Lakeland Real Estate Blog by Petra

It's official - FHA has formally announced the mortgage insurance changes for FHA loans

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:16:26 -0400

This important announcement with regards to FHA loans from Jeff Belonger must be shared with all Lakeland FL area home buyers. Mortgage Insurance Premium is going up effective October 4th, 2010.

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Via Jeff Belonger-The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans ( - FHA Home Loans - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):

FHA first shared these changes on August 4th, after it had been approved by Congress and then the President signed off on it on August 11th. FHA has finally come out with the mortgagee letter, ML 2010-28, which puts it officially in writing now.

This mortgagee letter is effective on FHA loans in which the case number is assigned on or after October 4th, 2010. This policy will increase the monthly mortgage insurance and decrease the mortgage insurance premiums for purchase money and refinance transactions, to include FHA streamline refinances.

So what are the major FHA changes regarding mortgagee letter 2010-28? - For terms greater than 15 years -

LTV's <= 95% will increase the monthly fee to 85 bps >> Old monthly fee was .50 bps

LTV's > 95% will increase the monthly fee to 90 bps >> Old monthly fee was .55 bps

And lastly, it will reduce the Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium, UFMIP, from 225 basis points to 100 basis points.

How will this affect new homebuyers?

3 quick examples (these examples are putting the minimum down payment of 3.5%)

On a $275,000 mortgage – the change in payment would be about $70 higher a month

On a $200,000 mortgage – the change in payment would be about $45 higher a month

On a $125,000 mortgage – the change in payment would be about $27 higher a month

Buyers Beware - If you have your eye set on a specific home, or are negotiating on a property, or are very serious about buying soon, you will have 31 days to make a mortgage application before these new changes take place.

FYI in regards to Charlie Ragonesi's comment, #4 - I still don't think that this will move buyers from FHA loans to conventional loanss. Here is my reason why... please read : FHA loans vs conventional loans - The buyer's buying power will only decrease by about $10,000 or so.

These 2 posts I wrote previously below go into more details about the changes and showing more detailed figures.

Bill H.R. 5981 passes - FHA Mortgages to increase it's annual mortgage insurance premium

STOP TAXATION? - The new changes for FHA loans are being called : The New Homebuyer Tax

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For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags!

For information about FHA myths & FHA rumors, please read : FHA Myths & Rumors

Copyright © 2010 by Jeff Belonger of Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc

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.

Cypress Lakes - Lakeland FL - Manufactured Home for Sale

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:56:46 -0400

Manufactured Home for Sale in the Cypress Lakes Active Adult Retirement Community - 2215 Cypress Cross Loop - Lakeland Florida

Manufactured Home For Sale in Cypress Lakes - Lakeland FL

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Cypress Lakes - Lakeland FL
Neighborhood

$126,000 Mobile Home
For Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1547 sqft
Lot: 5,702 sqft
Location

2215 Cypress Cross Loop
Lakeland, FL 33810
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Petra Norris

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. Real Estate Brokerage
(863) 619-6918
pnorris500@gmail.com
http://www.petranorris.com

Listed by: CDV TransAtlantic, Inc Real Estate Brokerage

Our recent listings

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Lakeland FL Home for Sale - Short Sale!
Manufactured Home For Sale in Cypress Lakes - Lakeland FL
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Cypress Lakes - Active Adult Golfing Retirement Community in Lakeland Florida

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:25:44 -0400

Cypress Lakes - Active Adult Golfing Retirement Community in Lakeland Florida

Looking for manufactured homes in an active adult 55+ community? Look no further...Cypress Lakes in Lakeland Florida has all the bells and whistles active adults can imagine. Located in North Lakeland just of Hwy 98 N when

entering this community you are greeted by shining lakes, cypress tress and an array of well maintained manufactured home built primarily by Palm Harbor and manicured lawn that you never have to mow or remove snow as you make your way to the 24hr manned gated entrance and throughout this great community.

Avid Golfer.... you are challenged by 2 picturesque 18-hole golf courses - Big Cypress South Champion Golf Course designed by Ron Garl - Big Cypress North Executive Golf Course designed by Chip Powel - both courses can place your skill level to test. Driving ranges and putting green are available to gain perfection in golfing. Lessons are also available by on-staff resident Golf pros and a fully staffed pro shop. Tournaments and leagues or taking place on a regular basis.

