Lakeland Real Estate Blog by Petra

Previewing Homes for your Buyers with Google Picasa

Do you serve out of state buyers? I serve clients that are from out of state or even from another country. Lately, there have been  some occasions when my buyers are interested in a home that I've sent them where there is only "one" picture or pictures in the Multiple Listing that are very poorly taken.  

You may say that the home is "bank owned" or in "foreclosure" - no extra photos are necessary, too much work. Please take the time to add additional photos and upload it into the MLS. Did you know that buyers skip right over a property if it has only one picture - you don't want to miss out on a sale?

When I go out and preview homes for my buyers, I take tons of pictures for my buyers to see the true condition of a home - inside, outside, garage, neighborhood all.  A great web site for uploading and hosting your web albums online for private and business is Google's Picasa. If you don't have a Google account, please sign up for your free . You can also create documents, readers, calendars, video, and Google analytics just to name a few..... my topic today is Google's Picasa. After you created an account and downloaded the Picasa's application on your computer, you want to upload the pictures of the home from you camera to your computer to Picasa's Web Albums for your buyer to preview. Create an Album with the address of the home for example, you can edit and rearrange the pictures, comment on each picture and click on "Share", which sends an invitation for viewing to your buyer - your buyer will love it even if they don't buy this particular home. I'm sure they will be impressed by your service.

Why don't you give it a try, it is well worth your time!

Copyright © 2009 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved | 

Previewing Homes for your Buyers with Google Picasa  

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919

Lakeland Florida - Harrison School for the Arts – Winter Dance Concert

With all performances that Harrison School for the Arts has to offer, the upcoming performance of the Winter Dance Concert brings out the Best for Harrison Dance Department. Guest artists such as Peter Pucci, who is the Artistic Director of PucciPlus and was principal in Pilobolus and David Sutherland, who performed with the Stuttgart Ballet joined faculty members Susan Olson and Gloria Haigler to bring their works on the main stage of the Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts.

Credit - Flickr Photo by Innerglow

In addition some wonderful choreographed movements and dances, a performance of Concerto 622 by Lar Lubovitch will be presented by the junior repertory class. Did you know that Harrison School for the Arts faculty member and dance instructor, Gloria Haigler, performed these roles worldwide while a company member of the Lar Lubovitch Dance Co.?

So, please come and enjoy this great performance by these fine dance students on Friday, January 30^th and Saturday, January 31^st, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased securely online at the Harrison School for the Arts web site with a nominal merchant fee for adults $8.00 and $6.00 for students and seniors. You can also stop by to purchase your tickets at the Box Office window in the Mitchell Gallery starting at 6:00 p.m.

Check out these great photographs by Andy Glowgower Photography taken during rehearsals.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming performances of The Harrison Fine Arts Series for 2008/09:

• Visual Arts Senior Showcase, at the Polk Museum of Art, Jan. 13 - Mar.1
• Eighth Grade Small Works INVITATIONAL 2009, Visual Arts Exhibit & Reception, Mitchell Gallery, Jan. 30 - Feb. 20, 2009.
• Winter Dance Concert, Jan. 30 & 31.
• King Lear, Feb. 26 - Mar. 1.
• Connections & Combinations, Visual Arts Exhibit & Reception, Mitchell Gallery, Feb. 27 - Mar. 27.
• Evening of Opera, Mar. 19.
• Piano Concert, Mar. 24.
• Jazz Band and Chamber Orchestra Concert, Mar. 26.
• Chamber Music Concert @ Jenkins Recital Hall, Florida Southern College, Apr. 14.
• Reflections on the Ground, Visual Arts Exhibit & Reception, Mitchell Gallery, Apr. 17 - June 4.
• Side by Side by Sondheim, Apr. 17 - Apr. 19.
• Spring Dance Concert, May 1 & 2.
• Spring Orchestra Concert, May 14.
• Spring Music Concert, May 21.

