$8,000 Credit is Your Down Payment

Opportunity For Buyers Means More Hope for Sellers

The link above is a good Q&A about HUD’s new policy. FJ
Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said that the Federal Housing Administration will permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.

Whether you’re for the federal government being involved in business or loathe it, this policy is certain boost home sales throughout the country.

If you know anything about the $8,000 tax credit, you know that it’s set up for first time home buyers only.

I predict this will be a big deal for the real estate market across the country and South Carolina. This opportunity will enhance buyer’s buying power and sellers will enjoy the larger pool of qualified borrowers.

While many of you are for a tax hike here and there, a great number of you are for tax cuts across the board. Notwithstanding everyone’s position regarding taxes, I think every first time home buyer will want to know more about this powerful tool.

Further, if you have a home on the market that’s priced below $273,000 (the limit for FHA loans for our area), I’m sure you’ll praise the new policy with open arms.

Tons of House for the $$$$$$$

6032 Marthas Glen Rd. – Hampton Ridge
This stately all brick home can accommodate just about any situation. At 4,601 sq ft and 6 bedrooms and 4 baths, it’s one of the larger ones on the market. Live comfortably!
Hampton Ridge is a popular, well established neighborhood that’s close to downtown Columbia and only a minute or two from I-77. It’s also conveniently located near shopping venues like the Lowe’s, Target, World Market, Starbucks and one of the best gyms in town (Hampton Hills).
The home is move in ready for someone who likes to spread out. Hardwoods, smooth ceilings, large rooms, huge kitchen, enormous master suite and a clever finished basement make 6032 Marthas Glen one of the best bargains in Columbia’s market.
The elevated wooden deck, large patio, hot tub and crystal blue pool are set up perfectly for entertaining.
Call or email if you would like to know more about this Hampton Ridge winner. 6032 Marthas Glen is offered for $549,900.

Great Friends Gather For a Cause

We All Got a Little Pink Saturday Night

If you visited this blog last week you know that I asked my friends to participate in at least one of Saturday’s Get In The Pink events. As I was present at the 10K, the only event I “participated in” was the Soiree that night.
I was completely impressed with the race and the people in it. I thought it was awesome seeing my friends cross the finish line. I can certainly see where it’ll be an annual event. Awesome.
The party Saturday night was just as good. We all dined on yummy treats like designer paninis while completely impressed with the clubhouse. Two of the pictures above are of our shuttle group. Nice for Mark Pointer at STIR that these pics are floating all over Facebook. 🙂
Congrats to Jackie Scott Howie of KICKS, Carolina Event Consultants and the American Cancer Society. We’ll see you next year!

Another Impressive Year From the JLC

Columbia, SC Should Be Proud of Its Junior League

The Junior League of Columbia gathered at the University House at Williams-Brice Stadium to celebrate their ’08-’09 accomplishments tonight. They had a lot to celebrate.

Congratulations to Bett Williams and the outgoing board members on another job well done. The new board has large shoes to fill. I know President-Elect Townes Denemark and the new board are poised to take large steps in the upcoming year.

Awards were given out to very deserving recipients. While I don’t have the list in front of me at the moment, I do know the recipient of the award that’s close to my heart. Congratulations to Adrienne Coleman as she is the years recipient of the Kinsey Black Jones Award.

This award is given specifically to an outstanding 1st, 2nd or 3rd year “Active.” From what I’ve heard, Adrienne deserves this for her efforts throughout the year.

As they called her name I was proud to watch her receive her plaque and “dues” check. It makes me even happier to know how proud she is to have been recognized. Congratulations Adrienne!

The most impressive moment, is to see the $$$ amount the League raised throughout the year. Would you believe over $270,000?! Believe it. Even in today’s financial climate the hard working women of the League raised this enormous amount of money.

Congratulations JLC!

Columbia’s Real Estate Hotsheet

Columbia’s Hotsheet – April 22 – May 5, 2009

For Me… Breast Cancer is Personal

Get In The Pink’ is This Weekend!!!!!!!!
Even if only one of your family members can attend…Come join the fun!
As many of you know, breast cancer is a big deal to me. This family ripping disease struck my late wife,Kinsey Black Jones, when she was only in her 20’s.

After fighting the disease for years, Kinsey was taken from us one day after her 30th birthday. We were married 11 months.

To make matters worse, Kinsey’s breast cancer actually metastasized to her liver after becoming pregnant. I was 28. You get the picture. :/

Other great causes have been created for people that we love. Share Our Suzy (SOS) is a wonderful example in honor of our late friend Suzy McGrane. Suzy was a loving help to the Black family and me during our four month stay in the hospital.

Now Jackie Scott Howie, owner of Kick’s Exceptional Shoes, has taken upon herself to introduce “Get In The Pink,” in honor and memory of her friends that have been affected by this awful disease.

There are 3 fun events on Saturday. You need to participate in at least one! You can get any information about the events at http://www.getinthepink.org/ . As I know I’m not prepared to run 10K, I’ll be there helping anyway I can.

Thank you for anything you can attend on Saturday. I’m sure I’ll see you there…as we fight harder for a cure.

Forest Acres Home Hits Market & Sells

6012 Satchelford Rd. Gets Contract In One Day

It isn’t mine but this good looking listing is just about perfect for one of my awesome buyers. I’m not sure anyone else even got a chance to go inside. When we saw that it hit the market, we pounced and wrote the offer.

This house has over 1,800 sq. ft with 3 beds and 3 full baths. 3 full baths! The reason for this is that a large master was built onto the back a few years ago. The house lives really well and the new master suite gives great separation from the kids.

I’m not sure it could have worked out any better as the buyer loves that the schools are Satchelford, Crayton and A.C. Flora.

Congratulations to one great family. Now that we found a great house it’s time to get it closed!

King’s Grant | Hampton’s Set To Close

600 King’s Grant Dr & 516 Chimney Hill Fetch Buyers

These two good looking homes are ripe and ready to close anytime now. When a house on Sundowne closes (also in The Hamptons), it will trigger a four deep line of solid real estate transactions.
600 N. King’s Grant Drive will close at a handsome $600,000 and 516 Chimney Hill will fetch a solid $274,000. Both properties have passed inspection and easily appraised.
Congrats to my buyers and sellers of these properties. They’ve been Under Contract for a good while and all parties involved are thrilled to be so close to settlement.

We All Need To ‘Get In The Pink’

Yiiiiiiiiiikes…Swine Flu Little Fella’????

Someone Stop Him Before He Kills All of Humanity!!!

This is certainly making light of a serious event. Having said this, I hope the mother of this sweet fella washes his mouth out with soap and gasoline. YIKES!!!

As cute as he is, I hope this little man isn’t anywhere near South Carolina!!!