Lakeland Real Estate Blog...not always Real Estate, Petra Norris Style

Lakeland Real Estate Housing for November 2009

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:09:57 -0600

Lakeland Real Estate Housing for November 2009

Despite Polk County’s unemployment numbers in the double digits, Lakeland Florida sales activity continued strong for the month of November.

Lakeland Homes sold in November: 174 - previous month: 177 – previous year November 08: 106 sold

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

Lakeland	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Grand Total
33801	20	12	15	21	13	16	17	12	20	27	20	193
33803	11	10	16	18	16	19	26	19	22	25	20	202
33805	12	11	12	9	5	10	14	14	8	14	12	121
33809	13	12	16	11	18	17	16	17	25	17	21	183
33810	25	31	34	31	46	37	40	33	42	46	43	408
33811	10	16	17	18	18	22	20	15	22	15	18	191
33812	10	5	8	13	7	9	16	15	10	9	13	115
33813	9	25	27	28	26	33	35	38	29	22	24	296
33815	5	3	7	5	7	6	4	3	5	2	3	50
Grand Total	115	125	152	154	156	169	188	166	183	177	174	1759

November - average sales price $122,590

Previous month: $115,952 (+ 5.7%) – previous year November 08: $159,241(-23%)

November - median sales price $119,000

Previous month: $107,000 (+11%) – previous year November 08: $142,500 (-16.5%)

The graph below represents average and median prices in Lakeland for various categories.

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.

Distressed properties in Lakeland, Florida

For the month of November, Lakeland’s real estate market of distressed homes and bank-owned (REO) properties had a market share of 53%. There were a total of 92 properties sold in November compared to 36 distressed Lakeland homes sold the year prior, according to Mid-Florida Regional MLS.

Average days on market (DOM) for bank-owned properties are 60 days
Average days on market (DOM) for other distressed properties are 158 days.

29 Distressed Homes Sold - average sold price $124,506 – median sold price $115,000

63 Bank-owned (REO) sold – average sold price $89,084 – median sold price $75,000

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.

I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR 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 real estate landscape and all it has to offer.

Lakeland Real Estate Update - 11/16/09-11/30/09

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:02:37 -0600

Update for the Lakeland real estate market! Currently, there are 1906 homes for sale throughout Lakeland - as of 12/07/09. Newly listed homes for the period of November 16th through November 30th totaled 109 Lakeland homes recently came on the market. A 28% decline from the previous my previous report. The average sales price of Lakeland homes listed with area Realtors® increased to $202,841.

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

2 condos listed with an average sales price of $189,950

6 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $46,116

7 Townhomes/Villas listed with an average sales price of $94,925

94 single family homes with an average price of $180,829

Lakeland's newest homes listed! The priciest Lakeland real estate is a 2007 pool home; featuring 6 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths with over 5,300 square feet of living space currently offered for $947,500 located in the Eaglebrooke Community. On the contrary, the cheapest Lakeland home newly listed is a 2 bedroom 2 baths listed for only $16,200 - just over $20.00 per square foot - located in the Country View Estates subdivision.

Please continue to read my detailed Lakeland Real Estate Market update by clicking the link.

First Friday in Lakeland Florida – Local Event “Holiday Happenings” – December 4th, 2009

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:06:14 -0600

First Friday in Lakeland Florida – Local Event “Holiday Happenings” – December 4th, 2009

C’mon down – Downtown Lakeland is all decked out with Holiday lights! Enjoy the sounds of holiday music that will be performed around downtown Lakeland; take your picture with Santa at the General Store and much, much more during Lakeland, Florida’s First Friday local event “Holiday Happenings”. Get some holiday shopping done, stores will be open late!

Did you miss Thursday’s annual Lakeland Christmas Parade? You don’t want to miss this special occasion with your family and friends. With all Lakeland First Friday events, Downtown Lakeland Partnership has always done an outstanding job organizing, which it only gets better with each and every month. Folks coming to downtown Lakeland comingling, shopping, dining and having a good time.

What can you expect to see in and around Munn Park?