Copyright © 2009 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved | 

Lakeland Florida - Harrison School for the Arts - Winter Dance Concert 

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919

Lakeland Florida Homes Newly Listed - Weekly Update for 01/18/09

Weekly information for newly listed homes!  The numbers of homes newly marketed had an upwards trend from the previous week of 62 homes to 70 homes listed with area Realtors®. The total amount of current inventory held steady to 2,300 homes listed for sale. The average sales price is $214,506 and with an average size of a home is 1,853 square feet, which calculates to $115.76 per square foot.  

Types of homes newly listed:

2 Duplex listed at an average price of $79,900

3 condos with an average price of $237,666

2 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $71,400

1 townhome/villa listed with sales price of $115,000

62 single family homes with an average price of $207,497

Remember there is a home for every buyer!  The top of this week's list is a 2006 pool home featuring 4 bedrooms - 3 baths with 3,200 square feet of living space and it's being offered for $659,900.00. This home is located in the gated community of Crescent Woods.  On the contrary, the cheapest home this week's newly on the market is a 3 bedroom - 1 bath home, it has over 1,400 square feet of living space; it is listed for $19,900 - WOW, only $13.65 per sq.ft. it is located in the Pinewood Park subdivision.

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".  Rather than to break it down by the ever changing school zones, I give you a break down by zip code and the results are as follows:

33801 - 07 at an average price of $79,900

33803 - 14 at an average price of $251,985

33805 - no newly homes listed

33809 - 05 at an average price of $143,900

33810 - 13 at an average price of $169,445

33811 - 04 at an average price of $177,700

33812 - 10 at an average price of $201,137

33813 - 14 at an average price of $267,421

33815 - 03 at an average price at $92,300

Weekly update on distressed properties in Lakeland

With the steady decrease in home values and increase in distressed listings and sales never seen before in Lakeland Florida's home sales; there has been a slight drop of listings for sale from last week's 18 properties to 16 homes newly listed. The average price for a home is $111,768 ($74.25 per square foot). Distressed homes are categorized as "Bank-Owned", "Require 3^rd party approval (Short Sale)", "Pre-foreclosure", and "In-Foreclosure".

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.

Would you like to do your own search for properties?  Look no further, click on the "Search for Homes" icon or contact me directly at (863) 619-6918

Copyright © 2009 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved | 

Lakeland Florida Homes Newly Listed - Weekly Update for 01/18/09  

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919

Lakeland Florida - Annual Pig Fest at Joker Marchant Stadium

Where in the world around this time of the year would you find the best barbeque?  Ready for food, entertainment for the whole family to enjoy! Then look no further and come' on down to the 2009 Lakeland Pig Festival on January 30^th - 31^st,   2009.

A tad bit of history lesson! It started all in 1994 when a small group of local businessmen attended the Blue Ridge Mountain town of Tyron, N.C. to watch a barbeque championship. From then on, a festival committee was established and Lakeland's Pig Festival welcomed its first barbeque competitors in 1997. Since then, professional teams and backyard teams travel great distances to compete separate in now five different categories in Ribs (loin and spare), Pork (shoulder and butt), Chicken, Brisket (beef) and Sauce. The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) Professional Competition and Judging School considers Lakeland's Pig Fest to be one of the finest events sanctioned by KCBS.  Lakeland's annual  Pig Fest held at Joker Marchant Stadium has since then grown to over 300 Barbeque Teams competing for prize money and attendance growing quickly each year.   

The Junior League of Greater Lakeland became in 2005 the lead organizer for this great event and they do an outstanding job providing volunteers to see that this free event is run smoothly. The event in itself is free, such as the concerts - as you walk towards the gate, let me suggest you buy "Pig Dollars" near the entrance for food and drinks and also some for your kids, since I'm sure they want to take part in arts & crafts, climbing and jumping. Don't worry if you run out of the "Pig Dollars or "Pig Bucks", there are various locations throughout the area for you to buy more.

I have been attending this free event with my family since it first started, it is by far one of the best events with regards to food, entertainment and activities for young and old - not to mention the great weather we have this time around in Lakeland Florida. Where else in the world are you getting the best tasting barbeque you'll taste this year? Besides my husband's great tasting ribs ...... right here at the annual Pig Festival in Lakeland, Florida next to the Joker Marchant Stadium which is also known as the location for the Detroit Tigers Baseball Spring Training Stadium.