Not a fan of Golf? There is plenty to do in the Cypress Lakes community where you can exercise body, mind, and spirit:

Zero entry pool
Two spas
Top notch Nautilus-equipped fitness center
Lap pool
Tennis courts
Lovely library and computers
Large ballroom with performances and gala events
Arts & Crafts
Media room
Big Cypress Restaurant for wine and dining
Barbecue area
Bocce and plenty of other vibrant activities
Newly renovated Mediterranian-Style Clubhouse, a hub for a vibrant gathering and much, much more.

The residents of this pet-friendly Cypress Lakes Golf Community in Lakeland FL enjoy active resort-style amenities filled with activities for all ages over 55 or if you just want to do nothing, feel free... you are retired!

Not all land is created equal and most of the manufactured homes in this community are lot rent only, however, if you are interested in a manufactured home, fell free to contact me and I will provide you a list of homes located in the Cypress Lakes Golf Community in Lakeland, Florida that are land owned.

Overall Polk County Existing Home Sales for July 2010

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:03:39 -0400

Overall Polk County Existing Home Sales for July 2010

Polk County’s overall existing home sales still strong for numbers of homes sold for the Month of July with a total of 617 properties sold despite the declining home prices and the end of the first-time homebuyer tax credit. Prices continue to decrease downwards blaming it still widely on discounted distressed sales throughout the county from the previous year and years’ prior.

A look back in history:

July 2006 – median price $185,000 (-51.41%) – 721 homes sold
July 2007 – median price $180,000 (-50.06%) – 437 homes sold
July 2008 – median price $147,575 (-39.08%) – 462 homes sold
July 2009 – median price $108,000 (-16.76%) – 598 homes sold

617 existing homes sold – an decrease of 23.54% from the previous month (807 sold homes) in Polk County, FL.
Overall sales decreased marginally to $89,000 in Polk’s median price for existing homes from the previous month of $95,000, however, the Polk’s median home price from the previous year is showing a double-digit decline by 16.76%.

Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for July 2010 for existing home sales - single-family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes, duplex, villas, and townhomes -including distressed properties in Polk County. Please take note only sales recorded by Realtors® are taken into account. The source for this data is Mid-Florida Regional MLS Service; it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

City Average Sold Price Median Sold Price # of Homes Sold

AUBURNDALE 92,681 85,000 26 BABSON PARK 546,000 546,000 2 BARTOW 120,315 64,500 13 DAVENPORT 120,018 110,000 144 DUNDEE 55,475 59,450 4 EAGLE LAKE 101,025 98,000 4 FORT MEADE 45,667 45,000 3 FROSTPROOF 34,667 25,000 3 HAINES CITY 100,743 70,100 27 HIGHLAND CITY 40,700 40,700 2 KISSIMMEE 92,031 69,000 16 LAKE ALFRED 88,806 98,475 8 LAKE HAMILTON 90,000 90,000 1 LAKE WALES 88,548 71,750 28 LAKELAND 115,453 98,950 170 MULBERRY 115,239 124,950 14 POINCIANA 86,853 74,750 59 POLK CITY 45,560 35,250 4 WINTER HAVEN 102,240 75,000 89

Let me break down July 2010 Polk County existing homes sales into various categories:

520 Single family homes - median price $100,000 – 150 Average Days to Closing
31 Townhomes, villas and duplex units – median price $55,000 – 138 Average Days to Closing
37 Condominiums – median sold price - $70,450 – 119 Average Days on Closing
30 Modular, manufactured/mobile homes in park/out of park – median sold price $39,000 – 176 Average Days on Closing

Let’s take a look at the distressed Polk County real estate market!
There were 215 existing Polk County homes sold, not categorized as distressed properties, at a median sold price of $125,000 with 169 average days to closing, which counted for almost 34.85% of our total sales. The distressed properties however; which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales counted for 65.15% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of July.

