Carolina Walk

Carolina Walk is a high-rise condominium complex located near Williams Brice Stadium (in Columbia SC) at the corner of South Stadium Road and Bluff Road. South Stadium Road is an extension of George Rogers Blvd. and is located directly across from the University of South Carolina “Gamecocks” football stadium between “The University House” and the “Columbia SC Farmers Market”. Carolina Walk Condominiums also neighbors and overlooks Carolina Walk Park, which is a tailgate parking area for USC home football games.
Carolina Walk is appealing to gamecock fans because of the limited availability of tailgating areas and parking for USC Gamecock home games. It also helps that it is close to the university and has outlets around the city. Since the USC campus spreads out, rather than being contained in one location, it’s common for biking, walking, and bus riding to different classroom buildings. Even on-campus housing can result in a short hike to class. Therefore, it makes for an ideal situation for investors that can use it for recreational, educational, and professional use. Many investors buy condos near Williams Brice stadium for student housing with the intention to use the unit for USC football home games. The popularity of South Carolina football is ever-growing and one of the most popular organizations in the nation. This not only helps with recruitment and public relations for the university… but also helps maintain quality academics, state of the art facilities and scholarship donations. As a result the football program indirectly contributes to a large portion of real estate transactions every year.

Gamecock Tailgating

Gamecock Football Tailgating facilities have become an interesting part of the Columbia SC real estate market. The tailgating condos and parking spaces have become valuable during football season at Williams Brice Stadium. Within the past 5-10 years this phenomenon has changed the way that Gamecock fans perceive tailgating.
Not too long ago you could pay $5 to park in a private parking lot and walk right into the Carolina football game. Nowadays you’ve really “got to know someone” that owns or has use of a USC Gamecock football tailgating space. There are multiple condos and parking lots that highlight the "George Rogers Blvd." corridor between the industrialized Bluff and Shop Roads.
Since this area around Williams Brice Stadium isn’t classified by a neighborhood name, subdivision, or specific part of Columbia, we’ve decided to establish an ongoing study to simplify your search for Gamecock football tailgating. We want a provide a presentation to new real estate investors that may be new to the area and would like an overview. So we’ve created a USC Gamecock Tailgating page that may help answer many of your questions. Each of the facilities take several hours of time to create so please be patient while we build our database. However, we have a basic search of Real Estate for The University of South Carolina Football section with a full list of active listings. If you are looking for a specific Condominium Complex or Tailgate Parking Lot, feel free to make a request by commenting below or tell us about an area we’ve missed. We have already instated The Stadium Village Lofts, Carolina Walk, and Carolina Walk Park and our plans are to cover the entire area.

USDA Rural Housing Eligibility in South Carolina

With all of the loan programs and the tough real estate economy that faces us, it is no doubt that buyers are now looking deeper into financing options. FHA Loans, VA Loans and South Carolina State Housing loans are taking over as a staple in financing. Even though these loan programs are slightly different than conventional home loans, sellers are willing to do what they must to fit into these programs.

One of the newest programs is the USDA Rural Housing program in which select properties are eligible for 100% financing. If you are taking this program into consideration you will need to search for a home that qualifies for this program. As always, speak to your lender for specific requirements and get approval before you even start looking for a home. Once you know the qualifications you can search the USDA website (by address or map) to see if the property falls within eligibility boundaries.

If you are a mortgage broker and service these loans you may comment below and leave your information for everyone that reads this Columbia SC Real Estate blog.

Here is a link to cross reference and search for properties for sale in Columbia SC

Where to Buy Historic Homes in SC

Owning a true piece of American history has many advantages. If you are looking to buy a historical home in South Carolina you have probably already considered the advantages of owning a historic home. The feeling of owning a home that has played a part in piecing together the American dream is very rewarding. The term "real estate" seems to have been overshadowed by massive new home developments and capitalism. But as veteran South Carolina real estate agents, we understand that history is an intricate part of our southern culture and preservation of historic residences are often disregarded as "tear down and rebuild projects".

South Carolina is likely the most overlooked location for historic home ownership. Maybe because it's so common for us to see them scattered throughout our landscape. You can travel up and down the SC coast and you'll find large southern plantations in parts of the Lowcountry hidden behind moss covered live oak trees. If you're a little hesitant about buying rural property in South Carolina you can easily find hundreds of Historic Homes for sale in Charleston on the market today. In Charleston, you can pretty much get whatever you are looking for. If you want to be in a historical waterfront home in the City of Charleston...it's pretty common to be available. Chances are that you are likely to run across home in need of repair or a caretaker to maintain everyday upkeep.

