Lakeland Fl Homes for Sale, Real Estate and more...

Lakeland FL - Taking A Stroll Around Lake Morton

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Thu, 23 May 2013 06:59:25 -0700

Lakeland FL - Taking A Stroll Around Lake Morton

Lake Morton is one of the 38 natural lakes in Lakeland FL. The immaculate spherical 40-acre Lake Morton is just a short distance away from downtown, a selection of its 1 mile shoreline was restored with rock material to prevent erosion and planting aquatic vegetation along the shoreline. Lake Morton is the home of the world-famous swans and its history that involves a little girl and the Queen of England, along with birds, ducks, geese, white pelicans, and other species. Remember, while driving around Lake Morton, keep in mind that swans, geese and ducks do have the right of way.

Recently Lakeland FL has been named a bicycle friendly community. You can use your bike and ride from lake-to-lake which not only includes Lake Morton, but Lake Mirror, Lake Hollingsworth, Lake Wire, Lake Hunter and Lake Beula as well. I recommend this to be also a great way of things to do during the summer when the kids are out off school. Biking is a great exercise for the whole family to enjoy.

Mayfaire-by-the-lake which is an art show with music, entertainment and food that is staged annually around Lake Morton and brings people here from all over Central Florida. Equipped with my camera on this beautiful Sunday afternoon, I took a stroll around Lake Morton and took pictures of art, people, animals and of course Lake Morton.

If you happen to be driving through or into Lakeland FL, stop by at Lake Morton, which is centrally located just South on Massachusetts Avenue. Give yourself a break and enjoy the picturesque lake and the surrounding wild life. It is also a great summer spot for families and children enjoying a picnic, feed the ducks or taking pictures.

Hope you will enjoy this video and please do share:

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

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Deadline to Refinance Your Lakeland Fl Home With An FHA Loan Is On June 3

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Wed, 22 May 2013 04:40:11 -0700

Deadline to Refinance Your Lakeland Fl Home With An FHA Loan Is On June 3, 2013

If you are looking to refinance your Lakeland Fl home with an FHA loan, then you should do all your paperwork before June 3, 2013. After June 3rd, homeowners with FHA loans can no longer cancel their mortgage insurance premiums once the outstanding principal balance of the loan reaches 78% of the original balance.

For loans where the starting balance is higher than 90% of the appraised value, the owner will be required to pay the premiums for the life of the loan. If the loan to ratio value starts at 90% or lower, then the borrower must pay the premium payments for 11 years, even if the loan drops under 78% of the original balance.

For most loans with a case number starting with April 1, the FHA has raised the annual mortgage insurance premium by 0.10 percentage point or $100 per year for every loan worth $100,000. For jumbo loans more than $625,000 with a term longer than 15 years, the increase will be 0.05 percentage point or $50 per year or each loan amounting to $100,000.

To make it clearer, here is a sample scenario. A Lakeland Fl FHA borrower is paying a mortgage insurance premium of $50 per month on a 30-year loan. If the borrower gets a case number prior to June 3, 2013, it may take them 281 months to reach the 78% mark where their monthly mortgage insurance premium could be dropped. However, if the borrower failed to get a case number before June 3, then the borrower may have to pay the premium for all the 360 months of their 30 year loan. That’s 79 months more than if they had followed the June 3rd deadline. For the life of the loan, the $50 per month then becomes $3,950.

These increases will not happen if the borrower refinances the existing FHA loan endorsed on or before May 31, 2009.

FHA has made these changes due to their decreasing reserves, which are the effects of bad loans made during the housing slump. These changes are needed in order to rebuild the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund.

Because of these recent changes, some borrowers are wondering if the FHA loan is still a good option. These loans have traditionally allowed buyers with a lower income and credit score to get a mortgage loan for their Lakeland Fl homes. FHA loans also have lower interest rates and lower down payment. But with the new rules in place, these lower down payments could actually cost the borrower more in the long run.

If you are a borrower with a good credit score and have the case for a larger down payment, then conventional loans may be the better option since they offer more options and more competitive rates.