307 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $73,000 – Average Days to Closing 94.
95 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $95,000 – Average Days to Closing 280

Search for your next home anywhere in Lakeland Florida or anywhere in Polk County by clicking the search button right here below:

Lakeland FL Homes For Sale - Real Estate Update for August 1st - August 14, 2010

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:39:07 -0400

Lakeland FL Homes For Sale - Real Estate Update for August 1st - August 14, 2010

Update for the Lakeland Real Estate market!  Newly listed homes for the period of August 1st - August 14, 2010. A total of 143 Lakeland FL homes were recently listed with area Realtors®. The average sales price of Lakeland home for sale increased to $161,693.03 from my previous report. The total inventory of Lakeland homes is 1994 as of 08/27/2010.

The types of homes and average prices for sale in Lakeland, Florida according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows:

2 duplex listed with an average sales price of $59,200

3 condos listed with an average sales price of $43,633

12 manufactured/mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $67,758

4 townhomes/villas listed with an average sales price of $105,250

122 single family homes with an average sales price of $177,366

Lakeland's newest home for sale just listed! The priciest home listed for this time period is a 2000 custom built home featuring 4 bedrooms 3 1/2 baths with over 4,700 square feet of living space.  The water front home is situated in the Lionspaw subdivision overlooking Lake Hollingsworth, it is offered at $1,000,000. On the contrary, the cheapest Lakeland home listed for this time period is a bank-owned 3 bedroom 2 baths home in the Palmore C W subdivision. It is offered at $21,000

All 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 FL Homes for Sale - take a look at the breakdown by zip code:

33801 - 21 with an average sales price of $67,893

33803 - 14 with an average sales price of $246,886

33805 - 07 with an average sales price of $142,757

33809 - 17 with an average sales price of $141,682

33810 - 33 with an average sales price of $157,611

33811 - 12 with an average sales price of $130,192

33812 - 08 with an average sales price of $222,550

33813 - 27 with an average sales price of $226,537

33815 - 04 with an average sales price of $42,925

Update on Lakeland FL Foreclosures and Short Sales:

A total of 693 Lakeland homes are currently actively being marketed that are facing foreclosure.  There were 69 Lakeland homes newly listed in the distressed category as Bank Owned and Short Sale with an average price of $109,010 or $62.21 per square foot.

August Update on "Sold & Pending" for Lakeland Real Estate

134 Lakeland homes so far sold in August with an average sales price of $112,270 There are currently 516 Lakeland homes in "pending" status awaiting to close according to the Multiple Listing. Check back soon for my detailed market report for Lakeland homes sold for August.

Looking for your next Lakeland FL home currently for sale, it is all right here with the click of your mouse - just click away!

Lakeland Florida Short Sale and Foreclosure Market Report – July 2010

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:58:15 -0400

Lakeland Florida Short Sale and Foreclosure Market Report – July 2010

For the month of June, the Lakeland real estate market of short sales and bank-owned (REO) properties increased its market share from 54% the previous month to 60%. There were a total of 102 properties sold, compared to 117 in June and 71 distressed Lakeland homes sold the year prior, according to Mid-Florida Regional MLS.

Currently there are a total of 1,976 Lakeland FL homes for sale and 513 homes under contract (8/20/2010). By calculating total inventory, homes that are under contract which are included in my inventory share because these properties have not closed in which a buyer could walk away at any given time.

Bank owned properties – Inventory share is 15.95%
Short sale properties – Inventory share is 26.67%

The Graph below compares sold homes in all categories – Traditional Sales (None Distressed), Lakeland Foreclosures (REO) and Lakeland Short Sales.

Average days to Closing for bank-owned properties are 99 days
Average days to Closing for other distressed properties are 261 days.

25 Lakeland Short Sale properties sold - average sold price $123,776 – median sold price $120,000

77 Lakeland Foreclosures (REO) sold – average sold price $68,209 – median sold price $57,500.

Looking for a great deal on Lakeland Short Sales and Lakeland foreclosures, feel free to contact me at petra@petranorris.com or click the search button below.

Lakeland Florida News – U.S. News & World Ranks Florida Southern College 8th In Southern Region

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:05:09 -0400

Lakeland Florida News – U.S. News & World Ranks Florida Southern College 8th In Southern Region

U.S. News & World ranked Florida Southern College in Lakeland Florida 8th place in the Southern Region based on graduation, retention rates, faculty quality, class size.