But don't think Charleston is the only place to find historic homes for sale in South Carolina. Columbia is only an hour and a half away from the Blue Ridge Mountains on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other and has a huge historic presence and a modest equestrian community. Camden SC, deemed the oldest inland SC city and the home to the distinctive "Carolina Cup Steeplechase", is a popular suburb of Columbia. Here you will find lots of acreage for sale or equestrian farms for sale with historic homes on the premises. If you're looking to be a little more urban and the historic plantation homes in Camden aren't in your vision, you should revert back to Columbia.

Historically, Columbia was known as a "Mill Town" and the city itself is located in one of the most transportation friendly areas in the south. Rivers, railroads, and interstates have always played a major factor of successful historical commerce... as it does today. There were several active textile mills in the area. Mills needed workers, workers needed homes, and homes needed neighborhoods close to work. This idea created the best neighborhoods in Columbia for mill workers. The City of Columbia also prospered around the South Carolina State Capitol building and suggested the need for luxury mansions and historic homes in the city. Nowadays, historic homes for sale in Columbia are likely to be concealed by a lawyer's office sign in the window. Most of these homes have been preserved, but the use has changed from residential to commercial use. In any case, there is a presence and a need of historic home preservation in Columbia.

South Carolina real estate has remained relevant throughout the years of economic turmoil. Historic properties tend to be among the top of the market in value. There are historical societies that are structured to help maintain the balance of new home construction and historic preservation in South Carolina.

More Blythewood Neighborhoods

Blythewood, South Carolina, is a suburb of Columbia and is conveniently located about 20 miles Northeast of the City of Columbia. Blythewood has served as a "last stop" before the 75 mile drive to Charlotte, NC on Interstate 77, as it did in the mid 1800's for the railroad. Locals pride themselves on the towns quaint setting and charming neighborhoods. Just recently the Town of Blythewood created a new master plan to construct a multi million-dollar community park to service residents and maintain the country-like reputation that Blythewood is known for.

New developments are becoming popular in Blythewood and offer a variety of amenities and unique characteristics that keep this small town consistent to its original landscape. Many business parks and commercial real estate developments, such as Montgomery Ridge, have maintained the beauty of large estates while incorporating the ongoing changes within the community. Residential real estate developments in Blythewood have also tried to maintain low-density country living. Much of the Real Estate for sale in Blythewood consists of large parcels, equestrian farms, waterfront properties and golf course lots. In relation to homes for sale in Columbia, Blythewood has many differences that Columbia Neighborhoods may not offer. Here are a few that are popular and well known:

Longcreek Plantation:

Neighborhoods like Longcreek Plantation offer 1-4 acre homesites with resort style amenities such as golf, swimming, horseback riding, fishing and tennis within the community. Although Longcreek is broken into several neighborhoods, it began as one development in the mid 1970's. The focal point of Longcreek Plantation is Lake Columbia. This is the lake that splits Windemere Golf Course and the Columbia Country Club. Longtown Road, which is the outer band of Longcreek Plantation, consists of a mix of older and newer homes with restrictive covenants prohibiting lot sizes to be split into less than 2 acres. Many of the traditional and contemporary homes in this section contain 4-10 acres and are now in high demand. With the proximity to Northeast Columbia and Fort Jackson, it is no wonder that this is a popular destination for visitors and locals. Neighborhoods that fall within Longcreek Plantation neighborhood include Windemere, Runnymede, Fox Meadow, Westlake Farms, Westlake Woods, Club Colony, Club Cottages, Crescent Lake and The Greens. Home prices have a broad range and homes listed today average just under $400,000.

Cobblestone Park:

Originally called The University Club, Cobblestone Park has become a new sensation for Blythewood. Located in the heart of Blythewood, this 700-acre + development offers a plush living environment. The main difference between Longcreek Plantation and Cobblestone Park is that it is filled with new construction of custom homes and small lot sizes. The golf course is the main attraction of this area spanning across the entire improved development and once was home to "Monday after the Masters". There is still an abundant supply of lots for sale on the golf course with some interior lots that have fallen as low as $20,000. Today the average lot price is around $80,000(of the 75 listed on the MLS today) and of the 23 MLS home listings, the average is just above $400,000. In addition to foreclosed lots, there are also a few high-end custom foreclosed homes in this golf community.

