Columbia, SC

Investors & Buyers: Short Sale on Affordable Columbia Housing

Charlie Harden — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:01:08 -0500

Ready for you NOW! MLS #247579

304 Cora Drive

Columbia, SC

$39,500

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms

Spacious...large rooms

Large lot, 1.72 Acres

Fully fenced around house

Convenient to Interstates

Large front and back decks

"As Is" Sale - 3rd Party Addendum Applies

Call Charlie today 803-622-3084

Scammer of Real Estate Agents Behind Bars

Charlie Harden — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:42:39 -0500

This is a follow up to the Alert put out by the Columbia, SC MLS back on May 26 of this year. Agents and Homesellers Beware - A Real Estate Amber Alert

A man was posing as a real estate buyer and then stealing money and credit cards from agents that tried to assist him in finding a home. The MLS was asking for information to be directed to the sheriff's department. Apparently it was, because an attorney, Tivis Sutherland wrote:

"I am the attorney for two of James Young's victims. He is in the Kershaw County Detention Center. To contact the Richland County Investigators on his case dial 576-3000 and ask for Investigator Potash or Investigator Strange. I hope you got away from this guy without suffering too much fiscal damage."

and

"You are quite welcome. He was "looking at houses" as late as last week (in Barnwell if my information is correct), just prior to his arrest. He is trying to get out of jail, and we are trying to keep him in; but bonds are typically not very high for these types of offenses. If he gets out I will let you all know. Everyone who has been victimized should contact the investigators listed above."

Case hopefully solved! Be careful out there!

Wordless on Wednesday, but the crash was after dark.

Charlie Harden — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:07:32 -0500

OK, so I'm a day late for the group,

but the storm happened on Wednesday night!

Agents and Homesellers Beware - A Real Estate Amber Alert

Charlie Harden — Tue, 26 May 2009 09:21:24 -0500

Put our by our Columbia, SC MLS today:

"This is a very important alert!

It has been brought to our attention that there is a Caucasian gentleman going by the name of James Wesley Young, he has brownish hair, is approximately 6 feet 3 inches in height & weighing 170lbs. He may be driving a Black Nissan Truck or a Black Toyota Car. He is posing as a buyer, stating he has cancer and will be paying for house with cash, he may also mention a sister & brother-in-law named Will and Kristi.

Apparently, a few Realtors have been helping this man and when they walk away he has stolen $ and credit card information. There have been police reports filed against this guy, and if you have any further information you may contact the sheriffs dept., this has been happening in the downtown Columbia area. Please stay safe and alert."

SOURCE: Consolidated Multiple Listing Service

Please answer this question about neighborhoods for my client!

Charlie Harden — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:44:01 -0500

I received this question today from a client that I was privileged to assist in purchasing a home not too long ago. Here is his question:

"Charlie, I hope all is well with you. I had a real estate question that I am hoping that you or some of your colleagues can weigh in on. What I'd like to know is how much street lamps can improve the value of houses in a neighborhood. This is something my neighborhood is considering doing in the coming months and I'd like to get everyone on board."

So there it is colleagues, whaddya think? Do street lamps or street lights improve property values?

HUD SAYS $8,000 CAN BE USED AS DOWN PAYMENT!

Charlie Harden — Thu, 14 May 2009 08:13:17 -0500

HUD Secretary Announces Monetization of Tax Credit at NAR Real Estate Summit

WASHINGTON (May 12, 2009) - Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow homeowners to use the $8,000 tax credit as a downpaypment.

Donovan's remarks came in an address to several thousand Realtors® gathered this morning at The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy, a special daylong session at the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo <http://www.realtor.org/meetings_and_expo/2009_midyear_live> here.

Secretary Donovan said that important changes, which the National Association of Realtors® has been calling for, will help consumers purchase a home. "We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a downpayment," Donovan said. According to Donovan, the FHA's approved lenders will be permitted to "monetize" the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.

Donovan said the Obama administration plans to further stabilize the housing market. "I do think we have some early signs that the market overall is stabilizing," said Donovan. "Since January we've seen both home sales moving up and down around a relatively stable number and we are seeing the first signs that the rapid decline in home prices is starting to abate."

NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth, said, "As the leading advocate for housing issues and homeownership, NAR continues to take a leadership role in promoting ideas for improving our economy by stabilizing the housing and real estate markets. Today we have the best of the best to begin a dialogue, develop solutions and initiate action toward real estate and economic recovery."

The morning session included a panel discussion that was moderated by CNBC's Ron Insana. The 13 panelists and Realtors® in attendance examined cutting-edge solutions necessary to promote and preserve homeownership and real estate development, stimulate the economy, and protect the nation's taxpayers. They also shared their ideas on what the role and responsibility of the federal government is in the revitalization effort.

