Lakeland Real Estate Blog by Petra

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Mamma Mia - Summertime in the 70s - Germany

Mamma Mia - Summertime in the 70s - Germany 

My hometown - Kemnath-Stadt

Growing up in Germany in my hometown Kemnath in the 70s was very modest to say the least. Money in our family was scarce and with six brothers and a sister to go on a family vacation was out of the question. School got out in late July and when the weather was hot, kids drove their bikes about 3 miles to an outdoor swimming-pool or we rode with our bikes to a nearby lake to swim. I spent most of the summer outdoors, riding my bike, play soccer, picked blueberries in the local forest and helped my mom at the local brewery where she worked. 

 

Television as we watched it in the evening was black & white. Programs such as MTV did not exist. Teenagers and young adults listened to the radio for the top summer hits and one of the best groups of the 70s popular in Germany was ABBA.

 

 

 

 

Kids always looked forward to the annual fair. Very small in size, it existed of a large tent for the band (German folk band) and people to sit, eat and drink beer most of the time, one carousel, one shooting range I did not care about, one swing, a couple of stands for ice cream & sweets. However, the best place to be at the fair was the bumper cars .... Blasting through the stereo was the best music of the summertime. I just could stand there all evening dancing and singing along although I did not understand the lyrics. It was just the inspiration of the music and watching the good times of kids had riding the bumper cars.

 

With the new movie just came out this summer, Mamma Mia sure reminds me of the time the song first emerged in the 70s and my first kiss.....

 

 

 

 

 

This is how I watched ABBA on television back in the 70s - only it was black & white.

 

 

 

 

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

Mamma Mia - Summertime in the 70s - Germany

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

PO 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 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 real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

Lakeland’s First Friday Event on August 1 2008

Lakeland's First Friday Event on August 1, 2008

Summer... ah - the dog days of summer. Your four legged Dog Days of Summerfriends will enjoy what Downtown Lakeland has to offer. Absolutely fun, fun, fun ...from doggie treats to Look-Alike contest - I'm sure there are similarities between a dog owner and their pet, agility activities and canine portrait; all that plus more on Lakeland's First Friday downtown starting at 6:00 p.m. Bring your whole family downtown, you don't want to miss it.

Downtown Lakeland

Great entertainment for the entire family to take pleasure in; eat, drink, shop and play with our local merchants such as Antiquarian Restaurant, Black and Brew, FastFrame, Fitz Gallery, The General Store and many more. Many local restaurants downtown have outdoor seating with shaded areas. For your pets, watering stations are located throughout downtown Lakeland to keep your pals hydrated.  

Did I mention "Live Entertainment"? Local artists like Bryan Rivers, The Phil Schneider Trio, Larry Pelton, Rick Olivo - Caricaturist/Sculptor/Artist, Catfish Whisle, Funopia - Ballon Artist, Billy Needs A Beard.

Also, a car show & DJ are on the streets of Tennessee Ave.

Check out the new artists for this month!

Matt Mays

Jeff Moen

and

SPECIAL GUEST:

Carlos Bertonatti 

Art and Entertainment experience!

Can't have a "Dog Days of Summer" without McGruff the Crime Dog, who will be roaming the streets! K-9 Demos from Lakeland Police Department, Dog Obedience Demos and rescue dogs are available for adoption.

Don't miss the last performance of Lakeland's Community Theater "Godspell" this weekend July 24 - 27th. I guarantee, you will walk away pleasantly surprised by this performance.

 

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

Lakeland's First Friday Event on August 1 2008

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

PO 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 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 real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

1016 N Webster Ave Lakeland FL 33805

1016 N Webster Ave Lakeland FL 33805

 

1016 N Webster Ave, Lakeland, FL

Priced to Sell! This Lakeland home has great potential with some TLC. As you walk through the enclosed front porch, you are greeted in the foyer. This home features living room/dining room combination for family gatherings. The home has a Great Room for family enjoyment. The large Master Bath is characteristically tiled which includes a jetted tub and separate shower. Within recent years, the roof and the air conditioner had been replaced. This brick home is located in a quiet setting with no thru traffic. Within the fenced in yard there is a shed for extra storage.  Great investment property! Sold As-Is with right to inspect.

