Lakeland Real Estate Blog by Petra

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Thanksgiving Day – What are you thankful for?

Thanksgiving Day - What are you thankful for?

My daughter Jeanne called me today to share with me a journal entry of her friend, which inspired me to write a blog about Thanksgiving and what it means to me. Before I continue, please read this short message between a mother and her little girl - it is so cute and what a great idea to write short notes of thankfulness for everyone to see.

"Mommy, what are we writing today?
I thought it might be fun if we wrote everything we're thankful for on the mirror so all our friends and Without Turkeys, there'd be no Turkeysfamily would see when they come to visit us.
Oh.  But, mommy, what does thankful mean?
Well, thankful means lots of things.  Name something you love.
Mommy and Daddy!
So, I bet since you love us so much, you're thankful we're here.  Name something else.
Bubby.  I'm thankful that Bubby is here.  What about you, mommy?
Well, mommy and daddy are thankful for you and Nickolas.
What else mommy?
Well, we are thankful for our jobs.  Some mommies and daddies can't work right now.  (I started to add more and I was interrupted...)
MOMMY...you know what I'm most thankful for?
What Alissa?
TURKEYS!!
Why turkeys?
Because, silly, without turkeys, there'd be no turkey!"
 

My first Thanksgiving DayWhen I first experienced Thanksgiving Day - I didn't even know it. Long time ago, when my husband and I first met I was living in my own apartment in my hometown in Germany. My husband Jim told me he had a few days off and wanted to spend time with me. I said okay and he showed up at my doorsteps after I arrived from work that evening. Since I did not take any time off from work, I was thinking what could I make for him to eat while I was gone all day at work for the next two or three days. Well, I prepared this very tasty home-made vegetable soup in a big pot for him to heat up over the next few days while I was gone to work. That specific Thursday evening after we ate, he explained to me that in America, Thanksgiving Day was celebrated and people would cook turkey, pies, etc. - turkey! What the heck is a turkey? Really, I did not know what a turkey was; you see, Germans cook for the holidays such as Christmas a goose or a duck and are not accustomed to turkey, at least not in Bavaria. That was the last time we had soup on Thanksgiving Day and since then I'm always reminded being a little embarrassed on Thanksgiving Day on how Jim and I spent our first Thanksgiving Day.

 

Over 20 years have passed since then and now I'm telling the whole world what I'm thankful for - what about you?

Of course, I'm thankful for my family, children, grand-children, my dogs and friends spending Thanksgiving at my house with all the trimmings - Turkey of course! I'm very grateful that my 85 year old mother made this long trip to Lakeland Florida to spend time with me and my children during the Holiday Season. I'm mostly thankful that my husband is back at his old job after his horrific accident at work that kept him at home for over a year. I'm thankful that my sister-in-law Sally does not have to suffer from bladder cancer anymore because she is looking down on us from heaven above. I'm thankful for all my clients - past, present, and future - that have instilled their trust in me to sell their homes and buyers who depended on me to find their future home and keep me in business. I'm also thankful to all the friends on Active Rain that read, comment, subscribe to my blog and continue to give me the confidence boast I need once and awhile.

 

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

 

 

 Petra Norris

 

 

 

 

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

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Lakeland Florida Homes New on Market – Weekly Update for 11/16/08

Lakeland Florida Homes New on Market - Weekly Update for 11/16/08

Hi fellow readers, there are currently 2,438 homes for sale in Lakeland, Florida. The average sales price is $217,061 and the average size of a home is 1,848 square foot, which calculates to $109.30 per square foot.  

Altogether, there were 76 homes newly listed with area Realtors®. The average listing price for this week's new homes on market in Lakeland is $179,769 with average square feet of 1,737.