The list of distinguished panelists include Dr. Martin Feldstein, professor of Economics from Harvard University; Dr. Barry Bluestone, professor of Political Economy from Northeastern University; John Taylor, CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition; Maria Kong, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers; and Sarah Rosen Wartell, executive vice president for the Center for American Progress.

"Right now the Federal Reserve is the market," said Jay Brinkman, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association. "What will be the effect when the Fed stops buying?" Brinkman explained that an exit strategy must be planned for the long-term; the federal government cannot continue to support the mortgage markets indefinitely.

"We must make sure FHA and the GSEs are supported," added the Wharton School's Susan Wachter.
"We are thrilled that so many high-caliber individuals were able to join us today at this important meeting to promote stability in the housing market and the U.S. economy," McMillan said. "We look forward to an ongoing dialogue and action toward this goal, during our midyear meetings this week and beyond."

The real estate summit is part of the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo <http://www.realtor.org/meetings_and_expo/2009_midyear_live> here through Saturday. During the week, more than 8,500 Realtors® will attend meetings, visit lawmakers and inspire action on Capitol Hill.

The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

SOURCE: Coldwell Banker Mortgage

Hopkins SC Home - Move in Ready!

Charlie Harden — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:00:41 -0500

HOPKINS SC HOME

317 Greenlake Drive

I77 to Leesburg Rd. Travel beyond Ft Jackson Gate 5 to James Browder Rd. Turn Rt, James Browder becomes Greenlake Drive.

MLS - 241260

$64,000

Very nice home for 1st time buyer and investor. Take advantage of the $8,000 first time buyers tax incentive! Finished Garage. Ready to move in. Convenient to Fort Jackson, schools and shopping.

Call today to see! Charlie 803-622-3084

Address:

317 GREENLAKE DRIVE

Schools

Subdivision: GREENLAKES District: Richland One

City: Hopkins Elemen.: Horrell Hill

Zip: 29061 Middle: Southeast

County: Richland High: Lower Richland

Parcel ID#: 25010-03-02

Off for the weekend. Nothing to do with March Madness - really!

Charlie Harden — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:27:22 -0500

Well, I feel like crap. Slept til 10:15 this morning. This bug has worked it's way around the whole house now. I'm just letting you know that I'm taking the weekend off~! From work, honey-do's, and all social media and real estate. I'm going to drink Gatorade, take Tylenol Allergy Sinus and sleep.

Ok, Ok, Ok, I'm gonna get some chips and a six-pack and watch the NCAA Tournament, and I'll be drunk as a skunk by 4:30 in the afternoon. Are you happy?

See you next week, friends, twitterites, facebookers, and all you cool linkedin folks. If you're not on these sites, your children are and they asked me to tell you hello! Yes, it's your kids and 400,000 real estate agents all over the web. By the way, should you need to buy or sell real estate, call me and I'll be right out - after the game!

Joe Walsh sums it up for me, which lets you know I am in terrible trouble!

Become a "Lakal" - Beauty Ready at Lake Murray, SC!

Charlie Harden — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:30:54 -0500

MARCH MADNESS - THE MASTERS - LAKE MURRAY

The *Lakals are coming out of hibernation! It's time to enjoy spring!

1246 PUTNAM DRIVE

$687,000

Lake Murray (Irmo, Chapin Side)

Move in ready! 4700 Sq Ft with walls of windows overlooking Lake Murray. Beautiful views from every room. Home located on a finger. Year round water. Additional off street parking. 3 screened porches & 1 unscreened porch. Extensive stone work, low maintenance landscaping. Abundance of decking! Custom 2 sided outdoor fireplace. Very open floor plan. Downstairs room could be 4th bedroom. Huge area downstairs for gameroom/pool table, etc... Laundry can be upstairs or downstairs. FROG for playroom or office! Too many features to list! NO HOA OR RESTRICTIONS!!

Address:

1246 PUTNAM DRIVE

Primary:

AWARD WINNING SCHOOLS

Subdivision

NONE

City:

Chapin

Elemen:

Lake Murray (Lex5)

Zip:

29036

Middle:

Chapin

County:

Lexington

High:

Chapin

Parcel ID#:

001627-02-052

District:

Lexington/Richland Five

Heated SF (+/-10%):

4700

Age (Yrs):

01 - 05

Bedrooms:

Stories:

Bathrooms:

3 / 1

Style:

Ranch

Garage:

Garage Attached

Constr:

Stone, Vinyl

Spaces / Level:

2 / M

# of FP:

Gas Log

Wonderful home for living, entertaining, boating, fishing, swimming - you name it!

