Lakeland Real Estate Blog by Petra

Polk County Existing Home Sales for January 2010

Slow start of the overall Polk County Home Sales in January when comparing sales history for the past year. Although average Polk County home prices have somewhat been stable in recent months, the number of homes sold in Polk County took a nose dive when comparing the number of sales from the past few months. If you are a person that is visual like me, just take a look at the chart below to see what I’m talking about.  Please keep in mind, the figures reflect all homes as indicated below, not just single family homes you see in media reports.

500 existing homes sold – a decrease of 21% from the previous month (636 sold homes) in Polk County – an increase in sales activity of 111 Polk County homes sold from the previous year. Overall Polk’s median price for existing homes decreased by 1 ¾% from the previous month to $97,950, however remained almost the same from the previous year of $98,000.

Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for January 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

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

• 447 Single family homes, townhomes, villas and ½ duplex – median sold price $103,000 – 148 Average Days to Closing
• 19 Condominiums – median sold price – $65,000 – 149 Average Days on Closing
• 34 Modular, manufactured/mobile homes in park/out of park – median sold price $56,500 – 233 Average Days to Closing

Let’s take a look at the distressed Polk County real estate market!

There were 183 existing homes sold, not categorized as distressed properties, at a median sold price of $130,000 with 206 average days to closing, which counted for almost 37% of our total sales. The distressed properties however; which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales counted for 63% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of January.

• 234 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $79,450 – Average Days to Closing  81
• 83 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $102,000 – Average Days to Closing 247

Polk County Existing Home Sales for December 2009

Overall Polk County Home Sales rose and prices fell in 2009 from the previous year. Is this true in your neck of the woods? I’m sure you heard about that this is a buyer’s market in the news and media outlets, but is it really? Real Estate still remains very local and real estate statistics in each town or even in each neighborhood/community could differentiate by a great margin resulting in a seller’s market. Therefore consulting with a local Realtor® with market knowledge and experience is essential to your home buying or home selling needs.

636 existing homes sold – an increase of 7.98% from the previous month (589 sold homes) in Polk County – an increase in sales activity of 185 Polk County homes sold from the previous year. Overall Polk’s median price for existing homes decreased by 4.59% from the previous month to $99,700 and declined 18% from the previous year of $122,000.

For a more detailed report such as homes listed by cities throughout Polk County and distressed properties please continue to read by clicking this link

Beat the rush and file your Polk County property tax homestead exemption on your home early, because – believe it or not - March 1^st, 2010 deadline is fast approaching.

If you took residency on your newly purchased home after January 1, 2009, which includes mobile home if the land the mobile home sits on is owned by the same owner.  You surely want to file for a 2010 property tax exemption, also known as homestead exemption.  In addition, you may qualify for an additional $25,000 homestead under Amendment 1 which began with 2008 tax year for a total of $50,000. 

Have you owned a home previously in Florida? You may be eligible for “Save our Home”.  Saving money these days is on everybody’s mind – there are other ways of qualifying for additional savings:

Amendment 7, which was voted by Florida voters on November 7, 2006 and is intended to be an additional discount on taxes owed after all other ad valorem tax exemptions are computed for eligible veterans 65 years and older.

Senior exemption, widow, disability, veterans and total exemption – if qualified you may be eligible to save up to $5,000. Widow or widower must provide a copy of their late spouse’s death certificate. Disability exemptions applicants must provide an attest from a certified Florida physician.  Veteran exemptions applicants must show proof of percentage (minimum 10%) of service-connected disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

First-time homebuyers filing for homestead exemption must apply in person and bring their recorded deed and proof of residency, such as Florida drivers’ license, Florida voter registration, Florida vehicle registration or resident alien card. Applicants filing for any exemption are required to present their Social Security cards.

Where to file?

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)

Web site: http://www.polkpa.org

The Florida Association of Realtors® reports that existing home sales rose 61% in November from the previous year, showing for the past 15 months that overall real estate sales in the State of Florida have increased.  While much credit is given for the extended and expanded homebuyers tax credit for the increased sales activity in the past, the decline in home values and sales prices resulting from the increased sales of distressed properties and foreclosures.

Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month continued downwardly to $139,000 for a 12% ($158,200) decrease from the previous year and less than 1% ($140,300) from the previous month.

The Polk County’s overall housing prices improved slightly.