 

1016 N Webster Ave, Lakeland, FL

List Price: $50,000

Bedroom: 2

Bathroom: 1

Built: 1930

Square Feet Heated: 1,452

MLS# L4611999

 

                                               

                                                            

        Living Room - Dining Room Combination

1016 N Webster Ave, Lakeland, FL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family Room Size: 25X11

1016 N Webster Ave, Lakeland, FL

 1016 N Webster Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805 

 Bathroom with Jetted Tub and separate shower

1016 N Webster Ave., Lakeland, FL 33805

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Tiled Eat in Kitchen - Refrigerator is included

 

Lakeland Real Estate Search

        My Contact Information

 

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR 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 real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

Stop Chasing the Lakeland Real Estate Market!

 

Stop Chasing the Lakeland Real Estate Market

 

Stop Chasing the Lakeland Real Estate Market

 

 

 

Watching the Lakeland Residential Real Estate market is watching the picture beside me – unorganized and out of control by the sellers. Yes, I said it “The Sellers”.

I’m not talking about sellers who are facing foreclosures or trying to get a short sale approved. I’m talking about the “sellers” who still have enough equity in their home, trying to reach for the impossible – home prices at 2005 level.

 

 

Besides the characteristic of Location, Condition, Size and Age of the home, of which is beyond your control. You can control the most important aspect of the home. The price! In my recent conversation with potential sellers, some of the comments were:

  • I can drop the price later
  • You know that buyers are offering less anyways.
  • I want to see what happens first.
  • The house next to me is listed for a much higher price
  • My house looks better than the house down the street.

 

Folks, getting the home priced right from the start is the most significant fact of selling your home. Buyers who are interested in your Lakeland home will search your neighborhood until they find the best priced Worried Homeownerhome within their search criteria. Look around yourself in your neighborhood, which homes have sold recently and which homes are still on the market? Chances are homes priced well above are still lingering around and will be for month to come.

Ask yourself! Do I want to buy my house again for this price? Or have your friend look at your house and ask the same question - would you buy my house for that price?

How do I price my home correctly?

Funny you asked! You want to research your neighborhood, comparing with homes that are similar to yours. What homes have sold recently, with recently I’m talking about six month back. You also want to stay “ahead of the curve” in this Buyer’s Market.

 

Let’s say for example, your neighborhood’s average home price; similar to your home is around $250,000. Recent sales average at $225,000, you want to price your home below the homes that have sold recently. Researching and pricing the home right is very tedious and time consuming because you would have to factor in several items, i.e. square feet, pool, fireplace, garage, room addition, etc.

“You must take control of the Real Estate Market. Stop letting the market control you.” Take charge! I’m sure it will bring positive result. The longer you wait and keep chasing the market by reducing the price, the more it will cost you.

 

Let experience be the best teacher!

 

Take control of the Lakeland Real Estate Market. Stop letting the Real Estate market control you.

 

There have been times, I put a house on the market and the seller received an offer that was well below the offering price. The seller countered and the buyer did not respond to the counter. After continually reducing the price for months, an offer came in less than the first offer and the seller accepted. Losing on the better deal, the seller had months ago.

 

 

 

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

 

 

Lakeland Home Search

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Stop Chasing the Lakeland Real Estate Market!

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

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR 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 real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

Have you seen a performance by the Lakeland Community Theater lately?

Have you seen a performance by the Lakeland Community Theater lately?

 

Here is a tidbit - little history - about one of Lakeland's finest art group. A group of Lakeland citizens approached the City of Lakeland in 1985 to develop a children's theater known as Pied Piper Players. Since then, the repertoire, such as Grease, The Fiddler on the Roof and The Sound of Music has vastly expanded and with the 2007/2008 season the name was changed to "Lakeland Community Theater." The theater is a non-profit organization and has over 800 volunteers participate throughout the year. Events, such as main stage productions, theatre for youth series and classes are being attended by over 19,000 people. The talent that this Lakeland Community Theater provides is immensely.

 

You Don't Want to Miss this - Lakeland Community Theater is proudly presenting "Godspell"

Godspell_JeffLuty

Godspell is an old word for Gospel. The music is written by Steven Schwartz who wrote Children of Eden and Wicked. The show is based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew. It features a group of young people (16 cast members). In this modernized version they are all gathered in an urban alleyway with their leader Jesus.

He tells them stories (the parable) which they act out including The Good Samaritan and The Prodigal Godspell2JeffLutySon. The show is packed with great songs and hysterically funny reenactments of the parables. There is also a wonderful scene based on Stomp! Where they all play instruments found on the street like trash can lids, car engines and oil barrels. As the story progresses Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot and is crucified. This is a very moving part of course. At the end Jesus is resurrected and they all sing Long Live God.