Make sure to get the help of a professional mortgage broker who can educate you on how these new rules will affect your individual case with your Lakeland Fl home.

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

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SOLD! Lakeland FL Condo For Sale - 1130 N Lake Parker Avenue C229

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:01:51 -0700

SOLD! Lakeland FL Condo For Sale - 1130 N Lake Parker Avenue C229

Would you believe when I tell you that luck struck twice with the same sellers. It just so happen they had another property, a Lakeland FL condominium in a different community than the Sandpiper Golf home.

Same history - I was contacted by one of the executors of the estate for a market analysis of this home in January of 2013 after it as been listed by another real estate agent since 2010. Although the home showed well and was kept clean, it was totally overpriced.

After I presented my market analysis and my marketing plan, the executors realized that the home was overpriced. He was delighted what he saw about my marketing plan and the price range I suggested, he said he would talk with the other executors and make a decision. Within a day they asked me to send them a listing agreement, which they signed electronically and the rest....well they say it's history.

The home was listed on January 30, 2013 for $40,000 and within 42 days we received an offer which was accepted by the executors. Inspections followed, which were to the satisfaction of the buyer.

It was strange, or as some would say, things happen for a reason. I received offers on both of the properties on the same day, of course they were different buyers and it just so happened that both properties closed on the same day.

Once we had a clear to close by the Judge via probate, the home closed on May 24, 2013

Sold Price $38,000

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

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SOLD! Lakeland FL Sandpiper Golf Homes for Sale - 5962 Chickadee Drive

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:14:29 -0700

SOLD! Lakeland FL Sandpiper Golf Homes for Sale - 5962 Chickadee Drive

I was contacted by one of the executors of the estate for a market analysis of this home in January of 2013 after it as been listed by another real estate agent since 2010. Although the home showed well and was kept clean, it was the talk of the community because it has been so long on the market and totally overpriced.

The home was listed on January 30, 2013 for $145,000 and within 42 days we received an offer which was accepted by the executors. Inspections followed after appraisal came back satisfactory, which were also to the satisfaction of the buyer.

Once we had a clear to close through probate and the buyer's lender, the home closed on May 24, 2013

Sold Price $140,000

Seller's closing cost assistance $4,200.

Sandpiper Golf Homes for Sale - Lakeland FL

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Video
Neighborhood

$140,000 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,828 sqft
Lot: 5,400 sqft
Location

5962 Chickadee Drive
Lakeland, FL 33809
USA

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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

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Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

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How To Keep Your Privacy During a Lakeland Fl Home Showing

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:27:57 -0700

How To Keep Your Privacy During a Lakeland Fl Home Showing

At one of my recent showings with a buyer, I could not believe what I saw when we toured this beautiful home in Lakeland. Credit cards and bank statements were laying open for everyone to see on the kitchen counter. We could see their mortgage statements, and other bills as well on that day. Idendity theft is on the rise and it is so important in today's time to remove such items.

If you are selling your Lakeland Fl home, make sure to take care of all your confidential information and keep it in a safe place before your open house. Don’t forget that you must guard you and your family’s privacy at these times, especially during open houses or showings.

Here are some tips on how to keep your privacy during a home showing:

1. Don’t keep private documents in the drawers. Buyers can open drawers to check if the home has the storage space they need. Buyers opening drawers could not be considered invading privacy and is perfectly normal, especially if they are built-in or part or the room like kitchen cabinets or bedroom closets with drawers.

2. Don’t leave your mail where anybody can see it. Don’t leave your mail on the kitchen counter if you are having an open house. Buyers could find out your financial information like how much you owe credit cards or department stores. They could tell if the IRS is after you or if you are late on your mortgage payments. This might encourage the buyer to offer a price lower than your asking price since they have an idea that you are underwater and probably need the money right away. They could also see your huge electric bills and think that the cost of living in your home would be too high for them to maintain and back off the deal.

