While You Were Sleeping, Hurricane Gustav is Making his Mark!

While You Were Sleeping, Hurricane Gustav is Making his Mark!

 

Although it never became a Hurricane, Tropical Storm Fay broke a record by making landfall four times in Florida. While some counties are considered disaster areas here in Florida and still cleaning after Fay, a much bigger fish - anticipated storm, Hurricane Gustav is being closely watched by the National Hurricane Center in Miami that could possibly reach category 3 and reach the Gulf of Mexico by the end of this week.

After watching and reading news reports there is no storm to be taken likely. Who would have thought that Fay would have such an impact here in Florida? This goes to show that every measure and precaution must be taken serious in order to survive this Hurricane season. Polk County Emergency Management provided this map of Polk County that outlines various shelters throughout Polk County along with important information you should know when a hurricane approaches. You can pick up valuable brochure by visiting your local Publix store.

 

2008 Polk County Public Shelters

Have you taken the necessary preparation yet?

Do you know where your nearest shelter is?

Polk County has a total of 44 shelters available

Did you think of your pets?

There are three pet friendly shelters – your pets should be current on their shots in order to stay at the shelter

Do you have special needs?

There are three special needs shelters in Polk County Do you have 3-Day Survival Kit?

 

Do you know all the important Telephone Numbers? Polk County’s Emergency Management Office Telephone number is (863) 534-5600.

 

 

Stay safe during this hurricane season and seek shelter should you have to evacuate. Do not proceed to any shelter until you have confirmed that it is open and operating. For shelter information, stay tuned to your local radio and television stations.

 

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While You Were Sleeping, Hurricane Gustav is Making his Mark!

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

PO Box 92050 – Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 –

Telephone (863) 619-6918

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TAGS: hurricane, polk county, florida

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

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

Lakeland's Housing Market Statistics

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

Take a look at my spreadsheet below. I've separated the report by zip code instead of school zones; it gives you a more accurate report in my opinion. The data for this report was obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include "For Sale By Owner". 

 

Lakeland's Residential Real Estate Market Report June 08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Lakeland sold 145 homes in the month of June. It would take about 76 weeks or 19 months to sell the current inventory. Not encouraging at all, however, keep in mind that this number is only an indicator on how long it takes to absorb and therefore, pricing the home you are selling is very crucial. Just take a look above at the average listing price and the average sold price for Lakeland - how long will it take to sell your house?

 

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

Winter Haven - 54 properties sold - average sold price $182,676 - average $96.54 per sq.ft.

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

This blog is solely my point of view

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TAGS: lakeland, fl, polk county, statistics, market data, real estate market, housing market

Tee Time at Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club in Lakeland, FL

Tee Time at Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club in Lakeland, FL

 Huntington Golf & Country Club, Lakeland, FL

Do you like to play Golf? Then this is the place for you. 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, Lakeland, FL

  Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club, Lakeland, FL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club, Lakeland, FL

Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club, Lakeland, FL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club, Lakeland, FL

  Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club, Lakeland, FL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 gated community. Currently, there are 13 homes for sale ranging from $169,900 to $479,900 with an average price range of $339,885.00. The 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 Lakeland. Look no further!

Check out this video tour of this beautiful home in the Huntington Hills Community!

 

 

 

 

VideoAd by Mixpo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tee Time at Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club in 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

 

 

 

 

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TAGS: 6926 hazeltine cir, golf course community, north lakeland, polk county

A Visit to Lakeland’s Finest Garden—Hollis Garden

 Entrance

Every time, I step into Hollis Garden, I get a sense of pride and joy. I come here to take pictures, enjoy the seasonal transformation of the garden, and stroll around the neighboring Barnett Park and Lake Mirror.

 

 

 

 

   Flower

 

The garden is magnificent and packed with full of fascinating plants, flowers and trees, such as the magnolia tree blooming with its citrus' scent blossoms. This garden tells a story of Florida as you stroll through each theme room of plant life that include Florida natives, annual hybrids, perennials, well manicured hedges, as well as fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Flowers organized into areas of specific color, such as red, yellow or white decorate each living space. Perfectly cut lawns that make you want to take your shoes off and feel the carpet of Bermuda grass.

