Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 01-30-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 30, 2012

McGraw-Hill predicts 8% construction growth in S.C.

The trade publication ENRSoutheast said it foresees $8.5 billion in construction contracts in South Carolina this year. In 2011, the state's final overall value for contracts was about $7.8 billion, or a 12% increase over $6.6 billion in 2010.

More employers showing up to recruit USC students

The director of the University of South Carolina’s career center says the job market appears to be improving. As of Thursday, 121 firms had registered for the school’s job fair on Wednesd...

Sharleen Craig - Lexington SC Realtor - Joins Exit Real Estate Consultants

Sharleen Craig, a Lexington SC Real Estate Agent, has joined Exit Real Estate Consultants.  Sharleen has a great knowledge of the entire Columbia SC area and is ready to help buyers and sellers throughout the market.  Retta Whitehead, Broker-In-Charge comments, "Sharleen is going to be a great asset to our team.  She has a tremendous amount of experience and market knowledge that is so critical in today's real estate environment.  We look forward to her succcess."

View Sharleen's Web Site

Email Sharleen:  SharleenCraig@ExitREC.com

A Little About Sharleen:

Personal

I am a native of Utah and a graduate of the ...

SCBT Financial Corp. profit drops 56% in 2011

The Columbia-based bank holding company posted $22.6 million in net income for the year, down from $51.9 million in 2010. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the bank said net income jumped to $4.8 million from $559,000 in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Foreclosure closings account for fewer home sales

In South Carolina, 10% of home sales in the third quarter of 2011 were foreclosure related, according to the latest data from RealtyTrac. Both statewide and national figures wer...

Lexington/Columbia, S.C. Things to do January 27 - February 2, 2012

 Lexington SC Homes for Sale / Lake Murray Homes for Sale / Search MLS

View the Things to do Archive

January 27 - February 2, 2012

Here are the 10 newest listings in Columbia, SC as of 01-27-2012 . To view all available listings in the area visit our web site.

$143,304 - Columbia, SC @ Canal Place

MLS#304359Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:3Baths:4 Full / 2 HalfSchool:Richland One

Provided courtesy of The Mungo Company Inc
Downtown beautiful community. Spacious plan with many upgrades only 2 left! this home will be ready to close end of March/April. Built by the bu...

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$81,450 - Columbia, SC @ Creekside At Huntington

MLS#304357Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:2Baths:2 Full / N/ASchool:Richland Two

Provided courtesy of EJW & Cole Realty

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$14...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 01-26-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 26, 2012

DHEC nominates new environmental agency director

Former Charleston labor attorney Catherine Templeton has been selected to lead the DHEC board and succeed Earl Hunter, who is retiring. The change in leadership comes at a time when the organization is at the eye of a political storm over the development of new port facilities on the Savannah River.

Statewide housing shows signs of improvement

The S.C. Realtors released its annual report, which indicated the state’s housing market is on the mend. The report cited a slowdown in layo...

Here are the 10 newest listings in Columbia, SC as of 01-26-2012 . To view all available listings in the area visit our web site.

$34,650 - Columbia, SC @ Brockington Heights

MLS#304274Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:2Baths:1 Full / N/ASchool:Richland One

Provided courtesy of iRealty International LLC
Nice 2bdr, 1 bath home with lots of potential. Open floor plan and huge eat-in kitchen. Property Sold AS-IS.

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$35,000 - Columbia, SC @ None

MLS#304273Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:4Baths:1 Full / 1 HalfSchool:Richland One

Provided courtesy of iRealty International LLC
Nice brick 4bdr, 1.5 bath ranch style home. Property sits on large lot and ha...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 01-24-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 25, 2012

Pactiv to expand operations in Aiken County

The maker of foodservice and food packaging plans to expand its existing operations. The $5.5 million investment is expected to generate 25 new jobs over the next three years. Construction is scheduled to begin in February.

Southern First returns to profitability

The Greenville-based bank holding company said year-end net income to common shareholders was $944,000, reversing a loss of $235,000 the prior year. Net interest margin improved during the year, and the bank reported a decline ...

Here are the 10 newest listings in Columbia, SC as of 11-29-11 . To view all available listings in the area visit our web site.

$152,000 - Columbia, SC @ Sassafras Springs

MLS#304190Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:3Baths:2 Full / 1 HalfSchool:Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Fairfax Realty, Inc
KB Home offers spacious family room with fireplace. Kitchen has lots of cabinet space, bar area and opens to family room. MB has large bath and clo...

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$350,000 - Columbia, SC @ Lake Carolina - The Peninsula

MLS#304186Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:4Baths:3 Full / 1 HalfSchool:Richland Two

Provided courtesy of EXIT Real Estate Solutions
Brick, Custom ...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 01-24-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 24, 2012

NBSC bank’s parent company reduces losses in 2011

Synovus, the bank-holding company of NBSC bank in South Carolina, posted a $60 million loss for 2011, compared with $970 million in losses in 2010. The company was boosted by its return to profitability in the second half of the year, an official said.

Santee Cooper signs renewable energy contract

The utility's board of directors approved a contract Monday with Green Energy Solutions for up to 25 megawatts of electricity generated from renewable resources in South Carolina. GES c...