3. Take down wedding photos and diplomas from your walls. It is unavoidable that some buyers will have biases and will tend to be judgmental of the homeowner. For example, if the diploma on the wall gives away the fact that the seller is a lawyer and some buyers may just not be comfortable buying a home from a lawyer, then that would have been a lost deal. Diplomas could also give away the age of the seller. If a buyer sees that the seller has graduated recently from med school, then the buyer can assume that the seller still has student loans to pay off and therefore needs to sell the home ASAP, so that means they could give a lower offer than the list price.

On the other hand, wedding photos could give away the religion of the seller, which is also true for religious artifacts found in the home. Again, some buyers may be biased against certain beliefs. It would be safe to not give away anything that would allow the buyer to form any opinion about the seller, even with the type of music the homeowner listens to or the books they read.

Before you put your Lakeland Fl home for sale, make sure to empty out all the drawers, remove and pack up and store anything personal or that would give away information about you, and stage your closets. If your Lakeland Fl home tells the buyer a story about you, then that means you should work on depersonalizing it to protect your privacy.

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

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Understanding Your Lakeland Fl Home Appraisal

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:10:10 -0700

Understanding Your Lakeland Fl Home Appraisal

Arm yourself with knowledge and understand your appraisals

Home Appraisal is a term every buyer or seller encounters during the Lakeland Fl home buying process. What is an appraisal and how does it affect the entire deal?

Some sellers find themselves in this unfortunate predicament where they have some buyers lined up with an offer ready, only to find out that the buyer’s financing has fallen through. The reason: the asking price of the home is way beyond the appraised value.

This scenario is an all too common cause of the high number of cancelled contracts for homes that are for sale in Lakeland as well as in other real estate markets.

To avoid getting into this situation, make sure you know something about home appraisals:

1. Lenders will not usually write a mortgage for more than a Lakeland Fl home is worth. This sets them up for a huge financial burden in case the prospective buyer defaults on their loan. The lender will instead write a mortgage for whichever price is lower, whether it be the appraised value or the sale price.

2. An appraisal is done by the local appraiser’s office or tax office. They compute the market value of your Lakeland Fl home based on square footage, and other specifics of the home such as number of bedrooms, if the home has a fireplace, type of flooring, etc. A home with a fireplace and laminate floors will have a higher appraised value but will also cost more in taxes.

3. Homeowners will receive a statement from the appraiser’s office every year showing the appraised value of your Lakeland Fl home. If you feel the value is incorrect, then feel free to contest it with your local tax office.

4. The local market conditions could generally affect the appraised value of your Lakeland Fl home for sale. If there are 10 Lakeland FL Homes for Sale on your street and half of them are foreclosures, then you could be in for a shock when you find out the current value of your home, since foreclosed homes sell at 15%-20% lower than a regular home. According to the NAR, “Distressed sales, which tend to sell at steep discounts, continue to hamper home prices nationwide.”

Make sure to get the help of an expert Lakeland Fl listing agent to help you determine the value of your home based on current market conditions. A good agent will be able to help you come up with the best price of your home which will still be competitive with other homes in your area maximizing your profits.

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

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Considering Credit Repair After a Lakeland Fl Short Sale

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:29:43 -0700

Considering Credit Repair After a Lakeland Fl Short Sale

With the increasing number of short sales closing in Lakeland Fl in the past years, there is also a great backlog of homeowners who used to have great credit standing but now have to deal with poor credit scores due to incorrect reporting on their credit by the lenders.

Some homebuyers who want to repair their below-than-average credit scores turn to credit repair companies for help to make it easier and faster.

Choosing a good credit repair company can be a sound financial decision on your part since they can help you dramatically improve your credit score and clean up your credit file.

On the other hand, a bad credit repair company could leave you vulnerable and create more damage to your already poor credit score.

Here are some tips in choosing the right credit repair company:

1. Don’t just choose any credit repair company online. There are hundreds of scam credit repair companies online. These are the companies that charge outrageous fees upfront then do nothing to repair your credit. According to the Credit Repair Organizations Act, which is a federal law, credit repair clinics are prohibited from taking the client’s money until they have fully completed the services they promised. Beware of these fly-by-night companies since they will just take your money without keeping their promises.

