Last Wednesday, I listed this charming Forest Hills bungalow. While pictures were being taken (by the talented Waldo Medlin), I meticulously roamed around this charmer and it hit me - "the feeling". Smile. Say what? Let me try to explain this silly thing. This "feeling' comes after I get to know the house, understanding what it offers, and then I'm hit with it - the strong, knowingly belief the house will sell within 30 days of hitting the market. Unfortunately, "the feeling" is a rarity. This is only my 3rd listing I have gotten "the feeling" and 2906 Exmoor didn't disappoint. After just 3 days on the market, Exmoor obtained vast interest, and received multiple offers. I'm happy to say that this 1940s beauty is currently under contract; however, you know the saying, "It ain't over til the fat lady sings", so I don't want to toot my horn too soon. Contracts can unfortunately fall through for many reasons and while it would be unfortunate, you can bet there are buyers waiting in line for this one if said does happen. Mind you that while this house is aesthetically pleasing it also has many other BIG things going for it. The owners have upgraded to energy efficient windows, a new HVAC system, and a tankless hot water heater - all very rare for this age of a home, price, and location. 

Exmoor is nestled in the attractive, tree abundant Forest Hills Neighborhood. People enjoy this area due to its convenient location to some of Columbia's main thru streets, Gervais and Forest Drive. A hop, skip, and jump to whatever you need in Columbia.

Think you have an awesome house such as Exmoor? Tell me about it!

Columbia is blessed to have a state jewel just a drive up the rode - that jewel being, Lake Murray. Since the Upstate has the mountains and the low-country has the beaches, people want to know what the Midlands offer. Well, Lake Murray is your answer. It consists of appx. 500 miles of shoreline leaving it a pretty big deal for the Midlands to brag about. Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life? Rent a vacation cabin for the weekend? Take a boat out for the day? Lake Murray can do all these things for you. Or, just want to grab a bite while enjoying the scenery? The new Liberty on the Lake can help you with that!

Tonight, my Husband was able to fly over Lake Murray and score this awesome shot from above during a sunset flight - a rare aerial view of the jewel.

For the icing on the cake, this week a new listing of ours hit the market - an AWESOME, rare condo in a waterfront community on Lake Murray. If the pics above make you wanting more, check out 29 Boardwalk Lane and let me know what you think. With as much activity as we are getting on this one, it might by gone by the end of the week! 

Summer is here!

Tonight I'm kicking-off a really exciting topic. Over the next few weeks (and maybe months) I'm going to give you the inside scoop on many popular Greater Columbia neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own vibe and many unknown hidden treasures - time to share the goodies of each!

Tonight, I start with the Rosewood and Shandon neighborhoods in downtown Columbia. Both of these neighborhoods are walking distance to all Columbia offers on Devine St, Rosewood Drive, and 5Ptns. These neighborhoods feature your charming, brick 1930/40's-ish bungalows. The homes come with tree lined streets, southern front porches (most) with fans, and the hard to find but sought after "character" as we downtown folk like to say. Though Columbia isn't a huge walking community, as say, Charleston, living in Rosewood/Shandon sure does make it a close 2nd. 

Rosewood features little pizza joints such as Dano's, brew pubs such as Cock N' Bull & The Kraken, City Roots Sustainable Farm, and who can forget the annual Rosewood Crawfish Festival? There is also an awesome, little county owned airport in Rosewood - Owen's Airport. With regards to the aviation theme, there is a project in the making to restore the historic Curtis-Wright Hanger into an event/roof-top restaurant venue in the near future. If you are a history buff or into aviation, check it out - a very cool concept I look forward watching develop. Want to live in Rosewood? Depending on size of home and updates, homes here can range from the $100k range to upwards of the mid/high $200k's. 

Shandon is just right across Rosewood Drive - the section of homes between Rosewood Drive and Devine Street. If you are an avid runner, you will appreciate the races you can find here almost every Saturday AM. Picturesque views makes this neighborhood easy on the eyes while primo location makes this little beauty one of the most sought after neighborhoods downtown. It features Emily Douglas Park and all Devine Street has to offer. Rumor has it that there are also "little, free libraries" in a few of the neighbors front yards. Want to be a Shandonista? Homes here range from the $160s all the way up past $500k. 

While I've touched on some of the offerings each of these neighborhoods hold, I could type my fingers off with all each offer. I encourage you to explore the southern charm further, yourself. 

Have a favorite neighborhood? Let me know! 

Thanks for reading - til next week!

Lauren

I've had a pretty good excuse for not blogging until just now. I know, I know. I've been a little off from my normal Sunday night blogging session, but seriously, keep reading. 

Since Sept/Oct 2012 my Husband has been in Ft. Rucker, AL attending the grueling course known as the Army's Initial Entry Rotary-Wing Flight Training.  My Husband is what you would call a "Type A" kind of guy. Once he sets his mind to something or is challenged, there is NO stopping him. So, after graduating The Citadel, moving to Connecticut and getting his Master's Degree (in Finance) while maintaining a full-time job, moving back to SC to accept a position closer to our family, he also decided to join the SC National Guard with hopeful intentions of being an aviator. Well folks, after 18 months the day finally came - he got his wings on May 29, 2014. It wasn't without sacrifices, long hours, and dedication. I've got an Apache Helicopter Pilot for a Husband and life is resuming back to "normal". My Husband is my inspiration. He supports/supported me in my real estate endeavors, and I support him in his goals. 

What am I getting at? Well, it's simple. You can do ANYTHING you wish/dream if you just set your mind to it. You want to own a home/land/second home? You can do it. Just put a plan in action, WRITE it down, and work towards it. If your goal is to own a home downtown Columbia and sip wine on your front porch with friends, retire on Lake Murray, or downsize and move to the coast - you can do it.

-Lauren