAROLINA-CLEMSON WEEK

Join us for a night of fun in honor of the surgeons, doctors and nurses of Palmetto Health Richland Hospitals Trauma Unit at Seawells Restaurant (former site of the Tally-Ho, Columbia, SC) on November 23, 2009 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. with George Rogers, Jeff Grantz, Harold Green, Ryan Brewer, Corey Miller, Danny Ford, Ed McDaniel, Steve Fuller, Chris Gardocki and Jeff Davis (other former college and professional players and coaches will also be attending as guests).

Each guest will receive,Food, Drinks (Alcohol Included), Autographs from the Stars, (Picture Poster of the Stars Included), Pictures with the Players and Coaches, Prizes, Auctions, Music and Stories from the Stars (Cameras will be permitted).

$100.00 per Guest; Make checks payable to, “A Night with the Stars”

Mail to:Carolina Clemson Week - ATTN: Julie Felker 200 Steeple Drive, Columbia, SC 29229

For additional information or questions or to pay by credit card, contact Clyde Wrenn at (803) 463-5667, Tracy Huddleston at thuddleston@fnf.com or stop by Sweet Olive in I’on (Mt Pleasant, SC)

Thank you for your support,

The Wrenn Family and Friends

Meet friends and talk FOOTBALL!

(Business Casual Attire please)

League Members Spring Into Action

Townes Gives Great Interview About Attempted Theft

I've seen first hand what the women of the Junior League of Columbia are capable of. Year after year, I continue to be impressed with their extraordinary projects and efforts. These women give their time, talents and treasures to make good things happen throughout our community. Once again, members of the League went beyond the call of duty.

In case you haven't heard, two young boys chose to steal the "donation bottle" from Junior League volunteers that were working to raise awareness and money at Wednesday's Harvest Hope Diaper Drive. These young boys chose the wrong group to steal from.

I'm not exactly sure how much money was in the bottle. If I know these women it wouldn't matter. The members of the League are proud of what they do no matter the monetary amount.

Every year these women raise dollar amounts well into six figures for different projects throughout the Midlands. As impressive as the dollar amount is, the real pride are the thousands upon thousands of woman hours that are contributed throughout each year.

What should make readers and supporters even more proud is the fact that Junior League veterans are out there with the newer members attempting to make things happen. The fact that JLC President Townes Denemark was present and Shannon Pooser (reportedly the one chasing in the car) was involved speaks volumes.

Good for the women of the Junior League of Columbia. This is only another reason why I contend this organization is perhaps the best philanthropic organization in South Carolina.

Millions Lost in Real Estate Boondoggle

What Would Williams-Brice or Death Valley Sell For?

The first three times I read the number I didn't see what the big deal was. When it finally registered in my brain I jumped out of the kitchen to look for the nearest laptop. The $$$ they received for this building is absolute insanity and a terrible example of someone missing the mark.

Things will get worse if the entity that financed the Silverdome receives any federal stimulus money as a result of this financial boondoggle.

As far as selling price goes, this is almost like Williams-Brice or Death Valley selling for roughly the same amount as a 4 bedroom house in King's Grant, Heathwood or Shandon. FJ

From Zillow Tweet - Last month, it was announced the Pontiac Silverdome would be auctioned off. The auction happened and the winning bid was… drum roll, please… $583,000.

$583,000!

Right, not a typo folks — $583,000 for an 80,31-seat sports arena, on 127 acres in Detroit!

According to the Detroit Free Press, the winning bidder is someone from Toronto who has plans for an indoor soccer team.

The clincher of this story?

In 2005, suburban developers offered nearly $20 million for the Silverdome, but the deal fell apart as the city delayed taking the offer. And last year, a $17.5-million plan to turn it into a horse racetrack, hotel and conference center also fell through.

Too bad Detroit’s city execs failed to remember the mantra about the first offer being the best offer.

Godson Has 1st Birthday Party

To Me... Reid Denemark is Kind of a Big Deal
There are many opportunities in life that afford a person a sense of flattery, pride and humbleness. To be asked to be a godparent of another couples child is a moment that makes a person take a few steps back and take a look at a larger picture.

Happy Birthday to my godson Reid Denemark! Reid is one year old this week and is one of those magnetic kids that every person, young and old, loves to be around.

Reid is a happy fella that has the whole world in front of him. He is a happy one year old and fortunate to be surrounded by people that absolutely adore him. He greets almost everyone with wide eyes and one of the cutest smiles anyone has ever seen.

With this kid you don't have to be a godparent to want to teach him to kick a ball or go cat fishing. He's just that infectious.

Reid and Finley are destined to be BF's for years to come. I'm sure he recognized how much we enjoyed his birthday party tonight. Happy Birthday, Reid!! :)

Rain is Perfect for Home Inspections

Inclement Weather Can Reveal True Conditions

During my career I've learned quite a few things that aid both buyers and sellers. Today's rain afforded me the opportunity to put one of these tips to work.

