Lakeland Real Estate Blog by Petra

Lakeland Florida Local Social Media Tweetup/Meetup at "The Ledger" 

I'm sure you heard by now in the local news, the fury of Twitter and Facebook. Perhaps you follow Twitter folks around the country, here in Lakeland or around Polk County. Want to meet your local followers face-to-face? Then come and join Lakeland area bloggers and other social media users such as Twitter or Facebook on March 31^st, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ledger's lobby building at 300 West Lime Street, Lakeland Florida 33813

Barry Friedman, the Ledger's Managing Editor/Digital, offered the use of the Ledger's lobby - Refreshments and tours of the Polk county newspaper of record are on the agenda.

To help Chuck Welch and Barry know how many to expect how many plan to come. Email Chuck Welch at tweetup [at] lakelandlocal.com, or send him a tweet at @chuckwelch.

The last time we met at Black & Brew, it was a presentation of how to. This time, Chuck and Barry want to take a more laid-back approach this time. No presentations teaching the wonders of Twitter. Just a group of social media fans with the opportunity to meet in person. It's a chance to mingle with Lakeland's social media cutting edge.

Hope to see you there! 

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

Check out the article about I become a Twitter Member! - Tweet... Tweet.... Rockin' Robin "Twitter"

Are you on Twitter? If you no one, if you're not on Twitter

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

Lakeland Florida Local Social Media Tweetup/Meetup at "The Ledger"  

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919

Hi folks, it's time again for the weekly update on newly listed Lakeland properties! There were 69 homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $182,264 or $97.77 per square foot with area Realtors®, a decline from 76 homes listed from the previous week.

We have seen a continued decline in newly listed properties and also seen a steady inventory in recent months at about 2,200 properties that are actively marketed for sale according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS).

Amongst the newly listed properties, here is a breakdown of category:

1 ½ duplex listed for sale at $69,000

1 condo is listed at a sales price of $239,900

4 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $76,625

4 townhomes/villas with an average sales price of $99,825

59 single family homes with an average price of $195,958

For more information, please read the rest of this artical here

Lake Hollingsworth Neighborhood - Lakeland Florida Historic Community

The heart and soul of Lakeland rests around the Lake Hollingsworth. During the 1920s homes were built around Lake Hollingsworth area. The south shore of Lake Hollingsworth was then a popular swimming and boating spot when J.L. Francis built Francis Beach in 1915, which incidentally was the place to go for weekly dances. Overlooking the north shore of Lake Hollingsworth is the home of Florida Southern College featuring the world's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright. With Annie Pfeiffer Chapel completed first in 1941 incorporates all of the basic elements and true specimen of Wright's intellectual style.

Lake Hollingsworth - attracted by its size, walk paths, designated bicycle road, you'll find on average about 2,000 people use the lake and shoreline for recreational activities. Over the years, annual water skiing tournaments, sailboat regattas, boat parades were the main attractions and to this day the annual Orange Cup Regatta hydroplane competition are held each spring amongst the many Charity activities supporting our local communities throughout the year.

View Larger Map

Lake Hollingsworth Neighborhood - a short distance from the Lake Morton District is surrounded by tree-lined streets showcasing recently renovated many astonishing fine historic Victorian homes, brick homes, older bungalows, and Mediterranean style homes that were constructed in the early 1920's to its present day. It is an established neighborhood of very unique and luxurious homes. Spanish moss hanging from massive, ancient oak trees; large front porches decorated rockers, planters and stained-glass windows.

The Cleveland Heights Golf & Country Club, the Lakeland Yacht Club, Tennis courts, play-grounds, parks and sports fields are all nearby.

These pictures below are just some of the beautiful treasures surrounding Lake Hollingsworth Neighborhood.

Lakeland Florida Harrison School - Piano Concert & Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band Concert

The Harrison Piano Students under the direction of Rebekah Haubry will be performing solos and ensembles repertoire from some favorite composers, such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Scriabin, Brahms, and many more at their annual Spring Piano Concert on Tuesday March 24^th , 2009 at 7:30 p.m. on the main state of the Harrison School for the Arts Theater located at 750 Lakeland Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland Florida 33801

Surprise! The senior piano ensemble class will be performing an exciting closing number for your enjoyment!  

Freshmen - Derik Thomas, Richard Anderson, Alvaro Ulloa.

Sophomores - Angel Lee, Tyler Seymour, Matthew Oliver, Sabrina Morby, James Maffett, Robert Fleitz.

Juniors - Ben Vickers, Lorel Schmitzberger, Miranda Walls, Shelli Sokolski, Mary-Catherine Savant.

