Lakeland Real Estate Blog by Petra

Tee Time at Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club in Lakeland, FL

 

Do you like to play Golf? Then this is the place for you. Lakeland has to offer this semi-private 18-hole Huntington Hills course that was designed by Ron Carl with its tree-lined fairway, elevation changes, sand bunkers and a water hazard that waits as you make your round through the golf course. It has been opened since 1992 and features 6,768 yards of golf from the longest tees a par of 71 with multiple tiers with only a slight slope. The greens are large and of Bermuda grass that produce a medium speed with a course rating of 72.6 and a slope rating of 126.

 

Check out the photos of the golf course!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club is open daily from 8:00 a.m. For tee time, pricing and membership call the Pro Shop at (863) 859-3689.

 

Surrounded by this beautiful golf course there are almost 400 attractive homes nestled in their gated community. Currently, there are 13 homes for sale ranging from $169,900 to $479,900 with an average price range of $339,885.00. The homes vary in size from 1,629 square feet to 3,040 square feet.

 

Folks, if you are in the market to buy a home and want to live in a Golf Course Community, such as the Huntington Hills Golf and Country Club in Lakeland. Look no further!

Check out this video tour of this beautiful home in the Huntington Hills Community!

 

 

 

 

VideoAd by Mixpo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                

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

Tee Time at Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club in Lakeland, FL

 Petra Norris - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. - Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker - PO Box 92050 -                          Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 - Telephone (863) 618-6919
This blog is solely my point of view

 

 

 

 

The Family I Left Behind!

 

Fifteen years ago this month, I hoped on an airplane with my husband - a US soldier, kids and dog and left the land that I grew up, where I found my love, where I married my love, to start my final overseas move to Lakeland, Florida from Mannheim, Germany.

 

I have been back to my hometown Kemnath, Stadt (Bavaria) many times over the past years where I celebrated most of my family's birthdays in June, especially my mother's birthday on June 24^th. I have six brothers and one sister; all of my siblings are older except for one of my brother, who is only about two years younger.

 

I love spending my time in Germany in June, the weather seems nicer and cooler than here in Florida and the daylight lasts until 10 o'clock at night. We usually sit outside to eat and drink and enjoy each other's company. And there are a lot of Bierfests going on around this time.

 

I was really looking forward this year to fly to Germany, but things happened and I had to tell my family in Germany that it is really not financially feasible for us to make the trip with my husband, one of my daughters and her fiancé. I probably could have gone by myself; however, due to my husband's injury that he received in 2006, I did not want to leave him behind.

 

Yesterday, I phoned my mom and wished her a Happy Birthday and told her that I was sorry that we could not be there this year to celebrate her 85^th Birthday, whose health has been declining a little bit, seeing the babies born the past two years. All she said that she wished that she could come to see me and my kids this year again. She is a very strong willed woman, despite her strokes and recent illness. And with God's will, she will be here in Lakeland, FL visiting with us this fall.  I also have twin brothers, whose birthday is today and one of them has been ill the past few weeks. So talking to the both of them today, makes me miss my family even more.

 

The picture below was taken five years ago at my mom's 80^th birthday.

 

 

So Happy 85^th Birthday, Mutti (mom)

Have you heard, the lenders call it "buy and bail"? Owners, who are having a good credit rating buying a second home at a low price, telling the lender that they will rent out the first home. However, their only intention is to walk away from the first home leaving the lender holding the bag.

There are some real estate agents and brokers that see nothing wrong with this tactic and even suggest to homeowners to do the "buy and bail" process because homeowners are upside down on their mortgage.

As a homeowner and Realtor®, I can't see that this type of action will benefit you, the homeowner. All it does it prolongs the mortgage problem. In the end it will always catch up with you, if you don't take care of your mortgage crises right away.

I hope that under the revised Fannie Mae guidelines, applicants claiming such actions should be held accountable and produce documentations supporting such actions by the homeowner.

What do you have to say?                                                                     

Hurricane Awareness in Polk County, FL

Do you remember Hurricane Charley, Frances, and Jeanne in 2004? Who can forget the monstrous Hurricane Katrina in 2005 reaching category 5 and the damage it brought to the folks in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The effects of such a storm still linger with folks in these states.

Hurricane season is here!  June 1st through November 30th.

 

 

 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts near normal or above normal Atlantic Hurricane Season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Credit NOAA

 

 

Today, I picked up guide/map of 2008 Polk County Public Shelter at Publix. It provides a list with a map and directions to the shelters. This guide also offers information, such as important telephone numbers and the following for Polk County:

• Polk County Evacuation Policy in the event of a disaster.
• Folks with medical and physical conditions who require assistance
• 3-Day Survival Kit
• Pet-Friendly Shelters
• Sources of Emergency Information

 

 

 

Why don't you pick up a few guides, make your buyers, past and future clients and sellers aware about Florida and Polk County's Hurricane season. Show that you care about them and their most priced possession - their home. I'm sure they'll appreciate it.

