Looking for a Good Golf Course? Try the Timberlake Country Club!

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A jewel on Chapin’s Lake Murray shores, the Timberlake Country Club welcomes you!  With breathtaking views of the lake, this Willard Byrd designed course has a par of 72.  Compared to some of Tom Fazio’s best designs, this 18 hole course was built in 1988 and has a brand new clubhouse, scheduled for completion in September 2009. Read the rest…

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THINGS TO DO: The Beauty of Lake Murray, South Carolina!

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As a follow-up to yesterday’s posting on things to do in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, I thought I’d show you the beauty of Lake Murray.  Since it is not within the downtown city limits, the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau won’t show you the lake.  It borders parts of Columbia, Chapin, Lexington, Irmo, Ballentine, Chapin and even Prosperity, SC.

Lake Murray, named after the New York architect who designed the dam, was built in 1929-1930.  It has nearly 600 miles of shoreline and is a 50,000 acre lake.  Not a small pond by any stretch of the imagination!  Read the rest…

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THINGS TO DO: Lake Murray, SC Independence Day Celebrations

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I thought that as a tribute to the hard work it takes to put together all of the Lake Murray July 4th celebrations, I’d feature them today. For those of you not from the area, it might be an interesting glimpse into how we celebrate our nation’s independence. From a boat parade to a symphony and a grand fireworks show over the lake as a finale, it’s a great time for all who attend or participate. Read the rest…

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Columbia, South Carolina’s Housing Market Update

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Has the Columbia, South Carolina housing market fully rebounded or is it still in a slump?  How does one know when things are improving?  According to bankrate.com, there are two key indicators:  1)  a decreasing unemployment rate, which shows residents of the area are going to work and companies are confident in their abilities to remain profitable and 2) a decreasing number of properties that remain unsold on market.

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THINGS TO DO: The Spirit of Lake Murray is Alive and Well!

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The Spirit of Lake Murray Cruise ShipThere’s a new kid in town, named the “Spirit of Lake Murray”.  This new, 149 passenger cruise ship is ready to set sail off the shores of Lake Murray.  Offering sunset cruises and Sunday lunch-time sailings this summer, the new ship promises a good time to all who board.

For those who would like an exciting place to hold a party, the “Spirit of Lake Murray” offers chartered cruising as well.  Historic and Purple Martin watching tours are also on the calendar for this air-conditioned ship.  Be sure to check them out here. Read the rest…

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Realtors, Home Builders and Mortgage Lenders Storm the Columbia, South Carolina Statehouse

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Crowd PhotoToday I found myself amongst a cheering crowd for the housing industry in South Carolina.  It was refreshing to be a voice in the choir, instead of the odd man out when talking about real estate in the Midlands.  Yes, it’s true.  Things have slowed down, but we haven’t come to a screeching halt as portrayed in the popular media.  Unfortunately, many of us are focused on what’s happening nationally and somehow have come to the conclusion that if it’s going on in Michigan, Florida or California, then it must be happening here. Read the rest…

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IRS Tax Credit – Is It Really FREE Money for First Time Buyers?

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Cut Your Tax Bill With the IRS\'s Money?All this talk since July 30th has first time buyers excited about the IRS handing money over to taxpayers – but is it as good as it seems? Perhaps.  However, there is a loan involved that you’ll have to pay back to the IRS.

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What’s Going on with the Columbia, South Carolina Housing Market?

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Money HouseI thought I’d take a quick look at what has been happening in the Columbia, Irmo, Chapin, Lexington, Ballentine, Blythewood (and so on) markets.  Our Multiple Listing Service covers areas as far northwest as Newberry, as far west as Aiken, South Carolina and southeast to Orangeburg.  In that coverage area, during the first quarter of this year (January – April 2008), we had 19,035 residential houses available for sale.  At that time last year, 18,782 properties were for sale. Read the rest…

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THINGS TO DO: July 4th Celebrations on Lake Murray!

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American Flag

Happy Birthday America!

Are you looking for something fun to do on Independence Day?  There are all sorts of activities from on land and on water around Lake Murray.

If you’re a boater, be sure to register your boat for the boat parade which will take place at noon on July 4th.  The more patriotic, the better!  Register here. Hurry, registration ends on June 25th! Read the rest…

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How to Save Some Serious Money from the South Carolina State Energy Office

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One of the home’s major sources of power usage is the water heater.  It sits idly by, waiting for us to ask for hot water.  As it waits for hours and sometimes days, it must keep the water hot inside.  That process of heating eats up wattage and we pay for it in our power bills.  However, there is a solution for this “energy hog”. Read the rest…

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