589 existing homes sold – a slight decrease of 3.6% from the previous month (612 sold homes) in Polk County – an increase in sales activity of 220 Polk County homes sold from the previous year. Overall Polk’s median price for existing homes increased from the previous month to $104,900; however, dipped 17% from the previous year of $127,000. 

Take a look at the city you live in or want to move to and see what the numbers are for November 2009 for existing home sales - single family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes -including distressed properties in Polk County.

City                                                  Average Sold Price             Median Sold Price        # of Homes Sold

Let’s take a look at the distressed Polk County real estate market!

Distressed properties, which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales count for 57% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of November.

• 250 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $75,000 – Days on Market 26
• 80 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $115,500 – Days on Market 111

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”.

For all of your Polk County home search, click on the search picture below:

The Florida Association of Realtors® reports that existing home sales rose 45% in October from the previous year and a 5.1% increase from the previous month. Florida's median home price continues to stumble with distressed properties dictating the housing market - Florida's median sales price for existing homes last month continued downwardly to $140,300 for a 17% decrease from the previous year and 1.20% from the previous month.

The Polk County's housing market.

612 existing homes sold - a slight increase of 2.6% from the previous month (596 sold homes) in Polk County - an increase in sales activity of 27% from the previous year. Overall Polk's median price for existing homes decreased by a small margin from the previous month to $99,000; however, dipped 24% from the previous year of $130,000. 

Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for October 2009 for existing home sales - single family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes -including distressed properties in Polk County.

City                                  Average Sold Price          Median Sold Price           # of Homes Sold

Let's take a look at the distressed Polk County real estate market!

Distressed properties, which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales count for 60% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of September.

272 sold homes were Bank Owned - median price $76,500 - Days on Market 24

94 sold homes were Short Sales - median price $113,950 - Days on Market 121

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".

For all your Polk County Home Search - click search button below

The Florida Association of Realtors® reports that existing home sales rose 34% in September from the previous year and a 4.1% increase from the previous month. Florida’s median home price continues to stumble with distressed properties dictating the housing market – Florida’s median sales price for existing homes last month dipped to $142,000 for a 34% decrease from the previous year and 3.66% from the previous month.

The Polk County’s housing market.

596 existing home sold – an increase of 8% from the previous month (551 sold homes) in Polk County – an increase in sales activity of 25% from the previous year. Overall Polk’s median price for existing homes increased by a small margin from the previous month to $102,227; however, dipped 27% from the previous year of $139,900. 

Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for September 2009 for existing home sales - single family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes -including distressed properties in Polk County.

City                                                        Average Sold Price          Median Sold Price           # of Homes Sold

Let’s take a look at the distressed Polk County real estate market!

Distressed properties, which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales count for 62% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of September.

• 281 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $74,200 – Days on Market 31
• 89 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $114,000 – Days on Market 141

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”.

I’m a member of a network of over 400 real estate agents and growing at Short Sale Superstars,
Visit Short Sale Superstars
who are committed to help sellers and buyers with short sales in Florida and across the America. Short sales can be difficult at times and this is why this group of professionals is so helpful not only to us real estate agents, but for you, especially. I would say that we are a Short Sale Agent support group, helping each other, solving uncommon issues for our clients, making suggestions that can only help you the seller or buyer. We are not complainers - we are solvers, here to help you.
There is information about lenders, such as Bank of America aka Countrywide, Wachovia, SunTrust, Wells Fargo, Saxon, and Chase just to name a few. This is a place where agents help, inform and reach out to consumer by providing valuable information to make a short sale a success.

If you are looking for an agent within your state, who is very proficient doing Short Sales, I'm sure you will find one right here within this wonderful group of Short Sale Superstars. Give them a call!

This is one of the comments left from a Short Sale seller today, "I just love this site! For a homeowner facing SS process, it's a comforting to have experts all in one place".

Polk County, Florida - Lakeland, FL

With Polk County’s unemployment rates, this foreclosure epidemic is going to continue and it may even grow. Lakeland Short Sales are at an all time high, there are currently over 400 Lakeland homes for sale that are short sales.

The jobless rate in Polk County is at an all time high since 1992 – 13.6%

The jobless rate in Lakeland-Winter Haven for September is recorded at 12.7%

If you are in a situation where you can’t no longer afford to make your mortgage payments because of job loss, divorce, health, or other hardship; a short sale would be your best remedy to save your home from foreclosure and salvage some of your credit.

