Time To #OccupyJuniorLeague. C'mon!

Midland's Christmas Season Begins @Holiday Market
No matter how early big box retailers put out their blinking green and red displays, many Midlands residents consider the Junior League of Columbia's Holiday Market as the unofficial start to the Christmas season. This year is no different, and tomorrow night is the annual kick-off party.

Wednesday night, over 1,000+ friends will participate in the Junior League's incredibly popular Holiday Market Preview Party. The Preview Party is a big deal for the Holiday Market, and the League itself, as a great deal of money is raised for the League's charitable activities.

As you can tell, I'm a big fan of the Preview Party and the League. I know first hand how many hours are logged, and how hard the women work for the League's various causes. In short, they're a well-run machine that would be the envy of any organization I can think of.

The second pic above is the stack of frosted cups that arrived at Coldwell Banker-Midtown a few days ago. For a few years now, I've had the pleasure of supplying the vessels of drink to all in attendance. I'm happy to do it, and it always seems to be one of my favorite advertising efforts.

Year after year, the Preview Party provides a grand time for all in attendance. That said, I hope to see you all at The Cantey Building at The S.C. Fairgrounds tomorrow night!

Smiling Faces Saturday @Columbia, SC

Before the weekend actually begins, I feel like South Carolinians wonder, "Why did they schedule the USC/Clemson game on Thanksgiving weekend??" Admittedly, I wonder the same thing. On the front end, it feels like a scheduling nightmare, and a huge chore to do the 'family thing,' only to rush towards a stadium on Saturday. Then the weekend begins, and it all works out in big fashion.

As we never really "shut down" our real estate world (we received an offer @ 8:30 tonight. WooHoo!), things were relaxed enough to have a great time this weekend. We did just that.

Columbia, SC was 'packed and jacked' last night, as the Gamecocks welcomed, and soundly defeated, our orange-clad Clemson friends. Before the "Wins" and "Losses" were played out, everyone had a great time in the shadows of Williams-Brice Stadium.

Given the 7:45pm kickoff, it was fun to hear and watch everyone adjust their tailgating habits accordingly. I'm pretty sure I saw no less than seven people look at their watch face, only to be stunned at what time it was. Comments like, "Holy crap, it's only 5:30!???," were being belched all over the place. We sounded old, but battled through it just fine!

What a great day for GamecockNation. Who woulda' ever thought USC would be 10-2, playing in the SEC, without their Heisman candidate for 1/2 the season, and losing their starting 5th year senior QB.

A special shout-out to @MarkHarmonSC for an awesome seat Saturday night. Thank you!!

Corner @ Davant Place/King's Grant Dr.

451 N. King's Grant Dr. 29209 Is Officially On Market
In case you haven't noticed, we're really hot in King's Grant right now. So hot, in fact, that I feel compelled to write a Post entitled, "Occupy King's Grant." I'll save that for another day.

I hope no one minds, but since my clock is showing 4:04 AM, I'm going to do a quick cut/paste job from MLS to describe this listing. Thanks for understanding!

Premium location @ the top corner of Davant Place and King's Grant Dr. This all-brick stunner is complete with HW floors, high ceilings, heavy molding, and 'magazine cover'level light fixtures throughout. Eat-in kitchen features first class brands & materials including Sub-Zero fridge, Viking range, granite slab, new hardware, & designer lighting. Super-sized master replete with sitting area, his & hers closets, and brand-new top-shelf bathroom with double vanity. Semi-open floor plan flows into a large, elevated screened porch AND deck ideal for entertaining and fun. This is a sharp house that feeds into award-winning schools and is close to anything downtown. Come see!

This is a beautiful home, with loads of custom features, in a primo location of the neighborhood. Call/email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com for more info, or if you'd like to take a peek.

Thank you! FJ.

Friendly Competitor Shares A Birthday

For obvious reasons, it's not often I type about my friendly competitors...especially if they work with a competitor's brand. Tonight, however, I was so humbled to be a part of a fellow Realtor's birthday party, I just can't help myself.

This week fellow Realtor, Stephen McCardle, turned 50 years young. To be clear, I had no idea Stephen was even close to 50, as he looks younger than my 38! :

Since I don't have any Realtor friends on the 'birthday blitz' we know as Facebook, I need to start off by saying, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!" Second, but more importantly, I need to report how flattered I was to be invited to Stephen's affair. The gorgeous house on Portobello was packed, and the party food was serious. In short, I was ecstatic to be in attendance.