2. Make sure to spend enough time in looking for and researching the credit repair company’s background. They should have not only the knowledge but enough experience and ability to help you as well as good ratings and reviews from previous clients.

Know how many years the company has been in business. A good credit repair company will know the different techniques and tactics that will work best for different cases to get you out of trouble.

3. Understand how credit repair companies work. A credit report company will do all the hard work for you. They will negotiate with creditors on your behalf to get you the best deals. They should let you know about your options and educate you on federal laws that will protect your interests. The different aspects of credit repair that they could help you with include removing incorrect information on your credit report, negotiating for lower interest rates and terms, and helping you manage your debt.

4. Get it in writing. Once you find a good credit repair company, make sure to read and evaluate the contract carefully before signing it. If anything is unclear, then make sure you understand it first. Take note of the items that need to receive clearance like terms of payment, how the funds will be disbursed, estimated length of time to be in the program, and eligible fees to be paid to the company.

In conclusion, credit repair companies can greatly help towards improving your credit report and getting you out of debt. However, you have to be make the effort to find a legitimate company, stay clear of scam companies, understand the process of credit repair, get the agreement in writing and then follow their advice in order for you to clear your credit and have a good credit standing.

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

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Summer Camp 2013 - Lakeland FL

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:18:44 -0700

Summer Camp 2013 - Lakeland FL

School ends June 5, 2013 in Lakeland Florida and the surrounding cities in Polk County and for most parents the search for summer camps is in high gear. Let me provide you with a few examples of what is being offered. There are many more programs available, but I find the selection right here are some of the best summer camps.

City of Lakeland offers Camp Blast, which is an eight week session starting:

June 17th - August 9th

Monday - Friday

7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Camp Blast offers recreational activities such as bowling, swimming, movies as well as arts and crafts, exercise challenges, talent shows and much more.

The Polk Museum of Art is holding a Summer Art Camp for kids who completed 1st grade to 14 year olds.

There are 4 sessions:

Session 1: June 10 - 21

Session 2: June 24 - July 5

Session 3; July 8 - 19

Session 4: July 22 - August 2

Summer Art Camp offers all kinds of arts and crafts you can imagine. From drawing, making jewelry, fashion design, computer art, performance to sculpture and mixed art.

For more information click here.

The Lakeland Community Theater offers a summer camp productions for two age groups. Kids 7 - 12 and Kids from 13 - 18 years are encourage to be part. The camp offers from set design and acting and everyone is guaranteed a role.

Ages 7 - 12

June 24th - 28th

9:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Performance - “The Magic In Me” is June 29th at 7:30 p.m.

Ages 13 -18

July 29th - August 2, 2013

9:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Performance - “Recess!” is Saturday August 3rd at 7:30 p.m.

The also have a Broadway Dance Mini Camp, which is a 3 day camp for Ages 6 and up on July 1, 2, 3 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Kids will learn routines to popular Broadway shows.

For more information visit www.lakelandcommunitytheatre.com or call (863) 603-7529.

Polk State College offers “Kids at College” for children ages 5 - 14. Kids at College offers 50 classes such as art, photoshop, robotics, science, spanish and much more. The locations are Lakeland, Winter Haven and Bok Academy.

Session 1: June 17 – 27 (Monday – Thursday)

Polk State College, Lakeland campus, 8:15 am – 12:30 pm

Polk State College, Winter Haven campus, 1:15 pm – 5:30 pm

Session 2: July 8 – 18 (Monday – Thursday)

Polk State College, Lakeland campus, 8:15 am – 12:30 pm

Polk State College, Winter Haven campus, 1:15 pm – 5:30 pm

Bok Academy, 8:15 am – 12:30 pm

For additional information, please call 863.298.6826.

For more information, please visit their site by clicking here

Have a great summer and be safe!

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

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Getting a Home Loan After A Lakeland Fl Short Sale

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Mon, 13 May 2013 05:19:43 -0700

Getting a Home Loan After A Lakeland Fl Short Sale

With today’s strict lending policies, many homeowners think it would be almost impossible to qualify for a home loan after a Lakeland Fl short sale.