CALL CHARLIE TO ARRANGE FOR AN IMMEDIATE SHOWING!

*Lakal - Anybody living at and enjoying Lake Murray.

Reply to a Scammer - Sorry You're Dying, but I Just Can't Help You!

Charlie Harden — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:40:40 -0500

I must be one of the luckiest people in the world. Yes, like you I have won the Nigerian Lottery! But, today I also received this astounding piece of news. WHAT A LUCKY DAY!

Hello Mr. Harden,

My name is Mrs. Maria Johnson. I am a dying woman who has decided to donate what I have to you. I am 59 years old and was diagnosed for cancer about 2 years ago. Kindly contact my lawyer through this email address (johnwalteratlive.nl) if you are interested in carrying out this task, so that he can arrange the release of the funds ($10,500,000.00) to you. My lawyer's name is Barrister John Walter. I know I have never met you but my mind tells me to do this, and I hope you act sincerely.

Thank you and God bless you.

Maria Johnson.

I have replied to Barrister John Walter:

Barrister Walter,

I regret to inform you that I will not have time to "act sincerely" in arranging for the release of the 10 and 1/2 million dollars from Ms. Johnson, as I will be busy in my new job with AIG! My sincere condolences to Ms. Johnson on her impending death.

Best regards,

Charlie

Social Networking Tips to share and hope you reciprocate! For Newbies, Oldies and Wannabees!

Charlie Harden — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:55:41 -0500

It's raining in Columbia, SC, and most of the Southeast, as I write. For a while, I've been trying to come up with some kind of plan for "Social Networking," and how to make it work in creating and doing actual business. To be honest, its REALLY easy for me to sit down at the computer, open up facebook, for example, and two hours later realize that all I've accomplished is to spend valuable time chatting with an old high school buddy or to watch YouTube videos. Now, that's all GREAT! And I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't really enjoy it, but... what's it got to do with business?

This morning while watching the rain fall and while killing time before March Madness and Doral (golf), I made an org chart! Whoooo, scary isn't it? I'm posting for all to take a look and offer constructive criticism, because I know there are folks on ActiveRain who are already doing what I'm, in this primitive way, trying to do. Which is... make sense of it all, and make it WORK!

So, as Barney Fife would say, "Now, this is the way we do it here at 'The Rock.'

We spare no expense in graphics, powerpoints, and technology here in beautiful downtown Ballentine! Yes, we're leaving Mayberry in the dust now that we have been to the Social Networking auction and have all of these modern marvels and conveniences!

Seriously, maybe it's my personality, but I just have to have some kind of a method to the madness. My observations, and in no real order (note the irony):

I start with an E-mail Signature that includes phone number, e-mail address, and links to my profiles on ActiveRain, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and our company website. Surprise, any one of these when visited will offer links to our business, agents, listings, information, community, friends and fun stuff, too.

Now, what do do with this stuff?

I GET ActiveRain. Wonderful place to post a listing, meet and learn from true professionals and, not least, make some really fine friends. Also, I think it's fueled by Google Juice, not just electricity and the www. Check out this web alert received on a COMMENT I had made on a blog: (Note this is Loreena's post, but I get name and a tag line, "search all homes," and e-mail address.) Thanks Ms. Yeo, and you're definitely in my 'Circle of Trust.' (Tip: Be deliberate in what you name your 'blog' and all descriptions of it!)

Real Estate Blog - Who do you let in your Circle of Trust?
By Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of Frisco...
Charlie HardenColumbia, SC - Search All Homes & Land! (Home Sales USA - home@charlieharden.com). 9:56pm · Name: Email: ...contributing Frisco Texas Real... - http://activerain.com/blogs/316teamrealty

And as you can see on the 'graphic,' ActiveRain automatically feeds your blog posts to places where you set that up - in my case, so far, Facebook and LinkedIn. AR also feeds a blog link to twitter. Example - "Just posted on ActiveRain: Welcome Home to Lexington Woods! http://activerain.com/t/975874 12:30 PM Mar 10th from ActiveRain"

I especially like this because you can set up twitter and twitter widgets a lot of places to receive and broadcast your "tweets." The above blog link was automatically sent and available on my ActiveRain Blog Pages, Facebook (as my status), an agent website, and MySpace. All you have to do is post a blog on ActiveRain, and, presto, it is fed to a half dozen or more places.

My big questions now are where are all the other sites and places where we should be and how do we go about setting up automatic feeding to them for Blogs and Links?