Lakeland’s Florida Southern College is a private liberal arts school affiliated with the Methodist Church that offers outstanding liberal arts and science core, as well as great professional programs for business and the medical field. Graduates of Florida Southern College become scientists, doctors, lawyers, teachers, business leaders, and volunteers contributing throughout our world.

And the buck doesn’t stop there! Lakeland’s Florida Southern College, according to the 2011 edition of the Princeton Review, received top honors as one of the Nation’s Most Beautiful Campus.

A look back in History of Florida Southern College

Florida Southern founded in 1883 originally named South Florida Institute, is the oldest private college in the State of Florida. After several moves throughout Central Florida, Florida Southern College found its final destination in Lakeland, Florida in 1922.

Most notably – The 100-acres campus of Florida Southern College has the world largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright known as “Child of the Sun”, such as the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, Water Dome, and the Esplanades stretching along the campus grounds.

Quick Facts according to Florida Southern College

Undergraduates: 2,185

Male/Female ratio: 41:59

In-state: 65%

Out of State: 35%

International: 4%

Student/Professor: 13:1

Mascot: Mocassins “Mocs”

Costs: Full-Time Residential $32,972 included tuition, fees room and board.

Full-Time Commuting $24,662 for tuition and fees

NCAA Div-II National Championships: 27

Check out the video tour of Lakeland Florida and its beauty

Overall Lakeland FL Real Estate Market Report for July 2010

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:15:46 -0400

Overall Lakeland FL Real Estate Market Report for July 2010

So far for this year overall Lakeland Home prices averaging around $117,000 and July’s average overall home price was $116,042. However, only 169 Lakeland Homes sold last month, producing the third lowest numbers of Lakeland Homes sold for this year. Average and median prices for the overall Lakeland FL Real Estate Market declined sharply from the previous year by double digits. Distressed properties continue to be a major contributor in determining market values for Lakeland FL homes with over 60% of the market share.

Lakeland Homes sold in July: 169 - previous month: 216 – previous year July 09: 189 sold
July – average sales price $116,042

Previous month: $118,182 (-1.81%) – previous year July 09: $148,233 (-21.72%)

July – median sales price $99,000
Previous month: $109,200 (-9.16%) – previous year July 09: $130,000 (-23.85%)

The graph below represents average and median home prices in Lakeland for various categories. When our media provides us with a real estate market reports, generally these reports outline only Single Family Homes and Condominiums. Lakeland Florida has a variety of homes, such as manufactured homes, townhomes, villas and duplex units.

What are the various average prices in each Lakeland zip code?
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 and graphs for this report were 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.

A total of 2492 Lakeland homes are for sale and under contract resulting in a 12 months supply, noticing that our inventory increased suggesting that supply continues to be greater than the demand

Let’s break it down for you to see the supply and demand for traditional homes for sale versus the distressed market in the Lakeland real estate market.
Traditional homes only – Inventory active and pending 1427 homes resulting in 24 month of supply.
Distressed properties – Inventory active and pending 1065 homes resulting in a 11 month of supply.

Distressed properties in Lakeland, Florida
For the month of July, Lakeland’s real estate market of distressed homes had a market share of 60%. There were a total of 102 homes sold in July, according to Mid-Florida Regional MLS.

Check back soon for July’s detailed Lakeland Florida Real Estate market report that highlights bank-owned properties (REOs) and Lakeland Short Sales.

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.

WILL FAMILIES BE DENIED A MORTGAGE IF THE FEMALE MORTGAGE APPLICANT IS OF CHILD BEARING AGE??

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:35:50 -0400

This subject brings up a more important issue other than perhaps a violation of the Fair Housing Act that Lenn Harley and myself have:

What I'd like to know is WHAT GUIDELINE is that underwriter following to have the basis for asking that question? Is it Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA or is it a reflection of that underwriter's bias against borrowers of child bearing age?? Is it a portfolio guideline?? Is it an investor condition??? Just what sparked this question???

This is a larger issue than would be thought at first glance.

Via Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland (Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate):

WILL FAMILIES BE DENIED A MORTGAGE IF THE FEMALE MORTGAGE APPLICANT IS OF CHILD BEARING AGE??