Types of homes newly listed:

2 duplex homes with an average price of $112,400

4 condos with an average price of $114,250

7 mobile homes with an average price of $94,997

2 townhomes/villas marketed with an average price of $120,675

61 single family homes averaging $197,939

Newly listed is a former 2006 Spring Parade pool home in the Redhawk Bend Subdivision featuring over 4,600 sq. ft. This home is being offered at $937,450. On the contrary, the cheapest homes newly listed were two homes for $32,500 and feature 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. The data for this report was obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include "For Sale By Owner". All my reports are illustrated by zip codes and the map provide you a better guidance when searching for homes in Lakeland, Florida.

The breakdown by zip code is as follows:

33801 - 10 properties for sale

33803 - 06 properties listed

33805 - 06 properties for sale

33809 - 09 properties for sale

33810 - 19 properties listed

33811 - 04 properties for sale

33812 - 05 properties listed

33813 - 14 properties listed

33815 - 03 properties for sale

Weekly update on distressed properties in Lakeland

The weekly inventory represents 27 properties for sale in Lakeland that came newly on the market. These homes have an average list price of $139,006 which calculates to $79.35 per square foot. These homes are also included in the map below. Distressed homes are homes currently in pre-foreclosure, bank-owned, foreclosure and or trying to get approval for a short sale. 

For more information on the location of the properties, pricing and size of the home click on map picture which leads you to the interactive Community Walk map created by Chuck Welch of Lakeland Local.

Lakeland Homes Map newly listed

Like what you see - want additional details on a specific property? Look no further, click on the "Search for Homes" icon or contact me directly at (863) 619-6918.

Lakeland Homes Search

 

 Copyright © 2008 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved | 

Lakeland Florida Homes New on Market - Weekly Update for 11/16/08 

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

P.O. Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050  

Telephone (863) 618-6919

 

 

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com

Lakeland’s Harrison Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert 2008

Lakeland's Harrison Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert 2008

Harrison School for the Arts proudly presents The Harrison Symphony Orchestra on November 20th at 7:30 p.m.


This almost 100 student ensemble is well thought throughout the United States and Europe.  Last year the orchestra performed at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. During their great performance, an international committee was so amazed by their concert that they invited the entire ensemble to play in France sometime in 2010.

Lakeland Harrison School for the Arts - Fall Ochestra Concert

 

I have been involved over the years with Harrison School for the Arts and the Orchestra is near and dear to my heart. They have always performed throughout the years to the best of their abilities and this year's fall concert will be no different with classical repertoire you don't want to miss.  

Where else can you go to a wonderful orchestra performance at a great price? You can purchase your tickets online at www.harrisonarts.com. Tickets are $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and senior citizens.

 

 

Copyright © 2008 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved |

Lakeland's Harrison Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert 2008

 Petra Norris - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. - Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker -

PO Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 -

Telephone (863) 619-6918

 

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com

1614 Lowry Ave Lakeland Florida 33801 - Polk County

1614 Lowry Ave.
Lakeland, FL 33801
For Sale $139,000
Spacious Clean Home - Move right in!
Bedrooms:4
Bathrooms:2
Style:Single Family Home
Square Footage:1,790
Lot Size:7,278 sq. feet
Year Built:1971
Well kept spacious clean home features grand entry door way leading to grand living room dining room area. The kitchen has ample storage and counter space with updated appliances and is adjoined by a large laundry/utility room. In recent years a new roof, bath fixtures and air conditioning has been installed. Shopping, parks, lakes, schools, and churches are located nearby. For the commuter to work, it is a short drive to the Polk Parkway leading to Orlando and Tampa. This home is ready for you to move right in, it is sold as-is with right to inspect for seller's convenience.
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Petra NorrisPetra Norris Licensed Real Estate Broker
CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

Office:863-619-6918
Mobile:863-712-4207
Fax:866-541-6152
Email:petra@petranorris.com
Website:petranorris.com
 
Copyrighted by CDV TransAtlantic, Inc., 2008 - All information, regardless of source, including square footages and lot sizes, is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be verified by personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professional(s).
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I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com

Lakeland Florida Market Report for October 2008 – Back to 2004 prices

Lakeland Florida Market Report for October 2008 - Back to 2004 prices

Hi folks! The month of October has shown that 136 homes were sold in Lakeland at an average price with a continuous decline to just under $150,000. When comparing the data to last year, we have seen that the average sold price of a home decreased by 24% from $184,486 to $149,333. Folks, these are prices we have seen in 2004 here in Lakeland, Florida alone.

