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!!!