ERICA RAMOS POSTS A MUST READ ARTICLE ABOUT what could be a new trend in mortgage discrimination. The lender was Bank of America. However, we know how fast trends can spread through an industry. SEE: Newest Discrimination: PREGNANCY and Your Mortgage App

Don't forget that a "FAMILY" can be a family of one person. If a husband and wife can be denied a mortgage if the wife is of child bearing age, WHAT ABOUT SINGLE WOMEN of child bearing age??

What about the Equal Credit Opportunity Act which prohibits discrimination by familial status (children under 18), and more???

IMO, their actions clearly violated the Fair Housing Act. My opinion isn't worth a hill of beans and I know it. However, I am of an age (older than dirt) to remember and have experienced discrimination of the type related in Erica's post. When I was a young widow with five children, I was denied credit on numerous occasion when trying to buy a home, get store credit, etc. even though I had a higher than average income. I eventually purchased a home by assuming a VA loan. The cost of the home was $36,000 and I paid the sellers $6,000 cash (their equity), assumed their mortgage and had a home in Arlington Virginia for my children, one large German Shepherd dog and a giant rabbit.

I can also remember a time when a wife's income would not be included in the income ratios if she was of child bearing age. I had thought that those times had long passed, but it appears that good old BofA has decided to bring them back. I believe that the Cato Institute covered this well in a study about housing and mortgage discrimination.

My question is, why didn't the couple in Erica's post just get up and walk out when the question was asked? Why do consumers let vendors get away with these gross insults????

Hey. Perhaps that underwriter would make loan approval conditioned on the wife being sterilized. . . . or the husband.

FROM CATO:

The Letter of the Law

Two federal laws directly address discriminatory

acts in the mortgage market. The Fair Housi

ng Act proh i bits di s c ri m i nat ion with resp e ct to any

aspect of a housing transaction, including the provision of

mortgage financing. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act

targets discrimination in lending transactions. In addition

to race, both acts identify several other characteristics that

are protected under the law, including gender, marital status,

religion, national origin, familial status, and handicap.

Emphasis added. . . . .   More.

WHAT TO DO?    Contact one of the Fair Housing enforcement groups in the area who will then send "TESTERS" to establish other cases. Then they file a law suit and IN DISCOVERY, get the internal documents where BofA instructs their loan officers to ask the very questions that they, BofA, asked these mortgage applicants.

A TREND OR A ONE TIME MISTAKE?? That is the question.   Are we facing a time when consumers of child bearing age will be denied equal borrowing opportunity because there is a female of child bearing age in the family?

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

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Looming Deadline to Appeal your Property Assessed Value in Florida

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:15:34 -0400

Looming Deadline to Appeal your Property Assessed Value in Florida

The property appraiser mails out Truth in Millage or TRIM Notices to Florida’s homeowners in mid-August.

Are you in disagreement with the assessed property value of your Polk County Florida home?
The Value Adjustment Board notices include three values

Market value
Assessed value
Taxable value

If you don’t agree with the market value, you have the right to appeal your tax assessment by filing a petition to the Value Adjustment Board.

An informal meeting is encouraged to have your estimation of the market value from the assessor’s property appraisal reviewed by going to the Polk County Property Appraiser’s office and discuss the matter.

Filing a petition
You must file a “petition” in order to appeal before the Value Adjustment Board can hear your case. Completed petitions must be filed with the Value Adjustment Board. The non-refundable filing fee is $15 related to a single parcel, plus $5 for reach contiguous parcel. The petition filing for single parcel in Polk County may also be filed online.

Timely Filing of Petition:
Petitions related to valuation issues may be filed at any time during the taxable year on or before the 25th day following the mailing of the TRIM notices of proposed property taxes. The Value Adjustment Board must receive the petition by the 25th day.
If a representative is acting on your behalf he or she must have written authorization from you the taxpayer, which also applies for immediate family members if their names are not on the deed.

Where to go, call or file in Polk County Florida?