If you dream of buying a new Lakeland Fl home but have just went through a short sale, you don’t need to worry. There’s light at the end of the tunnel since homeowners who have gone through a short sale can still qualify for another mortgage.

Getting a second mortgage loan after a short sale doesn’t happen overnight though. There are two things a homeowner needs if he or she wants to get a new home loan: persistence and a discipline in their credit.

What are the basic requirements for a homeowner to get a mortgage after a short sale?

After a Lakeland Fl short sale, the homeowner must wait for at least 2 years after closing to qualify for a home loan. But this time frame may still vary depending on the type of mortgage, down payment and credit score.

For a conventional loan, here are the typical waiting periods depending on down payment:

• 20% down payment: 2 years waiting period

• 10% down payment: 4 years waiting period

• Less than 10% down payment: 7 years waiting period

FHA (Federal Housing Administration) Loans are a different story. The waiting period for this type of loan is 3 years from the date of closing the short sale but the good news is homebuyers can get a loan with a down payment as low as only 3.5%.

For VA (Veterans Affairs) loans, homebuyers have to wait 2 years and no down payment is required.

The best option for buyers who can only afford less than 10% down is the FHA loan, since 3 years is obviously shorter than getting a conventional loan and having to wait 7 years.

After the waiting period, the borrower can be qualified for the same FHA loan as a borrower who never went through a short sale or foreclosure.

Borrowers should also treat the waiting period as a chance to rebuild their credit, improve their financial situation to qualify for the new mortgage, as well as save for the down payment for new home.

For conventional loans, lenders typically require a FICO credit score of at least 680.

One of the major obstacles standing in the way between a borrower and the mortgage loan is when the lender incorrectly reports the borrower’s short sale as a foreclosure. The waiting period for a homeowner with a foreclosure on their records is 7 years before they could qualify for another home loan.

Inaccurate credit reports are a common roadblock in short sales in Lakeland Fl and elsewhere in the country. To avoid this, a borrower must keep good records, obtain proper documentation from the lender after the short sale papers are signed, know when the exact date of the short sale was, and when the title was transferred to the new homeowner’s name. Keeping a close eye on your Lakeland Fl short sale will help avoid this problem and determine your home buying future.

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

Search Lakeland FL Homes For Sale | Lakeland FL Short Sale Agents
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10 Tips In Writing An Offer Letter For A Lakeland Fl Home For Sale (Part 2)

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Thu, 09 May 2013 06:52:58 -0700

10 Tips In Writing An Offer Letter For A Lakeland Fl Home For Sale (Part 2)

Even if you have established a good impression with the seller in person, your offer letter could either make or break the deal. Not sure what I'm talking about, then please read my article by clicking right here

Let’s continue with the other 5 tips for writing the perfect offer letter for that Lakeland Fl home you wish to buy:

6. Be Humble

Ask for the seller’s blessing on your offer. How you say it means a lot because the seller might interpret it in a different way. Saying “We will be honored to live in your beautiful home” will bring you further than “we are confident that you will accept our offer for your home.” Remember, the ball is in the sellers hands, and you should acknowledge that in your letter.

7. Don’t Vent It Out

Keep your letter positive and upbeat. It needs to put the seller in a good mood. The seller wouldn’t care how many other Lakeland Fl homes you have missed. The seller doesn’t really care if your rent just went up and they don’t want to know about your medical condition that makes it necessary for you to get a home like this. That will just make them feel uncomfortable and your offer might just end up at the bottom of the pile.

8. Have A Clear Closing

Close your letter with excitement and motivation. Recap your ability to purchase and close the sale at the end of your letter. Since the seller would most probably be reading several other offers, make your closing memorable and remind them of your best qualitites.

9. Sign with Sincere Appreciation

The offer letter is a business letter, therefore the signature lines “Best Regards,” “Sincerely,” or “Yours Truly” do not apply in an offer letter. You have to leave the seller with a positive feeling about you. Instead of using the typical closing signatures, you could thank the sellers for spending their time reading your offer letter. You can use phrases like “Thank you so much for your time,” “Your consideration is very much appreciated,” or “Thank you for the opportunity.” These words will give the sellers the feeling that you value their time and you are thankful for it.