Crickentree:

Crickentree is another Blythewood neighborhood that is a diamond in the rough. Initially developed as Blythewood Plantation in the 1980's, Crickentree has undergone several exchanges of ownership. It is now officially named The Golf Club of South Carolina at Crickentree and is owned by the same company that owns The Country Club of SC in Florence, SC. In Crickentree you will find custom homes from about $375,000 to nearly $2M in this ongoing development. The challenging 18-hole course also offers some golf front property for sale. Amenities fall slightly short of other developments in the area, but with the new YMCA and the residential development of Lake Carolina neighboring Crickentree, you'll likely find anything that you need minutes from the entrance gates of Crickentree. Crickentree offers more of a traditional neighborhood setting with the benefits of golf.

Ashley Oaks:

Ashley Oaks is quite different from the other neighborhoods because it is not geared toward the golf community. I would say that it is a highly desired community with modest homes. A well-known local developer,created this neighborhood in a similar fashion that his other developments are known for. His image of a suburban Blythewood may be one of the contributing factors of Blythewood's popularity. He incorporates quality and affordability for buyers of a median income. Ashley Oaks is filled with a handful of local builders that have built quality homes throughout the years. The lot sizes here are probably more comparable to that of neighborhoods in Columbia, SC. The design of the neighborhood and the minimal, yet logical, greenspace makes for an inviting environment. Homes for sale in Ashley Oaks today are listed on the MLS starting around $250,000 and up to $545,000. Many of the homes top 3500 SF and are constructed of brick with a crawl space foundation. The neighborhood is located off of Fulmer Road and is truly one of the hidden treasures in the community.

Why Restrictive Covenants?

As a real estate agent in Columbia, SC with over a decade of experience in land sales, I have learned how to avoid most of the issues that arise at the closing table prior to making an offer to purchase. When buying land or acreage, you need to be informed of what you are getting into and how your property may be used in the future. It is common to have an unforeseen problem arise, but here are a few tips that may get you on the right track and questions to ask your real estate agent.

The first question that you should always ask when purchasing real estate is, "Are there restrictive covenants that run with the property?" Restrictive covenants, commonly referred to as restrictions or covenants, should be discovered in a title search. Always ask for a copy of these when you have decided to make an offer on a property. If you cannot collect a copy prior to making your offer to purchase, consider having a contingency written into the offer to review these before you are locked into your purchase. Many contracts have an inspection period, make sure that you are covered in this section. If not, create an addendum requesting a time frame to review them. Restrictions are typically recorded at the county court house and are placed on a property to protect you as a homeowner. I use the word "protect" loosely because sometimes it will prohibit you from creating or maintaining a space that you desire. Common restrictive covenants found in my area are:

• Setbacks of "X" feet from road and side lines- this is the area from which your foundation or porches will begin. Make sure that you have a site plan(provided by a surveyor) prior to construction and that your builder is aware of the distance. Usually there are sideline setbacks also. Beware of these when making an addition to your home or pouring your driveway.
• No removal of trees that are "X" inches in diameter-I've seen people fined heavily for this and job site's shut down. The intent is to keep mature growth in a neighborhood and preserve historic landscapes. If there are none in your covenants, you may want to check with the city and county too. In Blythewood SC, a landowner cut all of the trees on their property and was fined by the town.
• No manufactured or mobile homes- Pretty self-explanatory but there is usually additional conditions that must be considered. Typically the tongue (the trailer hitch), axle, and wheels must be removed and the curtain wall must be installed. A curtain wall is the perimeter of the home below the structure. Masonry is becoming a standard in our area.
• No Modular homes - Yes, there is a huge difference between Modular and Manufactured /Mobile Homes. Similarly, Modular homes are built in a controlled environment but are built to conform to traditional site built homes and usually can not tell the difference if you are driving through a neighborhood.
• No unlicensed or inoperative vehicles- If you collect 'hot rods' or a 'shade tree mechanic' beware of this. The intent is to keep junk cars out of your subdivision.
• One home per tract- Even on acreage. This may prohibit you from moving family members onto your property or building an in-law apartment.
• No subdividing the property- Commonly used when a developer wants to keep large tracts in tact.
• Architectural approval review prior to construction- Make sure that you seek out the neighborhood association ARB (Architectural Review Board) before you even think about closing the property. The last thing that you want is a mortgage payment on a home that you don't love. Again, have a contingency in your offer for your plans to be reviewed.
• Domestic animals allowed but not exceed "X" dogs "Y" cats - This very well may become a factor for pet owners. Some pets aren't welcome into a traditional neighborhood. If you have over 2 pets read into this and make sure you are safe to bring your animals.
• No above ground swimming pools- Summer is hot in South Carolina. This may be an issue in the future if you spend time outdoors.