Take a look at my spreadsheet below. I've separated the report by zip code instead of school zones; it gives you a more accurate report in my opinion. The data for this report was obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include "For Sale By Owner". 

Lakeland Real Estate Market Report October 2008 

For more information on the location of these sold properties in Lakeland, price and size of the home click on map picture which leads you to the interactive Community Walk map created by Chuck Welch of Lakeland Local.

Lakeland Real Estate Market Report October 2008

Check out the graph here, the gap continues of the average list price vs. the average sold price for the year 2008. To lower the inventory on hand, the gap must approach towards the average sold price.

2008 Average Sold Prices - Lakeland Florida

The graph below will give provide detail information of how many homes sold in Lakeland by Zip Code and by month.

 Lakeland Homes Sold by Month and Zip Code

Lakeland's current inventory reached 2,426 of residential homes in active and 247 homes in pending status.  

Distressed properties are homes in pre-foreclosure, foreclosure, bank owned, as well as short sales - Of the 136 homes sold last month, 52 homes were sold with an average sales price of $118,382. Only 10 homes were sold the previous year, due to Short Sales and/or Foreclosures.

There are currently 468 homes facing foreclosure.

117 homes are in pending status waiting for bank or lender approval to close.

What is the average price for these types of homes?

In Lakeland, you will find distressed properties in every price category.  The average price currently listed is $148,632. The priciest home currently on the market is listed for $750,000 and the lowest priced home is $19,000.   

Let's take a look at last month sold report for the surrounding cities in Polk County:

Winter Haven - 66 properties sold - average sold price $151,126 - average $81.36 per sq.ft.

Bartow - 14 properties sold - average sold price $129,379 - average $65.62 per sq.ft.

Mulberry - 6 properties sold - average sold price $115,281 - average $68.73 per sq.ft.

Auburndale - 15 properties sold - average sold price $171,558 - average $81.63 per sq.ft.

Polk City - 6 properties sold - sold price $77,159 - $64.63 per sq.ft.

 

If you are interested in a specific area or neighborhood, feel free to contact me at petra@petranorris.com or click the search button below.

Lakeland Home Search 

 

Copyright © 2008 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved |

Lakeland Florida Market Report for October 2008 - Back to 2004 prices

 Petra Norris - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. - Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker -

PO Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 -

Telephone (863) 619-6918

 

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com

Lakeland’s Harrison School For The Arts – Fall Piano Concert

Lakeland's Harrison School For The Arts - Fall Piano Concert

The Harrison Piano Department, will present a concert on Thursday, November 13, 2008, on the main stage of the Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, at 7:30 p.m.

Piano Students - Harrison School for the Arts

Photo was taken by Rebekah Haubry

The very talented piano students will play solo and ensemble literature, including Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, 1st movement for 2 pianos and 8 hands, as well as Darius Milhaud's Brazileira from Scaramouche for 2 pianos and 4 hands. Other works by Chopin, Brahms, Debussy and Prokofieff will be performed.

Piano Students - Harrison Arts Center

The Seniors from the visual arts department from the Harrison Arts Center will be joining the concert by providing visual interpretation of some of our concert pieces, which will be projected on stage as the pianists play.

 

Performers for the concert are Senior Pianists Bryce Bresnan, Tyler Campbell, Samantha Sokolski, Garrett Williams; Junior Pianists Mary Catherine Savant, Lorel Schmitzberger, Shelli Sokolski, Benjamin Vickers, Miranda Walls; Sophomore Pianists Amanda Callihan, Robert Fleitz, Angel Lee, James Maffett, Sabrina Morby, Matthew Oliver, Tyler Seymour; and Freshman Pianists Richard Anderson, Derik Thomas, Alvaro Ulloa.