One last tip: take extra care of your grammar and spelling. Some sellers may judge the buyers ability through the attention to detail they have put in the offer letter. If you are not confident about your grammar, spelling, and punctuation, then find someone good at it who can help. After your letter is done, go through it and read it again, check for mistakes, and try to make it as personal as possible to make it stand out. You will never know if one short misspelled word could have cost you that dream Lakeland Fl home that could have been yours had you taken the time to polish your offer letter.

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

Search Lakeland FL Homes For Sale | Lakeland FL Short Sale Agents
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10 Tips In Writing An Offer Letter For Lakeland Fl Home For Sale (Part 1)

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Thu, 09 May 2013 06:11:08 -0700

10 Tips In Writing An Offer Letter For Lakeland Fl Home For Sale (Part 1)

If you already have your eye on a Lakeland Fl home and are ready to make an offer, you should know how to make the offer letter in a way that will make it appealing to the seller and will give you an edge over other buyers aiming at the same target.

1. Compliment the Seller

Your letter should have an emotional pitch to make it stand out and appeal to the seller. Remember, you are trying to tell the seller to like you and ignore all the other buyers. You can start out by saying what a great taste in color the seller has, or how you would love to live their kind of lifestyle, or what an amazing collection of paintings they have on their wall. But make sure to keep it sincere. There’s a fine line between complimenting and bluffing.

2. Go Straight to the Point

Out of 10 ideas you will tell the seller, only two will stick to their memory. So choose two to three reasons why they should choose you as the perfect buyer for their home. Make your message streamlined so it will be more memorable.

3. Paint a Picture

People remember what they have read better if they are able to picture it in their mind. Instead of saying “I love this neighborhood because I used to live here and grew up in here,” you could rephrase it to “I spent my childhood years biking up and down these streets lined up with trees and went to school at Dixieland School, where I would also want my children to study. It would be great to spend the summer cooking barbecue with friends at your spacious lawn.”

4. Don’t Mention Your Plans of Remodeling the House

If you plan on adding a second story or converting one of the rooms into a workout area, the offer letter isn’t the best place to write that. Remember, even if they are selling their Lakeland Fl home, it still has a sentimental value to them which makes them very protective of it so you should be careful not to make any negative emotional impact through your letter.

5. Show Your Financial Stability

Present yourself as a financial stable buyer who will be able to close the sale. Don’t give the seller any room for doubt that the deal might fall through. You could include your stellar employment record and achievements and your commitment to moving in as soon as the sellers allow.

Read my next article for the next 5 tips on writing an offer letter for that Lakeland Fl home for sale.

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

Search Lakeland FL Homes For Sale | Lakeland FL Short Sale Agents
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Lakeland FL Mayfaire By-The-Lake 2013 - A Mother's Day Treat!

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:02:28 -0700

Lakeland FL Mayfaire By-The-Lake 2013 - A Mother's Day Treat!

Saturday, May 11th, 2013

The Lakeland FL Mayfaire starts out with a bang on Saturday Night May 11th from 5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chair or blankets for a free party on the shores of Lake Mirror. The Mayfaire Classic 5K Race kicks off this event along with fireworks after the sun sets of beautiful Lake Mirror. There are vendors for you to buy food and drinks or you can bring your own and have a family picnic.

What started out as a simple craft fair 40 years ago in front of the Lakeland Public Library, Mayfaire By-The-Lake, held every year on Mother's Day weekend is considered among the Top 100 outdoor art festival in the nation. Lakeland FL Mayfaire By-The-Lake is also the oldest outdoor art festival in Central Florida and truly a treat for the whole family to enjoy.

Mother's Day - Sunday May 12, 2013 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mayfaire By-The-Lake is held on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton with over 165 artists you will be in for a treat. From jewelers, painters from oil, canvas and water colors to photographers and clay artists. Live entertainment by local musicians and dance companies on the shady front lawn of the Public Library, food, such as funnel cakes, smoothies and shaved ice and beverage vendors and the children's beloved art tent and kids zone (small fee for bounce houses and rock wall).