There are over 1,000 Lis Pendens filed within the city of Lakeland Florida alone. Since September 1, 2009, 143 Lis Pendens were filed with the Polk County Clerk of Courts for properties that are located in Lakeland – a city with a population of an estimated 97,000 people.

What is a Lis Pendens?

In essence, a formal notice is filed on behalf of the lender, who holds the note on your mortgage. It is considered a lawsuit; however, the homeowner still has possession and the right to sell the property. Short sales can be your best remedy to a foreclosure.

Give me a call at (863) 619-6918 or email me at petra@petranorris.com to arrange for a confidential consultation – I’m here to help.

Entertainment and Things to do without spending a Dime - Polk County Florida

The holiday season is a time for giving and receiving. It also can be as delightful and stressful at the same time. With today's economy, parents try to figure out how much to spend on gifts on their children and how to pay for these gifts when money is tight. There are lots of free activities and entertainment happening here in Lakeland and the surrounding cities in Polk County, Florida for you to enjoy.  So take a look at my list below and I'm sure there is something for you and your family to do and best of all - it's free.

Tuesday, December 2^nd

Annual Holiday Walkabout Lakeland from 6-9 p.m. Location: Downtown Lakeland

Community Christmas Concert

The concert will be held at Bush Chapel at Southeastern University in Lakeland at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 3^rd

Ridge Art Association Exhibit in Winter Haven - the exhibit will be shown through December 21^st with a reception on December 6^th at 6:30 p.m. and is shown at the Chain of Lakes Complex in Winter Haven.

Thursday, December 4^th

Annual Christmas Parade in Lakeland which starts at 7:00 p.m. The parade will go around Lake Mirror.

Friday, December 5^th

"A Winnie The Pooh Christmas Tail" - a Whirly Gig production in the theatre at George Jenkins High School at 7:00 p.m. in Lakeland. There are 2 more shows on December 6^th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Guitarist Robert Phillips presents a free concert at Lakeland's St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 11:30 p.m.

Art Exhibit opens at J. Rowan Galleries, Inc. at 123 S Kentucky Ave. in Lakeland. Digital photography show from students at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy will be on display through December 15^th.

First Friday in Lakeland - "Holiday Happenings" in Downtown Lakeland from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Art Show opens at Arts on the Park at 115 N. Kentucky Ave. in Lakeland the theme will be "Old Florida" and the reception is from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Glitter, Glisten & Snow in Haines City - craft vendors, entertainment, Santa & Mrs. Claus, free roasted chestnuts and much more will be at New Park Complex Haines City from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 6^th

Chain of Lakes Holiday Boat Parade will start at Lake Mary in Winter Haven which begins at 6:30 p.m.

The Haines City Christmas Parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Eighth Street

Family Fun Workshop Lakeland is presenting a photo collage at the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland and it starts at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, December 7^th

Polk County Community College music students presenting its annual "Holiday Concert at 2:30 p.m. at the Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre.

Bartow Adult Concert Band is performing at the Bartow Civic Center 2250 S Floral Ave. in Bartow at 2:30 p.m.

Friday, December 12^th

A "Holiday Art Fest" takes place in downtown Lakeland - photo with Santa, holiday music, art show starting at 6:00 p.m.

Annual Christmas parade in Bartow starts at 6:00 p.m. at IMC Park. The museum will be open until 8:00 p.m. for viewing of Festival Wreaths.

Saturday, December 13^th

Family Fun Workshop Polk City is presenting a photo collage - a Polk Museum Art event at Polk City library and it starts at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, December 14^th

Antique Fair in Bartow along East Main Street and Central Avenue starting at 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 16^th

Christmas Music "Sing Along" at the Lake Morton Senior Center in Lakeland - Music by Broadway to You's Floyd Love with Norma Plank on piano starting at 10:30 a.m.

Curator Tour at Lakeland's Polk Museum of Art - walking tour of "Miroslav Antic: Family Album" starting at 10:30 a.m.

Friday, December 19^th

Foxhall Winds at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lakeland - it begins at 10:30 a.m.

Remember, all the activities and entertainments listed are free of charge - all you have to bring is your good spirit and your family, I'm sure there is something for everybody to enjoy in our beautiful cities of Polk County, Florida

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

Entertainment and Things to do without spending a Dime - Polk County Florida 

Petra Norris - Realtor®

 Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.

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

Telephone (863) 618-6919

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.

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.

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

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

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

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 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

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

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