 

 

Plant Garden       Hollis Garden

 

 

You will also notice the water features such as, koi fish pond, sculpture and architecture that enhances the beauty of the garden. 

Koi Pond           Architecture 

 

 

While you walk through the garden listening to soothing music in the background, it becomes obvious that visiting Hollis Garden is therapy for Mind, Body and Spirit.

Magnolia             Green Room Sculpture

Don't take my word for it, check out Hollis Garden and see for yourself!

 

  

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A Visit to Lakeland's Finest Garden-Hollis Garden 

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

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TAGS: lakeland, polk county, hollis garden

Buying a Home in Polk County

Does buying a home in Polk County today make sense?

Time2BuyAbsolutely! I remember when my husband and I bought our home here in Lakeland. Our interest rate back in 1993 was 7.5% fixed for 30 years, with excellent credit. Back then, this rate was a very good rate, since I knew from years before, the interest rate was well above the 10% rate.

Today's 30 yr. fixed mortgage rate is approximately 5.98% and for a 15 yr. fixed mortgage the rate is around 5.54%.

With home prices still falling and inventory at an all time high, it is definitely a buyer's market. Polk County has currently close to 8000 properties for sale; Lakeland has almost 2400 properties listed with Realtors®. I have also noticed that home prices are at the 2004 level.

If you consider buying a home, the first and foremost you should do, is hire an experienced Realtor®. At the same time, obtain financing approval ahead of time. Many banks have tightened their lending standards.

Research your area of interest and have your Realtor® thoroughly research the prices before making an offer. Even tough you have plenty of choices; desirable homes do get multiple offers. Be prepared, otherwise you could loose out.

Purchasing a home that is a Short Sales and/or Foreclosures can be challenging and risky at times, research and due diligence of your Realtor® is essential in buying successful. Most importantly patience on both sides of the transaction is necessary; it can take months for such sale to be completed. Ownership is a place to call home; a place where family built a future and become part of the community.

Search HomesIt is a great time to buy in Lakeland!

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

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

Does buying a home in Polk County make sense? 

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

 

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TAGS: home buying, polk county, lakeland

BridgeWater - One of Lakeland Florida Newest Communities

BridgeWater Entrance

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Lake Peggy

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Lake Club

 

 

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.

 

 

Swimming Pool at BridgeWater

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Tennis Court

 

 

 

 

Or play a game of tennis with your friends

 

 

 

 

 

Playground at BridgeWater

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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

 

BridgeWater - One of Lakeland Florida Newest Communities

 

Petra Norris - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. - Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker Subsribe to Petra's BlogP.O. Box 92050          Lakeland, FL 33804-2050

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

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TAGS: bridgewater, north lakeland, polk county, florida

Home Buying and Satisfied Clients - Video Testimonial

Recently, I had the privillege to show a couple from Maine one of my listing. After the showing, I senced that they were not sold on my listing, although it was in their price range and the home was well maintained. It was not what they were looking for, mainly because of the layout of the home. So I kindly ask them if I could send them other listings in the price range. They said, sure why not - it beats driving around and not knowing where to go. I immediately sent them listings via email that was in their price range in Lakeland and Winter Haven area. Since their lease expired on May 1st, they needed to find a home real soon.

After narrowing down a list of possible listings, I made appoinments for showings at various location in Lakeland and Winter Haven, however, nothing that they were happy with. After a few days, we found a home that was located in Winter Haven in an over 55 community. They liked the area and the price range of the homes within this community.

The seller accepted our offer and after inspections, we closed at the end of April. The seller was happy because they wanted to move out by May 1st and my buyers were happy because the offer was accepted without counter and they were able to move in on May 1st.

Check out their video testimonial - unrehearsed!