Free parking and shuttle service is available from Florida Southern College and other nearby location. MayFerrys, which is also a free shuttle will drive around Lake Morton and to the Polk Museum of Arts, which is located adjacent to the Lakeland Public Library.

Best of all - Admission to the Mayfaire By-The-Lake and the Mayfaire Saturday Night/Festival of Arts and Athletes on Saturday is FREE!

Lakeland FL Mayfaire By-The-Lake is one of the reason why Lakeland is a family oriented city.

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

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6 Ways To Know If You’re Ready To Buy A Home In Lakeland FL

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:58:18 -0700

6 Ways To Know If You’re Ready To Buy A Home In Lakeland FL

If you have been renting for some time now and are thinking about buying your own home or if you’re thinking of moving up, read these six ways to know if you are ready to buy your a home.

1.You are familiar with the market. You know you’re ready to buy when you have been paying attention to how much the average prices of homes are in the area you want to buy in. But if you are dreaming of owning a big home in Lakeland Fl without having an idea how much homes in the area are going for, then you might want to spend some time researching about the market first.

2. Have available money to pay for down payment and closing costs. Down payments usually range from 3-20% of the home’s value. This percentage will be determined by the type of mortgage you will choose. If your down payment is less than 20%, be ready to pay for PMI or Private Mortgage Insurance. You should also set aside money for the closing costs, which generally cost 2-7% of the property’s value. Your lender will be able to give you an estimate of the closing costs after you apply for a mortgage.

3. You can afford the monthly mortgage. The general guideline is the monthly mortgage payment should be below or equal to a quarter of your gross monthly income. Your income, along with your debt and credit history, will be used by the lender to determine how much you can borrow. Your monthly expenses (credit card, car loans, housing expenses, child support, utility bills) should not be more than 30-40% of your gross income.

4. You are aware of any additional expenses of homeownership. This includes home maintenance, utility bills, homeowners insurance, etc.

5. Your credit is in good shape and your credit report is accurate. Lenders will review your credit history to determine whether you are qualified for a loan.

6. You haven't made any major purchases recently, particularly a car. If you have any, it could lower your chances of getting a loan or lower the amount you are qualified for.

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

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Lakeland FL Carillon Lakes Homes for Sale | Market Report for March 2013

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:07:49 -0700

Lakeland FL Carillon Lakes Homes for Sale | Market Report for March 2013

The Carillon Lakes Community in Lakeland FL offer low monthly home owners association fee, provide 24 hr gated manned security, lawn mowing in open area on the properties, usage of tennis court, basket ball courts, swimming pool, fitness center, planned activities and much, much more.

Carillon Lakes in Lakeland Florida was developed over ten years ago and it is a deed restricted community. There are a variety of homes and condominiums situated throughout this lovely neighborhood that was developed in the early 2000. This community provides plenty of activities for its residents as well as for children. The community’s monthly calendar is filled with entertainment like, water aerobics, book buffs, game night, investment clubs and much, much more. The appearance of this community shows pride with manicured lawns and walkways throughout the community and its surrounding lakes.

This community is located in Southwest Lakeland just West of the Polk County Polk Parkway within minutes from Publix Headquarters, Lakeside Village and Lakeland Linder Airport.

Market Snapshot for the Carillon Lakes Community for March 2013

Inventory has been low in recent months as only one Carillon Lakes Home has sold, Lakeland FL home buyers snap up just listed homes that are priced right quickly. Currently the average time of all homes sold for this year is 150 days and the average time for a Carillon home to be under contract is 97 days.

Carillon Lakes in Lakeland FL has currently a 7 homes for sale that offer great contemporary architectural style built single family homes from 1756 – 2390 square feet of living space ranging from $112,000 - $239,900. Of the homes currently for sale, four homes are traditional sales, two homes are short sales and one home is a bank-owned properties. There are also currently 8 homes under contract which three homes are traditional sales, 3 are short sales and 2 bank-owned.