Here are the 10 newest listings in Columbia, SC as of 01-24-2012 . To view all available listings in the area visit our web site.

$242,000 - Columbia, SC @ The Retreat

MLS#304117Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:4Baths:4 Full / 1 HalfSchool:Richland One

Provided courtesy of Home Shop Realty Company
The Finest in student housing! Gated community with two Clubhouses, fitness centers, pools and putting green, tanning bed and more! Shuttle to and ...

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$168,000 - Columbia, SC @ Ashley Ridge

MLS#304116Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:3Baths:2 Full / N/ASchool:Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
Fire your decorator! You won't need h...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 01/23/2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 23, 2012

 DOE seeks comments on plans to fund first SMRs

The U.S. Department of Energy anticipates one or two federal awards totaling up to $452 million to companies that win the competition to build the first of the small modular reactors. The request for comments specifies that the DOE grant includes at least a dollar-for-dollar match from the private partner to receive the federal grant.

Southern First to open new office in Forest Acres

Greenville-based Southern First Bank plans to break ground on its third Midlands branch this quarter...

Here are the 10 newest listings in Columbia, SC as of 01-23-2012 . To view all available listings in the area visit our web site.

$278,000 - Columbia, SC @ Lake Carolina - Ashland Falls

MLS#304012Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:5Baths:3 Full / N/ASchool:Richland Two

Provided courtesy of SC Homes & Land Realty, LLC
The Keith plan by Essex, 5 BR/3BA spacious owners retreat with sitting area. Large Master Bath is tiled and includes a whirlpool and separate show...

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$148,818 - Columbia, SC @ Brookhaven

MLS#304007Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:4Baths:3 Full / N/ASchool:Richland Two

Provided courtesy of The Mungo Company Inc
DOUBLE MASTER HOME!!! A...

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 19, 2012

First Community earnings climb 123% in 2011

The holding company for First Community Bank reported a huge increase in net income for 2011 to $2.7 million. The president and CEO of First Community said residential mortgage banking and financial planning/investment advisory lines of business significantly contributed to the company’s results.

Haley calls for lower taxes, tort reform

In her State of the State address, Gov. Nikki Haley focused on the economic development record of her first year in office, noting the more than 20,000 jobs that have been pledged by employers. Haley also called for tax relief and tort reform.

Palmetto Health board elects 20...

Lexington/Columbia, S.C. Things to do January 20 - 26, 2012

 Lexington SC Homes for Sale / Lake Murray Homes for Sale / Search MLS

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January 20 - 26, 2012

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus : Colonial Life Arena Thursday January 19, 2012 - Monday, January 23, 2011 Don't miss Fully Charged, the all-new surge of circus entertainment from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, where megawatts of thrills explode off the arena floor with breathtaking dare-devilry, amazing stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize children of all ages! Visit the Colonial Life Arena website for info and tickets!

Here are the 10 newest listings in Columbia, SC as of 01-20-12 . To view all available listings in the area visit our web site.

$65,000 - Columbia, SC @ Monticello Terrace

MLS#303888Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:3Baths:1 Full / 1 HalfSchool:Richland One

Provided courtesy of Palmetto Real Estate Grp of SC
Fantastic starter home or investment property. 3BR - 1.5 Baths. Screened porch for afternoon or morning lounge time. Fenced back yard provides secu...

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$174,900 - Columbia, SC @ Sandwood Hills

MLS#303887Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:4Baths:2 Full / 1 HalfSchool:Richland Two

Provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker United
Well maintained lots o...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 01-19-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 19, 2012

 First Community earnings climb 123% in 2011

The holding company for First Community Bank reported a huge increase in net income for 2011 to $2.7 million. The president and CEO of First Community said residential mortgage banking and financial planning/investment advisory lines of business significantly contributed to the company’s results.

Haley calls for lower taxes, tort reform

In her State of the State address, Gov. Nikki Haley focused on the economic development record of her first year in office, noting the more than 20,000...

Here are the 10 newest listings in Columbia, SC as of 01-19-2012 . To view all available listings in the area visit our web site.

$64,900 - Columbia, SC @ Elmwood Place

MLS#303787Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:1Baths:1 Full / N/ASchool:Richland One

Provided courtesy of EXIT Real Estate Solutions
Very PRIVATE gated, ground floor 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo. Minutes from The Vista, USC, Hospitals, shopping, etc... All appliances included - side-b...

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$102,500 - Columbia, SC @ Southwood

MLS#303786Class:ResidentialStatus:Active

Beds:3Baths:2 Full / N/ASchool:Richland Two

Provided courtesy of EXIT Real Estate Solutions
Back on market and priced to sell! I...

Here is the latest Columbia SC News and Business Report as of 01-18-2012.  For real estate information visit our web site.

TODAY'S HEADLINES | JAN. 18, 2012

S.C. lawmakers knock down idea of gas tax hike

Key leaders from the S.C. Senate and House of Representatives said Tuesday it’s unlikely the state’s share of taxes on gasoline will be hiked during this Legislative session despite funding woes in the state Department of Transportation.

Metro areas post gains in December home sales

Charleston, Columbia and Greenville reported increases in residential home sales last month compared to December 2010. Statewide, residential home sales dropped 1.6% for the month, with 3,595 home sales c...