I represent the buyer on a pending sale in Forest Acres of which, we scheduled the general home inspection for Wednesday afternoon. This morning the buyer asked, "Since its raining, should we reschedule the inspection?" My answer was a quick, "No sir."

Having a home inspection during a rain can expose things that are going on with the home that an inspector can't see during a perfect sunny day. Water intrusion and saturation can be a big deal and if the inspector can take pictures of a small stream or new puddle under a house, it can be a powerful bargaining tool. If a house sits on a slope it can be particularly valuable for the inspector to watch the water flow in the crawl space or basement. Just last month we witnessed enough water flow to request the installation of a french drain. The seller obliged.

Home inspections certainly don't have to be done during a rainy day as the trained eye usually see signs of moisture in the attic and/or below the house. It's simply more of a slam dunk piece of evidence when a photo is taken of a drippy leak, growing puddle or overly mushy yard.

Sellers probably shouldn't worry too much as they have to fill out a Property Disclosure Statement anyway. Rainy days simply make it easier to prove something is going on should there be a problem.

Congrats to the Womens Soccer Team

Women's Soccer Brings Home SEC Championship

When in school at Carolina I remember people speaking about the women's soccer team as a start up venture. Some folks even referred to the program as a step above an intramural league. Obviously, this wasn't a huge a huge concern as anyone would expect a new program to experience a slow start. Oh how far we've come!

Congratulations to Shelley and Jamie Smith! The coaches of the women's soccer team have vaulted the team into the nations elite and brought home a conference championship.

I've had the pleasure of knowing the Smith's rather well and I can report that they're some of the nicest people in all of Columbia. I can report too that their passion for the success of their team runs deep.

I don't know too many couples that work together professionally. Personally speaking, my wife and I will quickly admit that we probably wouldn't comfortably succeed in a professional partnership. Team Smith is able to make it work, and then some.

Way to go Shelley and Jamie! You and your team have taken USC women's soccer to the next level. Good luck in the NCAA's!!!!

Tax Credit Passes in a D.C. Blowout

Tax Credits Benefit Millions of U.S. Buyers/Workers
On Wednesday the US Senate approved a bill to extend and expand the home buyer tax credit by a count of 98-0. Today the House of Representatives approved the same measures by a vote of 403-12. The new law is to provide tax credits until the middle of 2010.

I must admit that this takes some of the pressure off of 1st time home buyers. There has been an absolute flurry of activity to hurry to try to close on a new home before the November deadline. These anxious buyers can now at least take a breath.

The credits are powerful tools for buyers and sellers, but that's not all. Buyers and sellers notwithstanding, millions of Americans will be directly affected by the law. To name a few - Builders, Realtors, home inspectors, general contractors, roofers, termite companies, HVAC companies/inspectors, foundation specialists, brick layers, credit unions, closing attorneys, title agents, painters, flooring companies, drywall installers, hardy-plank makers/installers, deck builders, window companies, pressure washers, landscapers, ditch diggers, mtg. lenders, insurance agents, surveyors, appraisers, mill workers, foresters, loggers, haulers, moving companies, storage facilities, machine companies, framers, furniture manufacturers/stores, appliance manufacturer/retailers, tile people, Lowe's, Target, Home Depot, concrete/asphalt layers, etc. are all beneficiaries.

President Obama is expected to sign the bill, if he hasn't already. As exemplified by the vote count in the halls of Congress, this is apparently a home run piece of legislation.

Columbia's Newest Real Estate Listings

Columbia's Hotsheet; Oct. 15 - Nov. 2, 2009

King's Grant Takes Holiday Seriously

Halloween is on a Different Level in King's Grant
King's Grant is an all around fun community. The pool, tennis courts and walking trails are only a small part of what makes this a great place to live and visit. One facet that makes KG so fun is Halloween night.

I don't know this for sure but I'll bet there's between 50 and 75 golf carts buzzing around the "loop" and various cul-de-sacs. The groups of kids act as human obstacle course as the golf carts attempt to wind through all the costumes. The kids that aren't going door to door or standing in the street (teenagers) are most likely cruising around on of a few hay rides that are going on.

Smoke is oozing from front doors and big screen TV's/projectors are pulled into driveways so everyone can catch the Gamecocks (hate to mention this). There are probably more parties going on at more houses here than any other day of the year.

I wish I had some pictures but it was dark and the only camera I had was my phone. Boooo...

Kudos to King's Grant for another great event. I don't ever mean to over exaggerate anything but Halloween in King's Grant is a pretty fun night.

S.C. Welcomes Boeing. Hey Y'all!

Hugs, Fistbumps and Kumbaya at the Statehouse

I got the news from a lobbyist friend that something major was happening at the statehouse today. She typed that lawmakers and Boeing execs were in a room signing papers and that news media was crawling around the lobby. I decided not to tweet about the situation as to not ruin any one's thunder. What a thunder it was!

Facebook and Twitter were clogged deep with updates from lawmakers about the Boeing deal. I don't blame them as all 50 states are drueling for good news. S.C. got that coveted news today. At one point today, "Boeing" was the top subject on the Twitter feed.