Sooooo, there it is... A University professor asked, "What is your elevator speech." I said, "I sell real estate in Columbia, SC and cover all areas including Lake Murray. Otherwise just hanging out & having fun!" And that's what I'm trying to do on all of these places. We're here for business AND for entertainment, and hope to learn something along the way.

PLEASE share your thoughts. We'll all learn more in the comments than from the post! As I say, this is like the stone tablet. Others, as Elizabeth Neives calls them, the techie boys and girls have the printing press and the feed burners, will know what we need to know and I'm thinking they'll share it if we ask. So techies, we're asking!

One final tip: Use the same login and password for all these different places. It'll save what's left of your sanity after working in the real estate industry all day and then trying to make sense of the Social Networks.

Chapin Eagles Host Track Meet - Spring Sports Underway

Charlie Harden — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:11:12 -0500

HIGH SCHOOL TRACK MEET – MARCH 10, 2009

CHAPIN (Home Team)

IRMO

DUTCH FORK

LEXINGTON

WHITE KNOLL

BEN LIPPEN

(These guys and gals are good! Spring Sports are underway in the Midlands.)

The High Jump Area

Up and Over!

And, they're off!

Chariots of Fire!

You've got to make it to the finish line!

A nice way to spend the evening!

Is it shot put or shot putt!

Discus! These boys can hurl it!

Right in the Sandtrap!

Football? Here we call it Soccer!

Chapin's Field of Dreams "It is kinda pretty, isn't it?"

Ah, Dad... Good pictures of daughers have to be 'candid shots.' After this she took my camera!

Welcome Home to Lexington Woods!

Charlie Harden — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:28:51 -0500

Proudly offered by Home Sales USA – 118 S. Village Road

Directions - N. Lake Drive/SC 6 Lexington to N. Church St., Continue on Elm St., Right at S. Village Rd., into Lexington Woods Subdivision - Home on left, #118.

4 Large bedrooms and 3 Full Baths! Beautiful home with pond access (and plenty of fish!). The sellers are moving after years of happy ownership. The TLC has already been done! There are upgrades galore, ceiling fans throughout, cozy living areas with a living room fireplace and peaceful water views! Large back deck. Plenty of storage and closet space. Take a look and get ready to move! This home is ready for you to live in and make it your own.

Call, e-mail or text Charlie at any time to set up your viewing! If you’d like to fish a while, let me know and I’ll bring the poles! 803-622-3084

MLS LISTING 293866

"I love this place!" (She comes with the house. Artwork found in an upstairs bedroom!)

Weather, Real Estate, Golf, Grilling, Chilling heats up! A fast, easy and free BBQ lesson.

Charlie Harden — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:01:36 -0500

It's getting to be that time! The weather has warmed up in Columbia, SC, and it has just brightened up everything! Little golf, little cooking out, little fun in the sun! Here's a couple of my little social networking updates and, as you can see, the mood is in the air here in the great state of South Carolina!

And at the end, you have to watch the video! It's a lesson in Bar-B-Que in the Southern United States! I'm a born and bred southerner, have heard and read about BBQ all of my life, mustard based, vinegar based, ketchup based, and always thought, who really cares? It's all good to me. But in the fast, easy and free video below, I learned more about BBQ and the what and where of it all, and will now be knowledgeable enough at the next cookout to say, with some level of erudition, "Dang, this here is really good stuff!"

STATUS UPDATE SATURDAY 3/7/09 Charlie: Out & about Columbia. Growing like crazy, homes, condos, work/live spaces, apartments, restaurants, businesses. Our economy will be back! (via Twitter)

Cindy Hartpence I agree with you Charlie. I have had six prospects come into my open house today...people are looking again here on Edisto Island, SC.

(Cindy, you go girl! Real Estate activity is picking up in the Midlands, too!)

paigecoop I love your positive outlook.

(Paige, I'm still waiting to show you that little chalet in Johnsonville for only $26,000,000. Bring your checkbook!)

EmbassySuitesGv@CharlieHarden The weather is calling you to Greenville for a round of golf @verdaegreens

(Yes, It certainly is! Verdae, great layout there! Also, a sort of easy par 5 eagle opportunity, and a little par 3 that will drive you nuts!)

STATUS UPDATE SUNDAY 3/8/09 "Let the rat race run, roll around in the sun untilllllllll, License to Chill, and I believe I will." - Jimmy Buffett. (via Twitter)

Karen Lindholm likes this.

(Thanks, Karen! It's been that kind of a weekend, and it's been a long time coming!)

SarahWV@CharlieHarden All true. :)

(Sarah, Thx! I know your context was something else, but why let facts get in the way of a good thing!)

STATUS UPDATE SATURDAY 3/7/09 Stopped in to the hardware store to pick up a florescent light bulb, and the check out folks said there had been a run on BBQ Grills this weekend!