Bartow Office
255 N. Wilson Ave Phone: 863-534-4777
Bartow, FL 33830 Fax: 863-534-4753
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (M-F)

Lakeland Office
912 E. Parker St. Phone: 863-413-2549
Lakeland, FL 33801 Fax: 863-413-2550
Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (M-F)

Winter Haven Office
3425 Lake Alfred Rd. Phone: 863-401-2424
3 Gill Jones Plaza Fax: 863-401-2428
Winter Haven, FL 33881 Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm (M-F)

Lunch Date…not sure where to go – Give Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro in Lakeland FL a Try!

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:42:09 -0400

Lunch Date…not sure where to go – Give Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro in Lakeland FL a Try!

Recently I met with two wonderful ladies for lunch at Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro, located on 205 E Main Street, Lakeland, Florida right across from Munn Park in downtown Lakeland.

I have been there on many occasions for a cup of coffee with a client or a gathering such as a tweetup, light dinner during First Fridays. I have never been disappointed in their food or their service.

Greeted by friendly staff who in no time served me the drink and provided me with their lunch recommendations. There are plenty of choices for the most discriminating patron. From the typical club sandwich and panini to the colorful Mediterranean Salad or a gourmet flat of Steak & Truffled Portobello at dinner with a vast selection for vegetarians.

I would go to my table where my lady friends waited. The restaurant was rather full at lunchtime and to my surprise, lunch was served within ten minutes. While reminiscing and eating we all were very pleased with our lunch selections.

Next time when you are on a lunch date with friends, family or a client, give Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro in Lakeland, Florida a try. Prices are reasonable too!

Business hours:

Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A Place to Relax - Lake Morton in Lakeland Florida

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:58:58 -0500

A Place to Relax - Lake Morton in Lakeland Florida

Lake Morton named after John P. Morton of Louisville, Kentucky is the center of Lakeland’s historic Lake Morton District areas, which extends from Florida Southern College encompassed by tree-lined brick streets showcasing recently renovated many astonishing fine historic Victorian homes, brick homes, older bungalows, cottages and Mediterranean style homes that were constructed in the early 1920’s stretching to downtown Lakeland.

The immaculate spherical 40-acre Lake Morton is just a short distance away from downtown, a selection of its 1 mile shoreline was recently restored with rock material to prevent erosion and plants for aquatic vegetation planted along the shoreline. Lake Morton serves as a bird sanctuary and is the home of the world-famous swans along with birds, ducks, geese, white pelicans, and other species. So please remember, while driving around Lake Morton, keep in mind that swans, geese and ducks do have the right of way.

Lake Morton is the setting of the annual Mayfaire-by-the-Lake festival, which is held generally the weekend of Mother’s Day. The neighborhood is surrounded by historic homes, businesses, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland Public Library, and Polk Museum of Art, churches, senior assisted living and apartments.

Although no fishing and boating allowed. Lake Morton with its picturesque setting gives you tranquility and a feel of relaxation. Next time when you are in Lakeland Florida, head on to Lake Morton – bring your family, take a walk, and feed the birds and a have a picnic, too. It’s a perfect place to spend quality time with your family and don’t forget the camera - you might just get a glimpse of a white ibis or a flock of white pelicans.

Look! - The bird is hanging out with the turtle

Grey Herons are part of Lake Morton in Lakeland Florida

It's bird gathering time on Lake Morton

Lakeland Florida is surely a great place to live!

A Place to Relax - Lake Morton in Lakeland Florida

Petra Norris – Realtor®

Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

P.O. Box 92050 – Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 Telephone (863) 618-6919

Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club in North Lakeland, FL

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:36:30 -0400

Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club in North Lakeland, FL

Do you like to play Golf? Then this is the place for you. North 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 own gated community. Homes for sale in the Huntington Golf & Country communityranging from $150,00 to $329,000. Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club 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 North Lakeland. Look no further!

Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club in North 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

BridgeWater - One of Lakeland Florida Newest Communities

Fri, 23 May 2008 16:53:28 -0400

BridgeWater - One of Lakeland Florida Newest Communities

Introducing a new master-planned community, BridgeWater a lakefront destination where life can be tranquil and the serene settings capture the real meaning of small town living. Close to major cities, such as Tampa and Orlando, located in North Lakeland, minuets from Interstate 4; yet far enough detached to truly feel like a lake retreat, this stunning community features all the essentials for great living including home sites with views of the water from nearly every point.