Stephen is a staple of the downtown real estate industry. Although we've never done a deal together, we run into each other quite often. We seem to attend the same Agent Open Houses, which gives us a chance to visit and kick thoughts off of one another. I value his positive attitude and in some facets of the industry, hope to emulate his work ethic. Apparently, Stephen is a beast when it comes to calling/working "Expired" and "Withdrawn" listings.

As most of you know, I usually use my Monday posts to throw out a new HotSheet, a good political/Gamecock diddy, or to feature a good new listing. After all, for whatever reason, Mondays fetch my biggest click count. That said, I was so humbled to be invited to Stephen's birthday party, I simply felt compelled to type a few paragraphs.

Congrats and great job, Stephen McCardle. Now....let's do a deal, friend. We're overdue!!!

BOOM! Contracts X's 3 In King's Grant.

As of tonight, with a deep breath but a big smile, we simultaneously have 3 homes Under Contract in King's Grant. Hoping I'm not typing at the risk of jinxing the transactions, I can't hold back this "first" in my career.

While we seem to have created quite the niche in King's Grant, I can't remember a time when we've had this much going on in this neighborhood. 27 Davant, 24 W. Tombee, and 19 Oakman Ct. are for sale at very different price levels, respectively. That said, they're all great properties with their own special features.

Since we represent one seller and three buyers of this particular list, there will be at least two properties coming to market in the next few days. As a heads up, one will be in Hampton's Ridge, and one is located on King's Grant Drive. Stay tuned for details!

At present, King's Grant has less than 10 active listings for sale. While many buyers think the neighborhood is for buyers in the $600,000+ range, this is not the case. There's actually a pretty wide spectrum to choose from. In short, there's a wide range of product, and we're proud to find the right fit for all who's ready.

>If you're interested in King's Grant, please call or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com . We'd love to try and find the right fit for you or your referrals. As you can summize, we have the jump on what's happening in this primo popular neighborhood.

Thank you! FJ

In Town Columbia's MLS Transactions

Columbia's Property Closings: Oct. 10 - Nov. 15, 2011

This Week Starts A Little Off Routine

As many of you know, it's not often I get thrown off my routine. For instance, it's Sunday night, and I'm typing from a hotel in Tampa, Florida, 500'ish miles from my routine. Yeeesh!!

Last Friday, my brother and I packed up the car and made our way South to a cousin's wedding. As the wedding wasn't until Sunday night, we had plenty of time to make our way to Florida. Given the extra time, we spent the first night in Jacksonville, Fla and enjoyed a stellar view of the river and skyline.

Once we arrived in Tampa, we quickly learned it's a pretty cool city. Since it's our first visit here, however, we're just getting our bearings and not able to take advantage of all Tampa has to offer. Next time we'll know, "what's what." Rest assured, there are plenty of Starbucks stores here!!!

Tomorrow morning, Michael and I will load up and cruise the purple line in the pic above. We'll be back @FamouslyHot, ASAP!!!

Surreal To Think... Been 10 Years Now

Remember 10 years ago? Perhaps you do, maybe you don't. Ten years ago, all the TV stations were covering the awfulness and effects of 9/11. It was also 10 years ago, when Lou Holtz was leading the Gamecocks to a pretty good season, beating the likes of Alabama in a high scoring shootout. I remember details, because it was ten years ago, too, that Kinsey Black Jones was taken.

If you're unfamiliar with her story, Kinsey was struck with breast cancer in her 20's, which later metastasized to her liver during pregancy. We were married 11 months.

Last Sunday, as I usually do this time of year, I cruised to Manning United Methodist to attend service where I've shared a pew with the Blacks since I've known them. As always, I'm glad I made the trip.

After a spell at the Blacks home, Mr. Black and I rode together to the cemetery. As I've posted before, Jennifer and I visit Kinsey's marker at various times during the year. Driving there with a loving father, however, brings about a whole 'nother perspective (especially since I'm now a dad).