So with that in mind, and to keep the positive, laid back, let's have fun, chill out, grill out mood going. Here is a lesson in Bar-B-Que!

Stimulus Shrugged - I'm sick of the whole mess!

Charlie Harden — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:05:12 -0600

I've been trying to come up with a way to post my thoughts on the economy and how it effects our real estate markets, our families, our lives. Best I can do is the the title for this post. If blogs are supposed to be about the writer's personality, perspective and whatever the other "p" was, check out the links below. They about say it all for me, without going into all of the gory details of what a colossal mess this nation is in. Oh, Lord, I hope the other "p" wasn't supposed to be Positive.

Residual Rock & Roll? Who knows, but this song's been rattling around my head all morning. And I was never really a Lynyrd Skynyrd freak!

http://tinyurl.com/bq6s5m (I'm mad as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!)

Another good one!

http://tinyurl.com/6p79cj (This is it baby, we gotta play the cards we're dealt!)

Ok, back to work... Anybody know of someone looking for a house in 125,000 range in Lexington, let me know! Or a 102,000 home at Walnut Creek Court in Lexington. Or a condo in the 149,000 range at Boardwalk Villas. Or Lot at Lake Murray, 249,000 range. Or a golf home on Charleston National Golf Club 445,000. Or that little Chalet in Johnsonville for $26,000,000. (http://tinyurl.com/b8h2p3) Let me know. With a sale on that last one we could affect a bail out of our little hacienda in Ballentine, and your favorite real estate agent would get a huge boat to ride you around Lake Murray this summer. Hey, life and business ain't all bad!

Gimme Back My Bullets

Life is so strange when its changin', yes indeed
Well I've seen the hard times and the pressure's been on me
But I keep on workin' like the workin' man do
And I've got my act together, gonna walk all over you

[chorus]
Gimme back my bullets
Put 'em back where they belong
Ain't foolin' around 'cause I done had my fun
Ain't gonna see no more damage done
Gimme back my bullets

Sweet talkin' people done ran me out of town
And I drank enough whiskey to float a battleship around
But I'm leavin' this game one step ahead of you
And you will not hear me cry 'cause I do not sing the blues

[chorus]
Gimme back my bullets
Put 'em back where they belong
Ain't foolin' around 'cause I done had my fun
Ain't gonna see no more damage done
Gimme back, gimme back my bullets
Oh, put 'em back... where they belong

Been up and down since I turned seventeen
Well I've been on top, and then it seems I lost my dream
But I got it back, I'm feelin' better everyday
Tell all those pencil pushers, better get out of my way

[chorus]
Gimme back my bullets
Put 'em back where they belong
Ain't foolin' around, 'cause I done had my fun
Ain't gonna see no more damage done
Gimme back, gimme back my bullets
Oh put 'em back where they belong
Gimme back my bullets

Thanks Van Zants!

This Is It

There have been times in my life
I've been wondering why
Still somehow I believed
We'd always survive
Now I'm not so sure
You're waiting to hear
One good reason to try
But what more can I say
What's left to provide
You think that maybe it's over
Only if you want it to be
Are you gonna wait for your sign, your
miracle
Stand up and fight
This is it
Make no mistake where you are
This is it
Your back's to the corner
This is it
Don't be a fool anymore
This is it
The waiting is over
No room to run
No way to hide
No time for wondering why
It's here
The moment is now
About to decide
Let him believe
Or leave him behind
But keep me near in your heart
And know, whatever you do
I'm here by your side
You said that maybe it's over
Not if you don't want it to be
For once in your life, here's your miracle
Stand up and fight
This is it
Make no mistake where you are
This is it
You're going no further
This is it
Until it's over and done
No one can tell you what you know
Who makes the choice of how it goes
It's not up to me this time
You know
There comes a day in every life
This is it
Make no mistake where you are
This is it
You're going no further
This is it
Until it's over and done
This is it
One way or another
This is it
No one can tell what the future holds
This is it
Your back's to the corner
This is it
You make the choice of how it goes
This is it
The waiting is over
This is it
No one can tell what the future holds
This is it
You're going no further

Thanks Kenny Loggins!

An Open E-Mail to Sheriff Leon Lott - Thanks!

Charlie Harden — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:22:36 -0600

Sheriff Lott and Richland County Sheriff's Department,

Thanks in advance for having Corporal Amanda Jordan (Amanda Lee) come out and talk to the Ballentine Civic Assn. about crime prevention.

In the eight years Charmaine and I have lived on Old Road your deputies have gone over and beyond to help and work with our area!