BridgeWater encompasses over half of picturesque lakes. Ruth, Hazel, Peggy, Serena, and Jane; the named lakes representing the spirit of the many women who lived in this special place called Lakeland in which they played a major part in Lakeland's history.

A spacious amenities center - The Lake Club - features a beautiful clubhouse, a resort style pool, basketball & tennis court, fitness center and a state-of-the-art playground for your children. A community dock for the residents' enjoyment of fishing and canoeing is a welcome amenity. Residents of the BridgeWater community will enjoy the convenience of a new 18-hole golf course located on the adjacent land next to the community entrance. BridgeWater community is zoned for Wendell Watson Elementary, Lake Gibson Middle School and the newly built Tenoroc High School, which opens August 2008.

Would you not want to be in this beautifully designed swimming pool?

Or play a game of tennis with your friends

Here you can enjoy watching your kids play!

New Home Builders building in this outstanding community

William Ryan Homes - Price Range - High $100's to High $200's

Highland Homes - Price Range - Mid $100's to Mid $200's

KBHomes - Price Range - Mid $100's to Low $200's

Vallery Custom Homes - Low $200's to Low $300's

*Prices are effective 4/2/2008 and are subject to change without notice. Subsequent sales may have resulted in unavailability of some offerings.

Folks, if you would like to make BridgeWater your future home here in Lakeland, Florida and would like more information or tour this excellent community, give me Petra Norris a call at (863) 619-6918.

BridgeWater - One of Lakeland Florida Newest Communities

Petra Norris - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. - Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker P.O. Box 92050 Lakeland, FL 33804-2050

Telephone (863) 619-6918
This blog is solely my point of view

Lakeland FL Homes For Sale - Real Estate Update for July 16 - July 31, 2010

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:04:07 -0400

Lakeland FL Homes For Sale - Real Estate Update for July 16 - July 31, 2010

Update for the Lakeland Real Estate market!  Newly listed homes for the period of July 16 through July 31, 2010. A total of 208 Lakeland FL homes were recently listed with area Realtors®. The average sales price of Lakeland home for sale increased to $154,161 from my previous report. The total inventory of Lakeland real estate is 2014 as of 08/05/2010.

The types of homes and average prices for sale in Lakeland, Florida according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows:

1 duplex listed with an average sales price of $59,000

7 condos listed with an average sales price of $98,800

17 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $64,194

10 townhomes/villas listed with an average sales price of $108,020

173 single family homes with an average sales price of $168,459

Lakeland's newest home for sale just listed! The priciest home listed for this time period is a 1998 pool home that features 4 bedrooms 4 baths with over 5,000 square feet of living space.  The home is situated on an approximately 3/4 acre on Forest Hills Drive and is offered at $999,000. On the contrary, the cheapest Lakeland home listed for this time period is a 3 bedroom 2 baths home in the Weswego subdivision. It is offered at $9,500 - home is scheduled for demolition.

All 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 FL Homes for Sale - take a look at the breakdown by zip code:

33801 - 20 with an average sales price of $93,920

33803 - 26 with an average sales price of $150,027

33805 - 12 with an average sales price of $147,391

33809 - 33 with an average sales price of $128,976

33810 - 38 with an average sales price of $126,034

33811 - 17 with an average sales price of $162,012

33812 - 16 with an average sales price of $152,819

33813 - 41 with an average sales price of $244,812

33815 - 05 with an average sales price of $47,119

Update on Lakeland FL Foreclosures and Short Sales:

A total of 686 Lakeland homes are currently actively being marketed that are facing foreclosure.  There were 89 Lakeland homes newly listed in the distressed category as Bank Owned and Short Sale with an average price of $112,309 or $65.13 per square foot.

July Update on "Sold & Pending" for Lakeland Real Estate

168 Lakeland homes so far sold in July with an average sales price of $115,176. There are currently 485 Lakeland homes in "pending" status awaiting to close according to the Multiple Listing. Check back soon for my detailed market report for Lakeland homes sold in July.

Looking for your next Lakeland FL home, it is all right here with the click of your mouse - just click away!