Besides the scrumptious barbeque and sauces, they also offer some great desserts, such as strawberry shortcakes - Folks, if you haven't noticed yet - here in Florida we are in Strawberry season!

Bring your kids, grand-kids, your grandma and grandpa, visit and eat some of the best barbeque on January 31, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. January 31^st from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Click here for a complete schedule for this event. There will be a free concert by Atlanta Rhythm Section on Friday night - check it out!

So Mark Your Calendar and I'll see you there - Have fun! 

Copyright © 2009 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved | 

Lakeland Florida - Annual Pig Fest at Joker Marchant Stadium  

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919

Lakeland Florida Homes New on Market - Weekly Update for 01/11/09

My weekly update in a flash!  The numbers of homes recently listed decreased from the previous week of 74 homes to 62 homes listed with area Realtors®. The total amount of current inventory also seen a decrease from the previous week to 2,304 homes listed for sale. The average sales price is $214,540 and with an average size of a home is 1,853 square feet, which calculates to $115.78 per square foot.  

Types of homes newly listed:

3 condos with an average price of $164,933

7 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $111,114

2 townhomes/villas with an average sales price of $202,450

50 single family homes with an average price of $202,450

Let' break down the weekly update of Lakeland homes newly listed.  The top of this week's list is a 2007 custom designed home featuring 7 bedrooms - 6 baths with 6,000 square feet of living space offered at $950,000.00. This home is located in the gated community of Woodwind Hills.  On the contrary, the cheapest home this week's newly on the market is a 2 bedroom - 2 baths home and has over 1,000 square feet of living space; it is listed for $15,000 - $14.75 per sq.ft. located in the Palma Ceia Court subdivision. This home happens to be the 2^nd cheapest home on the market in Lakeland, Florida.

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". 

The breakdown by zip code is as follows:

33801 - 05 at an average price of $97,940

33803 - 8 at an average price of $172,012

33805 - 06 at an average price of $86,383

33809 - 08 at an average price of $253,200

33810 - 08 at an average price of $151,737

33811 - 05 at an average price of $178,320

33812 - 07 at an average price of $301,932

33813 - 14 at an average price of $380,930

33815 - 01 priced at $30,000

Weekly update on distressed properties in Lakeland

The distressed home sales had an effect in recent months in all of Lakeland's real estate market. With the steady decrease in home values and increase in distressed listings and sales never seen before; there has been a decrease of listings for sale from last week's 24 properties to 18 homes newly listed. The average price for a home is $115,861 ($69.09 per square foot). Distressed homes are categorized as "Bank-Owned", "Require 3^rd party approval (Short Sale)", "Pre-foreclosure", and "In-Foreclosure".

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.

Would you like to do your own search for properties?  Look no further, click on the "Search for Homes" icon or contact me directly at (863) 619-6918

Copyright © 2009 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved | 

Lakeland Florida Homes New on Market - Weekly Update for 01/11/09  

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919

We the People.... My Own Inaugural Presidential Reflection

As I watched today the broadcast for President Barack Obama's inauguration on television throughout this day, I saw a sea of people from the Washington Monument to the steps of Capitol Hill. The folks that I watched came from all over the country, all walks of life, have all faces of color occupying every square inch of the Washington Mall in the early hours of this memorable day; all wanting to be part of history.

I've never seen a country come together as one since 9/11 in unison, in partisan, hopeful and ready to take this country back.

What struck me most of President Barack Obama's inaugural speech were the simple three words - "We the People"

"America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been.

 So it must be with this generation of Americans."

We the People have to face the "Change and Challenges" that will be ahead in the coming months and years. Are you ready? 

We the People are the thinkers and doers of this great country, we can achieve the imaginable. Can you?                                                                                                                                        

A lot of folks said that they never believed that they would see an African-American taking the oath of office for the President of the United States in their lifetime. I for one never gave it a second thought and truly believed that this would happen in my lifetime. Looking back at the night of the election waiting for him to give his victory speech to the thousands of people in Chicago, I contemplated about the future and challenges that "We the People" are faced with here in America and around the world.  