It is much appreciated! http://activerain.com/blogsview/948535/Crime-Prevention-Meeting-Ballentine-SC

Best regards, Charlie

Charlie Harden
Home Sales USA
1211 Old Road
Chapin, South Carolina 29036-8513
Cell (803) 622-3084
Home (803) 781-1992
Fax (803) 781-6105

Web: www.charlieharden.com
Email: home@charlieharden.com

Twitter: Follow me on twitter!

Crime Prevention Meeting - Ballentine, SC

Charlie Harden — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 07:55:03 -0600

A few weeks ago there was a buzz in our neighborhood of people having homes/autos broken into by some people who were helping themselves to GPS units, CDs, etc... Anything that had some value, but was not under lock and key. These petty-thieves were just helping themselves where home and auto owners had left their things 'available' to them. This seminar by Cpl. Jordan seems right on time. Here is her e-mail to our Homeowners Association.

Hello Everyone!
Richland County Sheriff's Department is hosting a crime prevention class at the Ballentine Recreational Center, 1009 Bickley Road in Irmo, to highlight prevention tips for auto break ins and "spring time" crimes. We want to stop crime before it happens in our communities and in saying this it all starts with prevention. I encourage everyone to mark your calendars to attend this great class and to have a fun time with your community!

Date: March 19th, 2009
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Ballentine Recreational Center (1009 Bickley Road)
Hosted by: Richland County Sheriff's Department (CAT team)
Presented by: Cpl. Amanda Jordan (Amanda Lee)

Bring a family member, friend or community member! Hope to see you
there!!
--
Sincerely,
Corporal Amanda Jordan (Amanda Lee)
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Community Action Team (C.A.T.)

5623 Two
Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29223
(803)576-3000
www.rcsd.net

Mt. Pleasant, SC Golf Course Home - At Charleston National

Charlie Harden — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:09:33 -0600

JUST LISTED IN MT. PLEASANT, SC - ON CHARLESTON NATIONAL GOLF COURSE

This would be my favorite room in the house! "Honey, hand me a 'cold one' out the back door, I'm playing through!"

See more pictures and get all the listing information at http://tinyurl.com/caztu9

Offered by the Leo Windham Agency

Call Charlie! - 803-622-3084

I can personally attest that Charleston National is a fine golf course! Scenic, challenging, low country flavor, beauty of a clubhouse, good food, grill, restaurant. Nearby to everything Charleston. http://www.charlestonnationalgolf.com/

Move on up to Lake Murray! - 7 Boardwalk Lane

Charlie Harden — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:59:34 -0600

Isn't it about time YOU upgraded your lifestyle?

Are you tired of the same old, same old house, or worse yet - renting? Come on up to the lake. Move now! And be ready for the summer. Bring your sun-screen, your fishing pole, and your life jacket, and leave your worries behind WITH the old homeplace! Throw a cook-out and celebrate!

It's MOVE-IN READY as soon as you close!

The living is easy at BOARDWALK VILLAS!

7 Boardwalk Lane - Lexington, SC 29072

This end-unit Condo features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. It's a one story home with a wood burning fireplace, eat in kitchen with granite counter tops and wood stained cabinetry. Plenty of space in this contemporary styled home AT THE LAKE!

The price is right & so is this home!

Enjoy the front and back screened porches. Excellent curb appeal and established landscaping make this move easy! The kitchen is upgraded, tile and hardwood floors assure that your enjoyment of living will begin right away. You won't have any summer projects on your list, and will be free to have fun with your new Lake Murray home and lifestyle! Minutes to Lake Murray Dam for jogging, walking or cycling!

Call Charlie today and Ask about financing~!

Lake access! Community ON LAKE MURRAY, boat storage available.

Charlie Harden 803-622-3084 Home Sales USA

home@charlieharden.com

www.charlieharden.com

MLS #238457

Lake Murray Land - 235 Taylors Cove Road

Charlie Harden — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:24:37 -0600

THE BOATS ARE COMING BACK OUT!

Are you ready?

ACREAGE ON LAKE MURRAY - LEXINGTON SC

235 Taylors Cove Road - $249,000 Take a look:

(Highway 378 -- Turn Right on Taylors Cove road, Cross Dam, Next to last lot on the left.)

This beautiful 83x109x100x139.5 lot has a Big Water View WITH 100 FEET OF WATER FRONTAGE, Dock already in place, and ready for your weekend getaway for fishing, swimming, boating, or just plain relaxing.

Rolling and Cleared topography. The well and septic systems are in place.