1 Carillon Lakes Home was sold in March 2013 for $122,000

Last year same time period 2 homes were sold for an average sold price of $136,500 - median price $136,500

4175 Windchime Ln, 3b/3b - 1,847 sq.ft. - Sold Price: $122,000 - Short Sale.

If you are considering selling your Carillon Lakes, I would be happy to provide you with a comparable market analysis. All you have to do is call my office at (863) 619-6918. If you are interested in buying a Carillon Lakes home, I would be happy to assist you and provide you with a detailed list of homes that are currently for sale.

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

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Lakeland FL Sandpiper Homes - March 2013 Real Estate Market Update

Petra Norris Realtor® Lakeland FL Homes for Sale (CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.) — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:06:01 -0700

Lakeland FL Sandpiper Homes - March 2013 Real Estate Market Update

The Sandpiper Golf & Country Club in Lakeland Florida is a 55+ community offering the best for an active Florida lifestyle. This affordable community is located in North Lakeland minutes from Interstate 4 with easy access to shopping, churches and medical facilities. The Sandpiper Golf and County Club is open to the public. There are six entrances to the community giving visitors and buyers viewing Sandpiper Lakeland FL homes for sale with easy access from North Socrum Loop, Old Polk City Road, and Walt Williams Road. For its resident the community offers a variety of activities such as golfing, swimming, shuffle board, tennis, walking, fitness, dining and much more.

The homes were built in the late 80’s through the late 90’s and contain approximately 1200 single homes and villas from over 900 – 2,000 square feet. Homes have 2 or 3 bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, and offer a variety of floor plans and upgrades, such as enclosed patio, tile/carpet/laminate flooring, kitchen, appliances, etc. They are mostly used as vacation homes for our Snow Birds as their winter resident; however year around living shows an active lifestyle in this community, such as golfing, swimming, social gatherings, walking, exercising, dining and much more.

A snapshot of the Sandpiper Golf & Country Club real estate market for March 2013:

In the 55+ age restricted Sandpiper Golf & Country Club community there were 9 homes sold in March while only 10 homes are currently for sale.

A snapshot of the Sandpiper Lakeland FL Homes for Sale:

Active Listings: 10 - Decreasing Inventory

Average list price: $124,415

Median list price: $124,700

Pending Listings: 6 - Decreased

Average list price: $125,417

Median list price: $134,900

9 Homes were sold in the Sandpiper Golf & Country Club community in March 2013 for an average price of $109,278, compared to 4 homes sold the previous year for an average sales price of $108,375. The real estate market in this community is very active as it is shown the amount of homes that have sold in March and are under contract (pending).

The list of homes sold below represent mostly regular sales.

5854 Macaw Pl. 3b/2b - 1,846 sq.ft. - Sold Price: $145,000 - traditional sale
6039 Condor Dr. 2b/2b - 1,372 sq.ft. - Sold Price: $108,000 - traditional sale
6177 Magpie Dr. 2b/2b - 1,126 sq.ft. - Sold Price: $108,000 - traditional sale
6066 Sandpipers Dr. 2b/2b - 1,157 sq.ft. - Sold Price $115,000 - traditional sale
6239 Egret Dr. 2b/2b - 1,238 sq.ft. - Sold Price: $107,500 - traditional sale
6337 Egret Dr. 2b/2b - 1,028 sq.ft. - Sold Price: $93,000 - seller credit $1,500 - traditional sale
5775 Sandpipers Dr. 3b/2b - 1,562 sq.ft. - Sold Price: $128,500 - traditional sale.
6380 Egret Dr. #10 2b/2b - 961 sq.ft. - Sold Price: $89,500 - traditional sale
5805 Mallard Dr. 2b/2b - 1,469 sq.ft. - Sold Price: $89,000 - Bank-Owned/REO

If you are interested in selling your Sandpiper Golf & Country Club home and would like to know what your home might sell for, give me a call at (863) 619-6918. Also, if you are interested more about homes for sale in the over 55+ Sandpiper Golf & Country Club community, again call or email me at petra[at]petranorris.com.

Authored by Petra Norris

Petra Norris - REALTOR®, SFR
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

(863) 619-6918

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