I grew up in Germany, never experienced segregation and racism - so I can't really speak for those that stood ground and felt the pain and suffering. I can only listen to their stories and reflect upon and take a stand that this kind of history will never repeat itself.    

Because of what he has shown so far, a nearly flawless primary election and a smooth transition; I've heard in the news today that people from around the world say that he is the World's President.

As I reflect today, it was - A day of hope - A day of unity - A day in partisan - A day in history!

America, are you ready to face the change and challenges - what you have to say?

Copyright © 2009 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved | 

We the People.... My Own Inaugural Presidential Reflection 

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919

Lakeland Florida - Review of December 2008 Real Estate Market

Well folks, care for the numbers of Lakeland's average sold prices. Prices kept on falling at its lowest in December significantly falling to $134,365, a 30% stumble from the previous year. This is the lowest I've seen so far for 2008 closing out this eventful year of foreclosure crisis, wall street and main street crisis, mortgage mess and bail outs.  

The average square foot of the sold homes for December was $76.03 per sq. ft., compared to the listing price of $81.36 per sq. ft. in Lakeland which is within the approximate numbers of our neighboring cities of Lakeland, such as Winter Haven, Auburndale, Bartow, Mulberry, and Polk City.

Although real estate agents have a tendency to say that December is one of the slowest months of the year. Home sales by the numbers however have increased by 15% - 135 homes sold from the previous month in Lakeland.  An increase of 15% in number of home sales though it is an average number.

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". 

Chuck Welch of Lakeland Local graciously provides his services to create this map for more information on the location of these sold properties in Lakeland with prices and size of the homes. Click on map picture which leads you to the interactive Community Walk map created by .

Check out the graph here, overall the average list price is just about over $140,000 since the beginning of this year in Lakeland. The average sold price so far this year amounts to $134,000 in Lakeland.

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

Do distressed properties dictate our property value and sales? 

Distressed properties are homes in pre-foreclosure, foreclosure, bank owned, as well as short sales - a continuous increase of distressed homes sales will certainly affect the real estate market and home values in Lakeland. Of the 135 homes sold last month homes 51 homes were sold with an average sales price of $123,543 compared to only 16 homes that were sold the previous year, due to Short Sales and/or Foreclosures.

There are currently 491 homes facing foreclosure.

139 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 $139,627. The priciest home currently on the market is listed for $750,000 and the lowest priced home is $15,000.   

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

Winter Haven - 59 properties sold - average sold price $126,543 - average $70.26 per sq.ft.

Bartow - 12 properties sold - average sold price $126,362 average $70.77 per sq.ft.

Mulberry - 7 properties sold - average sold price $145,755 - average $80.05 per sq.ft.

Auburndale - 16 properties sold - average sold price $172,696 - average $82.83 per sq.ft.

Polk City - 6 properties sold - average sold price $130,408 - $72.75 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.

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

Lakeland Florida - Review of December 2008 Real Estate Market

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

PO Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 -

Telephone (863) 619-6918

Twitter Local - Lakeland Florida Tweetup Meet

How did I found out about Tweetup meet? Twitter - Chuck Welch sent out a tweet and wrote a blog about this meeting. The day of the meeting I noticed that there was also an article in the local newspaper.

Granted, we're not the folks in Silicon Valley where Twitter predominantly rules the social media micro blogging.... but we sure were a fine group of about 30 people attending the local "Tweetup Meet" at the Black & Brew in Lakeland. Organized by a local blogger group in Lakeland Florida, Chuck Welch, who by the way creates the local maps included in my market reports, organized and spearheaded this great meeting. People from a variety background such as, news reporters, freelance writers and bloggers, social media marketing experts, clergy, fellow Active Rainer's and business entrepreneurs spent a couple of hours to discuss, share Twitter.