Some great parts such as Benedict's song - "All Good Gifts" which is a Gospel type song and very good, and "By My Side" sung by Meaghan McGowan which is a folk type ballad, it's really lovely too. The show is very bright and colorful; the cast are full of energy and are excellent singers and dancers. It is certainly a great evening's entertainment. 
 

Photos were taken by Jeff Luty and being used with his permission

Meet The Cast: Daniel Ballard, Rae Bartley, Jerrel Burton, Dean Cantu, Marta Cavana, Seth Cox, Benedict Heaps, Meaghan McGowan, Carly Nix, Leslie Redman, Grant Reynolds, Kristi Robinson, Harry Russo, Drew Sebastian, Noelle Stewart, and Joe Strickland III.

Director is Alan S. Reynolds, Musical Director is Patrick Fleitz and Choreographer is Laurie Wood. 
 
 

Performances are from July 10th-27th. Thursday, Friday, Saturday @ 7:30pm and Sunday @ 2pm at the Lake Mirror Theatre.  Adult Tickets are $20 and $10 students 18 and under. The Lake Mirror Theatre is located on historic Lake Mirror at 121 S. Lake Ave.

 

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

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

www.petranorris.com

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR 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 real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

Lakeland's Housing Market - Good News....Not So Good News!

Lakeland's Housing Market - Good News ...Not So Good News

Lakeland's Housing Market Statistics

 

 

Most folks want to hear the bad news before the good news in hopes that the bad news is still not too bad when comparing the Good and the Bad. However, with Real Estate news, people have lately watched the negative news reports or read the not so good news in the newspaper. Therefore, I will start with the good news first.

Good News - Lakeland's housing market has improved to 145 homes sold in June 2008 from the previous month of 124 homes sold. The average sold price also increased by 14% from the previous month. It also took less time to sell a home in June with an average of 143 days. 

 

 

Now, the Not So Good News - When statistics being compared, it is compared with the previous year and here comes the bad news. Lakeland had 145 homes sold last month, compared with 193 the previous year. In addition, Lakeland's average home sales price of $169,148 was down almost 15% from 198,592 a year ago. Of the 145 homes sold last month, 33 homes were sold due to Short Sales and/or Foreclosures with an average sales price of $118,371. Only 7 homes were sold the previous year, due to Short Sales and/or Foreclosures.

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's Residential Real Estate Market Report June 08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lakeland's current inventory is 2563 of residential homes in active and pending status

Lakeland sold 145 homes in the month of June. It would take about 76 weeks or 19 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 - 54 properties sold - average sold price $182,676 - average $96.54 per sq.ft.

Bartow - 12 properties sold - average sold price $122,383 - average $66.99 per sq.ft.

Mulberry - 16 properties sold - average sold price $117,835 - average $78.44 per sq.ft.

Auburndale - 17 properties sold - average sold price $138,929 - average $76.82 per sq.ft.

Polk City - 8 properties sold - average sold price $148,113 - average $77.84 per sq.ft.

 

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

 

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

Lakeland's Housing Market - Good News ...Not So Good News

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

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR 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 real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

Lakeland's celebration for Independence Day

Lakeland's celebration for Independence Day

                                                                                                                                                               Fireworks over Lake Mirror

Get ready for Lakeland's Red, White & Kaboom on Thursday, July 3, 2008; it will take place as every year around the Lake Mirror Promenade from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

With the sponsorship from Central Florida Eurocars and according to the Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation Bob Donahay, the city of Lakeland added to the fireworks this year, so it should be one fantastic show.

 

 

 

If you love the sound of smooth Jazz, you are in for a treat with Les Sabler, a native of Canada, who undertook his graduate studies at the University of Miami. This very talented contemporary artist mixes sounds, tempos and emotions on his nylon-string guitar, which takes on a lyrical effect that sure keeps the listener entertained. His latest album Sweet Drive is nominated as Album of the Year at the 2008 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards.

 

Bring your blanket and enjoy the live music, a spectacular fireworks display as well as variety of food and drinks that vendors around Lake Mirror offer.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Want to see more Fireworks? On July 4th the celebration continues at LaFireworkskeland's Joker Marchant Stadium. The fireworks display will follow after the baseball game between the Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Ft. Myers around 9:00 p.m. Joker Marchant Stadium is located on 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd. The tickets for the baseball game are $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. Parking is free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Petra's Blog

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

Lakeland's celebration for Independence Day

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

PO 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 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 real estate landscape and all it has to offer.