Award-winning Lexington One Schools!
Lake Murray Elementary
Pleasant Hill Middle
Lexington High

Call Charlie today for more information on this and other fine Lake Murray properties!
Home Sales USA - 803-622-3084
www.charlieharden.com
home@charlieharden.com

My Top Tweets on Twitter. I crack myself up!

Charlie Harden — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:00:23 -0600

Just scrolled back through my 'tweets' on twitter and picked out a few that I liked. I guess that I should tell you that I've been on twitter for a few months and enjoy it. Like anything you have to participate in it to begin to see the value.

Without dropping any names, suffice it to say I've made some great friends via twitter that I wouldn't have met so soon by being an ActiveRainer only. It's just another tool in the 'social web' that seems to work. It also seems to be a rather professional and educated crowd on twitter and not loaded with alot of spam and teens.

If you're new to ActiveRain, or blogging, I'd recommend twitter to you. It is really simple to feed to twitter via ActiveRain and vice-versa, and your tweets can be posted to just about anywhere AUTOMATICALLY! In other words, it's easy! So, without further ado, my favorite tweets in no particular order (with commentary). And don't forget to 'follow me!'

LIFE

Wife and dau. have been out of town. Having pumpkin pie that I found left over from holidays for breakfast. I think I need them back today! (What's really important?)

Merry Christmas, y'all. Stuffed, content, happy and sleepy! (Nap time.)

I thought we had nothing to do this weekend and Merry Christmas! But, now here come the honey-do's. How can she always have so much to do? (Men are from mars...)

Trying too think of something good and uplifting and positive to say this morning... ah, the hell with it... (One of those days.)

Got a doggone sniffle today and little clogged up. If it's not gone by noon, I'm starting on Whiskey Sours! (Sickness is not allowed here.)

Oh Lord! Don' t tell me you're watching twitter on facebook! My wife's beginning to think I'm crazy with all of this stuff. (Warning, some significant others don't understand the object of social networking and consider it a waste of time.)

Working on taxes. I feel like Ray in Field of Dreams, "A stack of bills to choke a pig and no money!" (Don't speak it, you might attract it. My bad!)

This has just bugged me all day! Does anyone besides the Superbowl use Roman Numerals? What the hell is XLIII? (This is the candid me that you'd be likely to hear around the house...TMI?)

Guys, if you act like you're not too happy about running around shopping with your lady, she'll offer to buy you lunch! (We may as well work it likey they do, guys!)

BUSINESS

Had to delete the ActiveRain post due to technical difficulties, the photos not available to be stolen! I'll try to do better next time! (Honesty is always the best policy.)

Just wrote nice offer on a really nice home in Irmo, SC. (Accomplishment feels good!)

Elevator speak: "Hi, I'm Charlie. I sell real estate in Columbia and cover all the areas including Lake Murray!" How'd I do? (Was praised by a university social networking professor for this one, so it became my 'blog description.')

Decided to 'unsubscribe' from every useless overtly spam, irritating e-mail, but it takes too long to fight 'em. Anyone need viagra? (We all fight the same battle on this - spam I mean.)

Have a great day, y'all. Out and about selling greater Columbia, SC! Great area to retire if you want only 40 cold days and 1 snow a year. (Localism!)

I'm gonna cause business to happen this weekend for all of us! See how much I love y'all. Playing golf. Phone will ring like magic! (Public service from your favorite agent.)

Back to basics. Met a corporate trainer purchasing a copy of How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie for a lecture. (True.)

FUN

Eagles Rocked, Joe Walsh Rolled! In Greenville SC Monday night. Unbelievable band! Gotta say the best ever! Like fine wine, better aged. (Text twitter from The Bi-Lo center immediately after the concert. Great memories!)

WYFF sports reported that multiple sources said C.J. Spiller was leaning towards leaving Clemson for the NFL draft. Say it ain't so, C.J.! ( Don't believe everything you hear!)

Clemson running back C.J. Spiller, "Lightning," said he will stay in school for his senior year! Godspeed, C.J. & thanks for staying home! (Already ready for football, and the TV report was wrong!)

Got my name changed from HardenCharlie to CharlieHarden... makes sense~! (See how sensible I can be?)

A 'best friend' couple of ours became grandparents last night for the first time! Healthy granddaughter Morgan Colley - 6 pounds, 9 ounces! (Awwww...)

Golf tip for this chilly week: Keep your balls warm. Serious, keep 'em in the house or pocket til you hit them. Warm balls go further~! (Nevermind!)

Thanks for the warnings... I got a couple from 'you' yesterday. Didn't open them. Those people should be shot! (Warning, don't send me a virus!)

January in SC. Supposed to be 76 today! (And this week, too.)

People still shopping. I couldn't get to the sporting goods store yesterday. What are THEY thinking? (Get outta my way~!)