Seniors - Tyler Campbell, Bryce Bresana, Samantha Sokolski, Garrett Williams.

The Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band Concert will showcase their selection on Thursday March 26, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for both performances are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.harrisonarts.com  and will include a nominal merchant fee. Remember to bring your e-ticket to the event. Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to performance.

The Harrison Box Office will be open at 6:00 p.m. the evening of the performances. (863) 499-2939.

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

• Connections & Combinations, Visual Arts Exhibit & Reception, Mitchell Gallery, Feb. 27 - Mar. 27.
• 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 - Piano Concert & Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band Concert

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919

A great perspective of AIG and the Home Affordable Modification Program Guideline in relation to the homeowner.

Hi folks, here is my weekly update on newly listed Lakeland properties! There were 76 homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $194,453 or $95.50 per square foot. While the numbers of newly listed properties decreased from 84 homes the previous week to 76 listed with area Realtors®; we have seen a steady inventory in recent months at about 2,200 properties that are actively marketed for sale according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS).

Let’s give the inventory some perspective - during the height of the market around June 2005 our inventory was at 473 homes and the month of supply was at 1.16. In February of 2008, the property inventory grew to over 3,000 home, that translates to approximately a 28 month of supply.

We continue experiencing a high volume of inventory, but all in all we are reaching the levels of 2006. Amongst the newly listed properties, here is a breakdown of category:

3 ½ duplex listed for sale at $79,966

1 condo is listed at a sales price of $89,900

3 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $122,766

2 townhomes/villas with an average sales price of $126,250

67 single family homes with an average price of $206,385

For more information, please read the rest of this artical here

Lakeland Florida Harrison School for the Arts presents "An Evening of Opera"  

The Harrison Choral Department under the direction of Judy McLaurin and Chad Brady is inviting you to "An Evening of Opera" at 7:30 p.m. on the main state of the Harrison School for the Arts Theater located at 750 Lakeland Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland Florida 33801

The Harrison Chamber Singers will present "One False Move," a modern opera by Susan Kander. Set in a high school, "One False Move" is based on the troublesome issues of girl bullying between two girls, Amy and Bonnie, The junior and senior women will bring to life this powerful drama through songs.

After intermission, the audience will be treated by these talented soloists and small ensembles performing repertoire such as:

•         Marriage of Figaro 
•         Tales of Hoffman 
•         Magic Flute 
•        Madame Butterfly

Harrison Singers will sing the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from "Nabucco," The Bridal Chorus from "Lohengrin," and the Bell Chorus from "I Pagliacci."

Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.harrisonarts.com  and will include a nominal merchant fee. Remember to bring your e-ticket to the event.

The Harrison Box Office will be open at 6:00 p.m. the evening of the performances. (863) 499-2939.

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

• 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 presents "An Evening of Opera"

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 Housing Report for February - Has it Bottom Out?

The housing market in Lakeland Florida still showed difficulties. But there are some promising signs that showed some improvement, so keep reading….

While the average sales price of $132,801 ($69.50 per sq.ft) for February dropped to 22% from the previous year, it showed a slight increase of 1% from the previous month. There was also an increase in properties sold, 125 Lakeland properties were sold in February compared to 113 homes sold the previous month. Over the past three month, the average sold price for a Lakeland home was $132,800.

What do you think has the market in Lakeland, Florida bottom out?

With the recent declining inventory and the latest sold data information within the past few months, there are definitely signs showing that this market has bottom out. Caution, however, must be taken into consideration since almost half of the sold homes were “Bank-owned” properties which generally drive the property values of the homes down.

What is selling in Lakeland?

Within the past few months and February proofed to be no different, the distressed homes and more importantly the bank-owned (REO) properties dominated the sales activities here in Lakeland with 62 properties sold in February.

With over 2500 properties currently for sale and pending, we are experiencing a 21 month of supply for the regular homes and distressed homes.

Let’s break it down for you to see the supply and demand here in Lakeland for common properties for sale versus the distressed market.

Common properties only – Inventory active and pending 1877 homes resulting in 31 month of supply.

Distressed properties – Inventory active and pending 649 homes resulting in an 11 month supply.

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”. The numbers highlighted in pink represents the zip codes where average sold prices have exceeded.

Which zip codes represents the most sales activities since January 2009?

Distressed properties are homes in pre-foreclosure, foreclosure, bank-owned, as well as short sales – While foreclosure filings are up throughout the State of Florida, there are over 1100 Lakeland homes facing foreclosure. Only 490 Lakeland properties being marketed with area Realtors®, which leads me to believe that a lot of folks simply ignoring the fact or don’t know who they can turn to in this difficult time asking for advice and help. Folks if you are late with your mortgage payments, having difficulties making mortgage payments or have been notified by the lender via Lis Pendens, it is not too late. If you have lost your job, faced some kind of hardship Short Sale may be your solution.