Usually a percentage of landowners, or the developer can amend these restrictions. Most of the time you will find that restrictions renew after a given number of years. Keep in mind that laws change over the years and that the restrictive covenants must follow all local, county, city, state, and federal laws and must NOT violate RESPA laws.

Brian Hunt is a Columbia, South Carolina real estate broker specializing in residential land and homes in the Blythewood, SC and the Columbia, SC real estate markets.

Columbia SC Lakes: Wateree, Monticello, Murray

Waterfront properties in Columbia, South Carolina are plentiful. The Monticello Reservoir, Lake Murray, Lake Wateree, The Broad River, The Congaree River, The Saluda River and The Wateree River are all great landmarks for the midlands of South Carolina. Although they are primarily thought of as recreational areas for outdoor enthusiasts and high dollar real estate investors, their main function is to produce electricity.

In earlier times, before the popularity of the motor vehicle and interstate highways, the rivers were used for trade and travel for the Indians. In fact, Columbia was established and settled because of the convergence of the Saluda, Broad and Congaree Rivers. Columbia later became the capitol of the state because of its central location.

The lakes and rivers in Columbia are a major attribute to the real estate market here. Waterfront property is a multi-billion dollar industry that has compounded over the years. Real estate is bought then sold over and over again, which typically increases in value with each sale. But again, the underlying function of these bodies of water is for hydro electricity.

The Monticello Reservoir in conjunction with the Parr Reservoir has the most interesting functionality. Lake Monticello, as it is commonly referred to by locals, is a quiet lake located off of HWY 215 in Jenkinsville, SC about 35 minutes from Downtown Columbia. Local chatter throughout the years has told me that most of the property surrounding the lake was farmland and the farmers have kept the acreage intact and not succumbed to the high-dollar real estate opportunities. It wasn't until the beginning of the millennium that the inherited estates began to be sold off due to the lack of profitability in farmland and the high demand of waterfront property for sale in South Carolina.

The 6700-acre Monticello Reservoir was completed in the late 1970s as a pumped storage facility run by SCE&G (South Carolina Electric and Gas). It was built to compliment the existing 4400-acre Parr Reservoir that has existed since the early 1900's. These are the two main components of the nuclear pumped storage facility and later a 300-acre "Recreational Lake" was built as a public recreational area. Traditional hydroelectric stations must have either large volumes of water, or a constant that flow to create this process. That is unless you have a nuclear power facility to pump water back into the original source(above the turbines) as Monticello does. Because of this process the water levels can rise and fall in extreme measures. Sometimes as much as a 5-foot decrease in Monticello and a 10-foot increase in the Parr reservoir over a 12-hour period of generation. Boaters must take extreme caution and be alert of any hazards that may arise during this time. In comparison to Lake Wateree and Lake Murray, Lake Monticello has some heavy restrictions on fishing and boating and allows no water-skiing or jet skis. Additionally, SCE&G owns a strip around the entire lake so that they can maintain the natural beauty and prohibit excavation projects.

Lake Murray is a lake that is also managed by SCE&G. It is about 50,000 acres in size and the 200-foot dam was once deemed the "largest earthened dam" in the world. Lake Murray was constructed in the mid-1920's and completed around 1930. Just recently the dam was improved with a "backup dam" in case of an earthquake or uncontrollable breach. Waterfront property on Lake Murray is in high demand and the use of the lake is much less restricted. You will find all types of waterfront estates including single family residences, multi-family condominiums and apartments, and even commercial properties. It is by far the most popular lake in the area and about 20 minutes to downtown Columbia. There are public access points around the entire lake and boating, skiing, sailing, SCUBA diving, and fishing are encouraged. There are also a few marina grills that are open to the public and in the summer you will find the boats lined along the entire dock. It was rumored that "Madonna" bought a house here years ago.

Lake Wateree is somewhat a different vibe. It is operated by Duke Power and was built in the 1920's and is approximately 13000 acres in size. Lake Wateree and is located about 15 minutes off of I-77, 25 minutes off of I-20 between Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC. It is also a recreational lake but you will find much less traffic and virtually no social spots. Fishermen find Lake Wateree a desirable area because traditionally it has been a low traffic area with plenty of coves and undeveloped property. At times you may forget that it is a public lake and feel like you have it all to yourself. In comparison, it's a mix of Lake Murray and Lake Monticello.