Great to hear Pat Summerall calling the Cotton Bowl. Ole Miss 14, Texas Tech 14, 1st half. (His book is hilarious, by the way. Summerall On and Off the Air)

POLITICS

@malisiaWe need a nickname for your guy. Remember Bananarama? How 'bout Obackaramba? "O" would be a rip-off of "W." (Hey unscramble the letters and you get Barak Obama. I thought it was pretty clever.)

Who's gonna stand up and say these cabinet nominees that didn't pay taxes are no better than CROOKS! And ELECTED? OFFICIALS? Come on! (Telling it like it is.)

$13.4 billion to troubled U.S. automakers. Why doesn't the Govt. just buy their cars and then resell them to get the (our) money back? (Political commentary.)

Gov. Blago's explanation will be like watching a guy try to explain to his wife why his underwear is full of glitter. (Well, the RNC liked it.)

FOLLOW ME!

Send me your all time greatest tweet! And of course my favorite tweet is always the next one:

follow CharlieHarden at http://twitter.com

Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the checkout girl - An American Story

Charlie Harden — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:02:37 -0600

This is like the John Mellancamp song... "A little ditty about Jack and Diane...Two American kids." You may have seen this somewhere, I don't know, but it's a really good story and especially for this week.

Hey, we need good guys! We're hungry for it. Did you know that Capt. Sully who landed the plane in the Hudson River now has over a half million facebook friends! Four times as many as there are total members on ActiveRain. Not bad for a day's work. As the pro golfers say after every interview question, "It's pretty cool."

Thanks to my friend Capt. Scotty who sent me this!

In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working

when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register

four. Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided

to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile

caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman

(maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.

Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the

punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at

him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA.

He walked out only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited

outside as she left the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked

harmless enough, and she accepted.

When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could

see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible.

He pressed and she explained she had two children and she

couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter.

Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That

Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to

go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply

said, "Well, let's take the kids with us." She tried to explain that taking the children was not an

option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought

him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute

as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He

was born a paraplegic with Down Syndrome.

Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids

can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away

from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like

her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary

- - - he had a different mindset.

That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to

dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of

him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his

wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the

evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the

rest of her life with.

A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her

children. Since then they have added two more kids.

So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the

check-out girl?

Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona , where he is

currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona

Cardinals and has his Cardinals playing the Pittsburg Steelers in the Super

Bowl (XLIII) on Sunday. Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an

ordinary person.

It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in

Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been the NLF's Most Valuable Player twice

and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player.

See you at the Superbowl!

Is there a psychologist in the house?

Charlie Harden — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:23:43 -0600

I can't explain this one! Somebody please help!

I've vowed to do all the right things this year, you know, eat right, exercise and do business in the right way by working diligently and efficiently!

But, this song popped into my head this morning and I've been singing it all day! WHAT GIVES? Didn't hear it on the radio. Didn't hear the phrase, "Don't call us, we'll call you!" Didn't even think that!!!

This can't be my attitude! I love my customers. I love my clients. I serve the public by doing unto them as I would have them do! I keep my faith in God and his son! I do... I do... I do... (Sounds like the cowardly lion from the Wizard of Oz!)

Oh, heck... Just don't call me today! As the beer commercial said, "Some days are better than others." BTW, when the song was out by Sugarloaf, the rumor was that the touchtones played were the phone number to the White House.

Social Media Statistics

Charlie Harden — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:02:33 -0600

Here's a fast link with some interesting SOCIAL MEDIA STATISTICS that show what a phenomenon social networking is.

I've been playing with this for a while, I guess you could call it, because I'm not nearly at the level of a lot of ActiveRainers as far as the intricacies of the whole social networking world.

I've been intrigued by twitter mainly, for whatever reason. It's fast and you can pick up a lot of news from your 'followers.' For example last week I learned that a legal firm in Charlotte had laid off 28 employees. Also I connected with a golf course that signed on to put their tweets out for the world, and in the same day was offered a free round of golf, so you can't argue with that.

I'm following two governors out of the 50, and have been followed back by one of them. Our SC 'guv' right here in Columbia hasn't followed me back, but I suppose I'll keep following him, although I normally don't follow folks for long if they don't follow me back... What's the point?

At any rate, enjoy the stats. Some of them are mind-boggling!

Follow me on twitter at: CharlieHarden

Politically correct Christmas - Seasonal - Holiday - Whatever - Greetings!

Charlie Harden — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 10:03:04 -0600

Disclaimer, 'Tis the Season,' and everyone is 'OK' by me!

To All My Democrat Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere . Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wished.

To My Republican Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!