Of the 125 homes sold last month in Lakeland, 62 distressed homes were sold with an average sales price of $103,137($58.82 per sq.ft.) compared to only 15 homes that were sold the previous year, due to Short Sales and/or Foreclosures. Interestingly to note that 51 out of 62 properties were bank-owned (REO) and these homes make up almost 50% in total sales in Lakeland, Florida.

There are currently 490 homes facing foreclosure.

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

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

Winter Haven - 57 properties sold - average sold price $117,026 - average $61.97 per sq.ft.

Bartow - 7 properties sold - average sold price $93,928 average $70.79 per sq.ft.

Mulberry - 11 properties sold - average sold price $96,124 - average $61.14 per sq.ft.

Auburndale - 17 properties sold - average sold price $83,032 - average $55.69 per sq.ft.

Polk City - 5 properties sold - average sold price $86,960 - $59.37 per sq.ft.

Lake Alfred - 5 properties sold - average sold price $130,540 - $64.80 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 © 2009 http://www.petranorris.com| All Rights Reserved|

Lakeland Florida Housing Report for February - Has it Bottom Out?

Petra Norris

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

PO Box 92050 – Lakeland, FL 33804-2050

Telephone (863) 619-6918

Lakeland Florida Homes for Sale - Weekly Update on New Listings 03/01/09 - 03/07/09

Hi folks! Here are the numbers of my weekly update. The numbers of homes newly marketed have increased from the previous week of 71 homes to 84 homes listed with area Realtors®. The average sales price for the newly listed homes dipped to $188,280 or $96.89 per square foot. Currently, Lakeland's total inventory as of Wednesday, March 11^th, 2009 slightly decreased to 2,199 homes listed for sale. The average sales price is $214,563 and with an average size of a home is 1,865 square feet, which calculates to $115.05 per square foot.  

1 ½ duplex listed at $88,000

6 condominiums listed with an average sales price of $135,966

4 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $96,500

5 Townhomes/Villas listed with an average sales price of $169,060

68 single family homes with an average price of $201,182

The priciest home that came newly on the market is a 2007 luxury pool home located in the Eaglebrooke Golf Community; featuring 5 bedrooms and 4 baths with over 4,700 square feet of living space currently offered for $1,175,000.  On the contrary, the cheapest home newly on the market is a 3 bedroom 1 bath bank-owned fixer-upper listed for only $19,900 - $17.21 per square foot.

For more information, please read the rest of this artical here

Living in Florida during Spring Season 

Spring Season in Florida is my favorite time of the year.... The weather is sunny, mild with little or no rain just as the "Chamber of Commerce" with picturesque postcards would love to showcase its town to our visitors from out of state and worldwide. Snowbirds flocking from the wintery cold North to the sunny South watching American's favorite past time game of Baseball during Spring Training, visiting theme parks and spending time at Florida's sandy-white beaches especially here in Central Florida.

Spring in Florida has also a dark side. Here in Lakeland Florida as it is also the case in cities around Central Florida weather conditions is really dry and with no rain in sight.... It has become a real problem for some time now.  

Just yesterday as I was leaving my home driving to a customer house in a North Lakeland community, smoke filled the skies over a predominantly rural area of North Lakeland. Stepping out of my car, I could smell and see the smoke right outside of my own backyard.  Although the brush fires were a few miles away from my house it was just a little too close for comfort.  Today, the fire and health officials advising folks who are having any types of breathing problems, such as asthma, heart disease etc. are encouraged to stay at home, turn on the air conditioner and close the windows. 

Smoke rises behind a new subdivision of Marcum Road!

I am really concerned about these very dry conditions because I live close by I-4 corridor and just to give folks a reminder of this very tragic accident that happened on I-4 on January 9^th, 2008 and what can happen when smoke and fog is mixed.  

I also grew up in a smoking environment where most of my family members are smokers. I do know it is hard quitting this addiction and I don't condone your smoking habit. But I do see and I see this very often that those smokers while driving their car or a company vehicle flicking their cigarette butts out the window - Folks, let me tell you that this action is plain ole stupid and irresponsible to your fellow neighbor fighting the fires to protect your home and the folks living and visiting Central Florida.   

Let's all do our part of keeping our environment safe - Please keep your cigarettes inside your cars!  

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

Living in Florida during Spring Season  

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919