 

 

 

 

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

Hurricane Awareness in Polk County, FL

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

PO Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 - Telephone (863) 619-6918

This blog is solely my point of view

 

Let's take a look at the overall market data for Polk County, Lakeland and the surrounding cities within Polk County, FL. There are currently over 7940 properties for sale in Polk County. Currently, 709 listings are pending (under contract); hence buyers and sellers are waiting to close escrow.

For the month of May, according to the Mid Florida Regional MLS the numbers for Polk County homes sold dropped to 449 from 570 properties sold the previous year. The average sold price for Polk County for May 08 was $169,029 compared to $198,980 in May 2007, a decrease by almost 18%.

Folks, have we bottomed out in my market area here in Lakeland? Lakeland has around 2370 properties for sale and the average listing price in Lakeland is currently $235,512, which amounts to $126.96 per square feet for an 1855 square feet home. The average sold price for the month of May 08 was $148,017 compared to last year's number for May of $186,604; a decline of 26% with and average 174 days on the market. Doesn't this look like we are at 2004 sold prices again?

Take a look at my spreadsheet below. I've separated the market data 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". 

 

 

 

Let's see, how long would it take to absorb Lakeland's current inventory of 2622 active and pending listings?

Lakeland sold 124 homes in the month of May. It would take about 91 weeks or 23 months to sell the current inventory. Not encouraging at all, however, keep in mind that this number is only an indicator on how long it takes to absorb and therefore, pricing the home you are selling is very crucial. Just take a look above at the average listing price and the average sold price for Lakeland - how long will it take to sell your house? 

 

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

Winter Haven - 71 properties sold - average sold price $172,885 - average $99.19 per sq.ft.

Bartow - 11 properties sold - average sold price $96,706 - average $71.32 per sq.ft.

Mulberry - 15 properties sold - average sold price $205,660 - average $110.45 per sq.ft.

Auburndale - 17 properties sold - average sold price $142,874 - average $85.86 per sq.ft. 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

Have we bottomed out here in Lakeland, FL?

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

       PO Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 - Telephone (863) 619-6918

                                                                           This blog is solely my point of view

 

Every time, I step into Hollis Garden, I get a sense of pride and joy. I come here to take pictures, enjoy the seasonal transformation of the garden, and stroll around the neighboring Barnett Park and Lake Mirror.

 

 

 

 

   

 

The garden is magnificent and packed with full of fascinating plants, flowers and trees, such as the magnolia tree blooming with its citrus' scent blossoms. This garden tells a story of Florida as you stroll through each theme room of plant life that include Florida natives, annual hybrids, perennials, well manicured hedges, as well as fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Flowers organized into areas of specific color, such as red, yellow or white decorate each living space. Perfectly cut lawns that make you want to take your shoes off and feel the carpet of Bermuda grass.

 

 

       

 

 

You will also notice the water features such as, koi fish pond, sculpture and architecture that enhances the beauty of the garden. 

            

 

 

While you walk through the garden listening to soothing music in the background, it becomes obvious that visiting Hollis Garden is therapy for Mind, Body and Spirit.

             

Don't take my word for it, check out Hollis Garden and see for yourself!

 

  

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

A Visit to Lakeland's Finest Garden-Hollis Garden 

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

PO Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 - Telephone (863) 618-6919
This blog is solely my point of view

 

 

 

 

Does buying a home in Polk County today make sense?

Absolutely! I remember when my husband and I bought our home here in Lakeland. Our interest rate back in 1993 was 7.5% fixed for 30 years, with excellent credit. Back then, this rate was a very good rate, since I knew from years before, the interest rate was well above the 10% rate.

Today's 30 yr. fixed mortgage rate is approximately 5.98% and for a 15 yr. fixed mortgage the rate is around 5.54%.

With home prices still falling and inventory at an all time high, it is definitely a buyer's market. Polk County has currently close to 8000 properties for sale; Lakeland has almost 2400 properties listed with Realtors®. I have also noticed that home prices are at the 2004 level.

If you consider buying a home, the first and foremost you should do, is hire an experienced Realtor®. At the same time, obtain financing approval ahead of time. Many banks have tightened their lending standards.

Research your area of interest and have your Realtor® thoroughly research the prices before making an offer. Even tough you have plenty of choices; desirable homes do get multiple offers. Be prepared, otherwise you could loose out.

Purchasing a home that is a Short Sales and/or Foreclosures can be challenging and risky at times, research and due diligence of your Realtor® is essential in buying successful. Most importantly patience on both sides of the transaction is necessary; it can take months for such sale to be completed. Ownership is a place to call home; a place where family built a future and become part of the community.

It is a great time to buy in Lakeland!

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

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

Does buying a home in Polk County make sense? 

Petra Norris - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

PO Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 - Telephone (863) 618-6919                                            

This blog is solely my point of view