After introducing ourselves, we shared with each other the reasons why we are on Twitter, our experiences - one Twitter user expressed that since she has been blogging and tweeting, her business took off tremendously. We shared the various applications Twitter offers and our recommendations and vowed to do a "Tweetup meet" again in the near future.

Chuck Welch greets everyone and explains how Twitter works - you can follow him at @chuckwelch

Local bloggers, freelance writers, listening to Chuck Welch's recommendations

Great discussion and information from local Twitter users

Is there a local Twitter group or people you would like follow and meet or organize a Tweetup meet?

Finally if you have not followed me yet on Twitter, feel free to follow @petranorris

Copyright © 2009 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved | 

Twitter Local - Lakeland Florida Tweetup Meet 

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919

Lakeland Florida Homes New on Market - Weekly Update for 01/04/09

Hi fellow readers! It's Tuesday and time for my weekly update on newly listed properties in Lakeland. The numbers of homes recently listed increased considerably from the previous week of 36 homes to 74 homes listed with area Realtors®. The total amount of current inventory also increased slightly from the previous week to 2,323 homes listed for sale. The average sales price is $215,987 and with an average size of a home is 1,854 square feet, which calculates to $107.94 per square foot.  

Types of homes newly listed:

3 condos with an average price of $138,233

7 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $104,857

4 townhomes/villas with an average sales price of $116,175

60 single family homes with an average price of $116,175 

Please keep in mind that my weekly update is only for Lakeland homes.  Let's see which home is listed the most expensive and the lowest price home in terms of pricing.  Drum roll please.... the top of this week's list is a 1999 pool home featuring 4 bedrooms - 3 ½   baths and has almost 4,000 square feet of living space offered at $1,300,000.00. This custom-built home is located in the Highlands-By-The-Lake subdivision and has the view of Banana Lake.  On the contrary, the cheapest home this week's newly on the market is a HUD 3 bedrooms - 2 baths home and has over 1,400 square feet of living space; it is listed for $51,900 located in the Alafia River Basin subdivision. 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". 

The breakdown by zip code is as follows:

33801 - 06 at an average price of $97,783

33803 - 05 at an average price of $200,220

33805 - 04 at an average price of $157,450

33809 - 11 at an average price of $168,143

33810 - 14 at an average price of $203,371

33811 - 12 at an average price of $164,516

33812 - 04 at an average price of $552,450

33813 - 15 at an average price of $336,027

33815 - 03 at an average price of $74,933

Weekly update on distressed properties in Lakeland

The distressed home market has seen also a significant increase in properties being offered for sale from last week's 13 properties to 24 homes newly listed. The average price for a home is $137,991 ($74.06 per square foot). Distressed homes are categorized as "Bank-Owned", "Require 3^rd party approval (Short Sale)", "Pre-foreclosure", and "In-Foreclosure".

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.

Would you like to do your own search for properties?  Look no further, click on the "Search for Homes" icon or contact me directly at (863) 619-6918

Copyright © 2009 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved | 

Lakeland Florida Homes New on Market - Weekly Update for 01/04/09  

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919

Lakeland Florida Starter Home - Priced Below Average Sold Price $123,000

2231 Miguel Street

Lakeland, FL 33801

1453 Sq.Ft. 

Folks! This 3 Bedroom 2 Bath well maintained clean starter home features formal dining and formal living room. Tiled Eat-in Kitchen with updated appliances, plenty counter and cabinet space that leads to the family room. Neutral carpet in Master Bedroom and in the 2nd Bedroom, newly installed. Nicely landscaped with a fenced backyard that allows you to relax or enjoy your children and pets playing in a private setting. The home also has an enclosed lanai that will allow you to sit with family and friends and enjoy the outdoors. Shopping, parks, lakes, schools, and churches are located nearby. For the commuter to work, it is a short drive that leads to the Polk Parkway east to Orlando and west to Tampa. Ready for you to move right in! 

Priced below Lakeland's average 2008 sold prices, this home is ready for its new owners. Check out this property's own web site!

Copyright © 2009 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved | 

Lakeland Florida Starter Home - Priced Below Average Sold Price $134,900  

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919