As this may be the first time Kinsey's marker has been projected online, please notice the sleek mirror shine, and lack of leaves, debris, or dust. If you've never had your name etched in a cemetery stone, I can report with authority the feeling changes only slightly at 38 years old, as it did at 28. That said, what you see in the pic above, is the devotion of a loving father, as Mr. Black visits and "swiffs" the marker every day he's in the county. Let me let that sink in for a few seconds. To my knowledge, Mr. Black has visited the cemetery every single day... for 10 years.

As another year rolls by, I need to type how fine and strong of a woman & wife Jennifer S. Jones has been. She became part of an extended familial situation, that many folks may not have had any interest in. That said, Jennifer loves the Black family and the feeling is reciprocated exponentially. In short, we've been one big happy family for a few years now. Enter our daughter, Finley S. Jones! :)

As Finley grows older, she's going to know three sets of loving grandparents, in-laws, uncles, aunts, and cousins. She loves all of her Nana's and Papa's, and they flippin' adore her (of course!). Next year, I'm hoping her niece, Elizabeth Black, will attend USC so they can form a fun bond.

Of course, I don't type this post to tug at any one's hearts, or to make anyone sad. I am compelled, however, and feel a sense of responsibility to mention Kinsey's memory. Overly simplified, I just want to remind our friends that... "It's that time of year."

Kinsey would have been 40 yesterday.

Polished Home @29205 To Hit Market

It's been a few weeks since a "sexy" house has hit the market in 29205, in the "$300's." On Monday, however, a sharp house on S. Saluda Avenue is poised to fill the void.

Tomorrow, 210 S. Saluda Avenue will enter Columbia's real estate market with a bang. Of course, I'll post again when the listing goes live. In the meantime, readers of this blog will have a 'heads up' on this Wales Garden/Hollywood/Rose Hill area property.

210 S. Saluda is 'finished' in such a fashion, that it deserves the high level 'polished' description. In short, this house is nice.

The home is roughly 2,000 sq. ft, and three stories. The moldings at 210 S. Saluda are impeccable, and the backyard is Charleston'esque. Further still, it's only steps away from the incredibly popular Hollywood/Rose Hill park

Stay tuned for the link to this very nice listing. Call or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com if you're interested in this move in ready, downtown Columbia home.

Downtown Columbia's MLS Hotsheet

Columbia's Newest Real Estate Listings: October, 2011
Like most months, the October edition of The Hotsheet has a good variety of listings. As usual, Coldwell Banker United - Midtown, enjoys the dominant presence on the list, including the top two price points, (Glenwood Place @ $700K+, and King's Grant @ $646,000).

It should be noted a home on Kennilworth in Heathwood was also new to Columbia's market, but won't be on the link. The house was Under Contract before it hit the MLS, which closed @ $900,000 just a few days ago.

Have fun clicking and scrolling, and don't hesitate to call or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com if you'd like more information, or would like to take a peek at any home on the list.

Thank you! FJ

Halloween @King's Grant: Best In Show

No Neighborhood Does Halloween Better Than KG
For the 5th year in a row, Jennifer and I (and now Finley, of course) headed to King's Grant to spend Halloween night with some of our best buds. I mean... why not!? IMO, the King's Grant neighborhood provides the biggest and best Halloween experience in Columbia, and perhaps all of South Carolina.

I can never seem to snap a picture that does the excitement justice. All I can tell you is that it all starts off with a mob-style pizza party followed by several hay rides, smoke-filled doorways, dozens of golf carts clogging up cul-de-sacs, adult treats served in cups, hundreds of costumed little ones of all ages, and hundreds of adults having almost as much fun.

As I report about KG's Halloween being an all-out blast, this year I get to bring into it my own personal daddy fun. At two'ish years old, this was the first time Finley was able to get into the action. I gotta say, our little ladybug hung right in there with the big kids and didn't miss a trick, or a treat. I had so much fun walking with her from door to door and watching her say "Shann'ku!" (thank you) dozens of times. Moreover, I learned tonight that riding through the woods on a cold, dark night with your two-year-old girl is absolutely over-the-top fun. Like many of you have told me before, "It's the little things, Franklin." I'm getting it now...

All sugary-syrup daddy-ness aside, tonight was one of the best few hours I've had with our little girl. It was an all-out, top-shelf adventure. The hugs, expressions, and comments were the stuff that make dads melt. Thanks to all the folks in this great neighborhood who put on such a show.

See you next year! Well done, King's Grant...