Congratulations to Boeing, the General Assembly and all residents of South Carolina! Sandlappers everywhere should feel like winners today as Boeing announced that they are coming to South Carolina in large fashion.

This is a fantastic situation for our state as global brand has decided to call South Carolina home. It was also a Kumbaya moment for lawmakers as all of them are taking their piece of the credit pie. Fine with me. Today is a win, win, win situation for our state.

Boeing, welcome to South Carolina. You'll love the weather, hospitality, beaches and most of all....work ethic. Thank you!

She Thinks Her Daddy is a Marsupial

Jenna, Finley and I decided to take to the local soccer fields Saturday morning. We always have a good time watching our friend's kids show their skills and this week didn't dissapoint.

This past Saturday was Finleys first chance to enjoy the weekly event. As you can see, she decided to keep the power nap going the whole time. It was a pretty cute sight.

I have to mention how much she and I love this little pouchy, sacky thing made by Eddie Bauer. She's strapped in tight and the stretchy material makes it very comfy for both of us. This little product was a gift from Danny and Katie Owens and has proved to be a fail safe contraption for quietness. I've walked many blocks around Shandon as we try to give Jenna some time to sleep. This thing is like a tranquilizer...

Kudo's to marsupials. They really have a great built-in travel system.

Cute Brick Shandon Bungalow For Sale

3529 Heyward St.-Shandon Hits Market...$209,900.

This all brick Shandon cutie has 2 nice bedrooms w/ almost 1,200 sq. ft.

3529 Heyward features hardwoods, picture molding, high-smooth ceilings, transoms and 2" blinds. It features a remodeled bath and good looking eat-in kitchen w/ 2 charming arched nooks that I'm not sure I've seen before.

The home sits on a corner lot of the very popular Heyward St. Anyone would love the front porch for viewing all that Shandon has to offer.

Living in Shandon affords any owner the opportunity for long walks and/or bike rides through the coveted tree lined streets. This very cute home is move-in ready and 5 minutes from anything that downtown Columbia has to offer.

Call or email if you have any questions or would like to view 3529 Heyward St. Come see!

Bravo Show is Good Late Night TV

"Million Dollar Listing" is Fun Real Estate TV

Buyers and sellers are constantly telling me about how they watch the real estate shows on HGTV. House Hunters and Design on a Dime are a couple that come to mind. For a while, shows like Flip This House were all the rage.

Every now and then I'll step into a house and will immediately announce that, "This seller watches HGTV." Hand painted faux finish walls are a great hint of this. Some of the results are great and some scream for a professionals touch.

Although I catch most of the HGTV programs, Bravo has the show that I enjoy most. "Million Dollar Listing" is the real estate show that I actually prefer. Maybe it's because I'm a Realtor, and get a kick out of the different situations.

These guys are entertaining to watch and the producers actually capture some of the trials and tribulations that a Realtor endures. Of course, the dollar amounts are elevated and the drama can certainly be a little over the top. Obviously this is one of the reasons it's fun to watch.

The way the show reflects the pressure of the industry isn't too off base and the level of competition it projects makes it even better. Good for Bravo. Like all good TV shows, I wish Bravo would produce more episodes throughout the year.

Columbia's Newest Real Estate Listings

Columbia's Newest Hotsheet; Sept 28-Oct. 14, 2009
This edition of The Hotsheet features 119 listings. About 20 of them include the new homes for sale in Rosewood Hills. Although these aren't "new" listings, they're probably included because they've been re-listed at a new price point which gives them a new MLS number.

Have fun clicking!

Post & Courier Tweets It's Now #1

"The Post and Courier is now the largest circulation newspaper in South Carolina, 94,133 to The State's 91,255." - Tweet from The P&C
Companies spend years and millions of dollars branding themselves. For as long as any of us can remember The State Newspaper has been known as "South Carolina's Largest Newspaper."

The State's largest competitor, Charleston's Post and Courier, has long tagged itself "The South's Oldest Daily Newspaper." According to a recent Tweet, Charleston's daily can now boast both titles.

No doubt there will be some sort of fight for the title of "South Carolina's Largest Newspaper." Think of the years worth of ink and millions of newspapers that have touted the "brag line."

Actually, it's gonna be the years of repetitive branding that will keep The State #1 in the minds of Sandlappers. The State's website, Facebook and Twitter pages also still claiming it's #1 status.

Ever since I learned that The State Newspaper was no longer selling in my hometown of Anderson or at the beach, I've wondered if they were going to hold on to their first place ranking. Guess not.

The State has certainly tried to adjust to compensate for the lagging publication numbers. Go Gamecocks, http://www.thestate.com/ , Jolie, and Carolina Bride are examples of this. Some are winners and some just aren't.

We all realize that national newspaper circulation is in a downward spiral. Still, it has to hurt the folks at The State to know that The Post and Courier may have replaced it as South Carolina's largest newspaper....and tweeted about it.