Off to Litchfield for New Years...

Well, now that the Christmas travels are over, we decided to hit some extra asphalt...to the South Carolina sand.

SC Is Growing: Maybe We'll Pick Up a Congressional Seat In a Few Years...

Census estimates State ranks 10th in growth

Migration helps S.C. add 77,601 residents in year

By JAMES T. HAMMOND - jhammond@thestate.com

Migration, particularly from the Northeast, has helped boost South Carolina’s growth rate to one of the highest in the nation.

South Carolina ranked No. 10 among the 50 states in rate of population growth in the past year, growing 1.8 percent with 77,601 residents added between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released Thursday.
South Carolina’s population has grown by 9.9 percent, or 395,893 people, since the 2000 Census, and 68 percent of the growth is due to migration into the state, according to the population estimates.

The state now has more than 4.4 million residents, according to the new estimates. The State

COUCH (Errr...Bowl) SEASON...

Above is a map of where "Bowl Season" will be taking place. Please note that the Palmetto State, is geographically surrounded by bowl game host states.

Wouldn't it be nice if South Carolina could get in this mix?

King's Grant; Columbia's "Strongest" Neighborhood in '07

The Columbia neighborhood that hasn't missed a beat.

So far this year, 17 homes have closed in King's Grant. The average price is $584,204.00. The average price/ft. is a strong $167.22. My biggest listing in KG is one of the "boat drivers", closing at $179.21/ft. It is the 2nd highest price sold in 2007, at $650,000. Compare with the list below...
Heathwood - $148.67
Shandon - $147.24
Lake Katherine - $140.88
Wales Garden - $149.05

Keep in mind, that these older neighborhood boundaries are not as easily defined as a gated ones. Therefore, there is some "border junk" that may need to be considered. I simply did a quick search of what neighborhoods the listing agents labeled their listings.

I should mention too, that it is not a perfect market in KG. Houses are staying on the market a little longer than usual. One reason for this is that Sellers set their price too high in the beginning, to "see what will happen."

At the moment, there are 3 houses on the market in KG, and 2 are "Pending Contract." In my view, two of them (both patio homes on Oakman) are "aggressivly priced." At the moment, I know of four (maybe 5) "secret houses" that will sell if I bring a buyer.

I realize that new, gated neighborhoods aren't for everyone (I live in Shandon). I just thought it may be interesting to folks what Columbia's leading neighborhood is getting for their homes.

Congrats King's Grant!

CONGRATS CAROLINE AND WALKS!!!

The Real Team has watched, eaten and laughed with Caroline and her pregnancy for 9 months. Tuesday was finally her day, as her son finally joined the world. Congratulations to Caroline, Walks, The Suggs and Millikens.

I hope William likes Mr. Friendly's, Starbucks and showing houses.... :-)

FJ

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

William Arthur Milliken!
Sweet baby William was born right before 6pm weighing in at 7lbs 2oz and 19 inches long! Mommy and baby are doing great! Daddy, grandparents, aunts and uncles are all so excited and so glad William is finally here!! He is just adorable and so very loved!

Cockominium Hits Ebay

One of our buddies has put his Stadium Villiage Loft on ebay. The "Reserve" is set for $415,000 and the "Buy It Now" is $469,000.

There is also a furnished price that you can see by clicking the link. Happy Bidding!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270197002778

NEW ERA FOR USC

Sorensen stepping down

USC leader considering other posts at university
By JAMES T. HAMMOND - jhammond@thestate.com