 

 

Folks, if you are in the market to buy or sell in Lakeland and the surrounding cities, such as Winter Haven, Auburndale, Bartow, Mulberry and Polk City, give me a call. I'll always do my best to serve my customers and clients. Click here to search for homes in Central Florida!

 

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

Satisfied Clients - Video Testimonial

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

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TAGS: home buying, clients, winter haven, fl, polk county

Lakeland, Florida are you still looking over the fence?

So why don't you hop over and take a look at my market report for Lakeland and the surrounding cities within Polk County, FL. There are currently over 8100 properties for sale in Polk County. WOW - A lot of properties for sale and as long as Polk County has a high inventory, the prices will be dropping - Supply and Demand. My market area is Lakeland, which has around 2400 properties for sale. The average listing price in Lakeland is currently $234,000.

We are still waiting for the market to rebound. Last month according to the Mid Florida Regional MLS the numbers for Polk County homes sold dropped to 427 from 514 properties sold the previous year. The average sold price for Polk County for April 08 was $167, 285 compared to $198,367 in April 2007, a decrease by 15%.

Lakeland's market is almost a mirror image of all of Polk County. The average sold price for the month of April 08 was $163,555 compared to last year's number for April of $199,619. 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".

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

Winter Haven - 69 properties sold - average sold price $175,753 

Bartow - 13 properties sold - average sold price $91,595

Mulberry - 22 properties sold - average sold price $143,686

Auburndale - 17 properties sold - average sold price $163,832

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

Click here to search for properties in Lakeland and surrounding cities!

 

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

Are you still looking over the fence?

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

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

This blog is solely my point of view

 

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TAGS: real estate market, lakeland, polk county, statistics

Spring Dance Concert in Lakeland, FL

Harrison School for the Arts proudly presents The Spring Dance Concert on May 2nd and 3rd at 7:30 p.m.


DanceThe Spring Dance Concert will offer Salome, a dramatic contemporary ballet based on the play by George Bernard Shaw. Set in Mexico in the early 1800's, the comedic piece, Cantina Don Juan-ita is about the rivalry between two town beauties over a handsome young Don. The light hearted ballet, Momentary Mingling, is bout how humans pass in and out of friendships. Finally, No Exit is a fast pace abstract contemporary dance to Michael Nyman music.

 

 

 

You can purchase your tickets online at http://www.harrisonarts.com/ Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for students and senior citizens.

 

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Harrison School for the Arts - The Spring Dance Concert

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

PO Box 92050, Lakeland, FL 33804-2050

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

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TAGS: harrison school for the arts, lakeland, fl, performance, concert, polk county

Lakeland’s Real Estate Market 411

March Home Sales Improved overall in Polk County according to the Lakeland Ledger Report. With all its negative publicity that the Real Estate Industry has received, it is a positive sign that the media finally has something encouraging to write about Real Estate.

What does the statistics say for Lakeland, Florida?  Lakeland's Lake Mirror

According to the data obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS there were 159 homes sold in Lakeland compared to last years 188 homes sold - a decline of 32 homes. The average sold price for a home in Lakeland was $152,761 last month. Last year's average sold price was $185,497 in March - a plunge of 17%. Of the 159 homes sold there were 25 homes sold in distress - short sale, pre-foreclosure, foreclosure, and/or bank owned. The average home sold in distress last month was $104,662.

 

 

My report below is a breakdown by zip code which gives you a detailed view of each area with last year's market information. The data for this report was obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Lakeland's Residential Report March

There is some good news on the horizon when you compare March 2008 data with the total amount of properties sold in February 2008. There was an increase of 24 more homes sold in March. I don't want to speculate on the coming month of a continued increase in home sales, I do notice more calls on my listings as well as buyers looking for great deals.

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

Subscribe to Petra's Blog

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

Lakeland's Real Estate Market 411

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

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

This blog is solely my point of view

  (0) COMMENTS
TAGS: real estate market, statistics, lakeland, fl, polk county, report