Piano Students - Seniors - Harrison Arts Center

Photo was taken by Cathy Sokolski

Ticket prices are $5 for students/seniors and $7 for adults. For box office hours and online ticketing visit http://www.harrisonarts.com/. Tickets may be purchased on the Harrison secure site using a credit card and will include a nominal merchant fee. Remember to bring your e-ticket to the event. You may also purchase tickets at The Harrison Box Office which opens at the night of the concert at 6:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Copyright © 2008 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved | 

Lakeland's Harrison School For The Arts - Fall Piano Concert 

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

P.O. Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050  

Telephone (863) 618-6919

 

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com

Lakeland Florida Homes New on Market – Weekly Update for 10/26/08

Lakeland Florida Homes New on Market - Weekly Update for 10/26/08

Hi fellow readers, there are over 2,400 homes for sale in Lakeland, Florida. The average sales price is $220,000 and the average size of a home is 1,851 square foot, which calculates to $118.85 per square foot.  

There were 80 properties newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price was $163,792.

4 mobile homes with an average price of $83,106

2 townhomes/villas marketed with an average price of $71,400

59 single family homes averaging $175,405 

Newly listed is 1993 pool home in the Grasslands gated golf course community featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. This home is being offered at $539,000. On the contrary, the cheapest home listed is a bank owned mobile home featuring 3 bedroom/2bath and is being offered for sale for $9,900. The data for this report was obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include "For Sale By Owner". All my reports are illustrated by zip codes and the map provide you a better guidance when searching for homes in Lakeland, Florida.

The breakdown by zip code is as follows:

33801 - 12 properties average price $84,778

33803 - 13 properties average price $162,415

33805 - 03 properties average price $78,133

33809 - 07 properties average price $169,687

33810 - 21 properties average price $180,213

33811 - 05 properties average price $209,360

33812 - 04 properties average price $191,175

33813 - 12 properties average price $221,159

33815 - 02 properties average price $66,450

 

For more information on the location of the properties, pricing and size of the home click on map picture which leads you to the interactive Community Walk map created by Chuck Welch of Lakeland Local.

Lakeland New Homes Listed

If you follow the distressed home market, there were 24 properties newly listed with an average price of $144,150 or $78.81 per Sq.Ft.

 

Like what you see - want additional details on a specific property? Look no further, click on the "Search for Homes" icon.

 

 

 

Copyright © 2008 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved | 

Lakeland Florida Homes New on Market - Weekly Update for 10/26/08 

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

P.O. Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050  

Telephone (863) 618-6919

 

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com

My Reflection of the Presidential Election 2008

My Reflection of the Presidential Election 2008

As I watch history being made today while writing is blog, it is exciting for me to watch the whole process of the election. Although I did not vote because I'm German citizen, it is just a phenomenal time for me and for us residents of the United States to be part of this history.

The voter turnout was unprecedented in all parts of this great country. I was so happy to see that my husband finally voted for the first time. My daughter, a first time voter, sent in her absentee ballot via federal express so her vote will be counted.

This defining moment will also be very challenging for our president-elect Barack Obama. As I watch John McCain's concession speech; he so eloquently said with cheers that we as a country should come together in unison and get this country back on track - "Americans never Quit".

The times ahead will be challenging indeed with two wars and the financial crisis. As I watch Barack Obama igniting the watchful audience with his victory speech he states that we must work hard - "step by step, block by block with calaces on our hands. "Yes We Can". I'm sure that neither Senator Barack Obama nor Senator John McCain thought of when they first announced their running for presidency.

 

 

Copyright © 2008 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved |

My Reflection of the Presidential Election 2008 

Petra Norris

Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

 CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

P.O. Box 92050

 Lakeland, FL 33804-2050

Telephone (863) 618-6919

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR(R) at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland FL real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

 

Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog   Facebook  LinkedIn  Follow me on Twitter Virtual Tours & Videos  Subscribe to LakelandFloridaLiving.com