It all starts at 6:00 p.m. with many school groups performing at various locations downtown:

Carlton Palmore – 7pm – Main & Kentucky
Sleepy Hill – 6pm & 7:30 – Kentucky & Pine
All Saints – 7:30 – Kentucky & Lemon

At J. Rowan Galleries on S. Kentucky Ave:

6:00p.m.              LCMA Jazz Band I
6:55p.m.              LCMA Full Orchestra
7:15 p.m.             LCMA Advanced Chorus
8:00p.m.              LCMA Jazz Band II

Inside J Rowan Galleries on S. Kentucky Ave:

6:15p.m.              LCMA Guitar Ensemble
6:30p.m.              LCMA Guitar Ensemble
6:45p.m.              LCMA Guitar Ensemble

Suzuki Strings performing in front of Fast Frame at 6pm

Stop by at the classic car show!

Polk County and Florida Existing Home Sales Rise – Prices Continue to Dive in October

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:36:38 -0600

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

AUBURNDALE	119,861	112,500	18
BABSON PARK	99,000	99,000	2
BARTOW	91,807	84,900	15
DAVENPORT	124,539	115,000	125
DUNDEE	73,357	70,000	7
EAGLE LAKE	92,125	83,250	4
FORT MEADE	87,000	87,000	1
FROSTPROOF	74,550	70,000	10
HAINES CITY	112,826	101,950	36
KISSIMMEE	105,164	74,900	11
LAKE ALFRED	97,018	85,000	11
LAKE HAMILTON	58,000	58,000	1
LAKE WALES	127,497	120,000	19
LAKELAND	115,952	107,000	177
LAKESHORE	19,150	19,150	1
MULBERRY	121,688	118,500	10
POINCIANA	84,568	71,000	60
POLK CITY	84,200	67,500	5
WINTER HAVEN	105,615	89,900	99

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

Lakeland Real Estate Housing Report for October 2009

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:16:33 -0600

Lakeland Real Estate Housing Report for October 2009

Lakeland Florida sales activity remained strong for the month of October, which goes along what is being reported nationally and at state level for October.

Lakeland Homes sold in October: 177 - previous month: 183 – previous year October 08: 137 sold

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

Lakeland	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Grand Total
33801	20	12	15	21	13	16	17	12	20	27	173
33803	11	10	16	18	16	19	26	19	22	25	182
33805	12	11	12	9	5	10	14	14	8	14	109
33809	13	12	16	11	18	17	16	17	25	17	162
33810	25	31	34	31	46	37	40	33	42	46	365
33811	10	16	17	18	18	22	20	15	22	15	173
33812	10	5	8	13	7	9	16	15	10	9	102
33813	9	25	27	28	26	33	35	38	29	22	272
33815	5	3	7	5	7	6	4	3	5	2	47
Grand Total	115	125	152	154	156	169	188	166	183	177	1585

Lakeland Real Estate average and median home prices at its lowest point for this year

October - average sales price $115,951

Previous month: $129,025 (-10%) – previous year October 08: $149,732 (-23%)

October - median sales price $107,000

Previous month: $121,000 (-12%) – previous year October 08: $140,000 (-24%)

The graph below represents average and median prices in Lakeland for various categories.

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.

Distressed properties in Lakeland, Florida

For the month of October, distressed homes and bank-owned (REO) properties had a market share of 54% in the Lakeland Real Estate market. There were a total of 91 properties sold in October compared to 51 distressed Lakeland homes sold the year prior, according to Mid-Florida Regional MLS.

Average days on market (DOM) for bank-owned properties are 64 days
Average days on market (DOM) for other distressed properties are 194 days.

28 Distressed Homes Sold - average sold price $116,279 – median sold price $112,450

63 Bank-owned (REO) sold – average sold price $80,252 – median sold price $64,500

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.

Happy Thanksgiving to Each and Everyone!

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:10:40 -0600

Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone!

I just want to take a moment and wish all of my followers, readers and subscribers a Happy Thanksgiving. My last Thanksgiving blog I wrote about my first Thanksgiving experience.

This Thanksgiving Day I want to express my appreciation to our servicemen and women who put their lives on the line each and every day for our freedom. Until the last shot is fired...

Lakeland Real Estate Update - 11/01/09-11/15/09

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:03:55 -0600

Lakeland Real Estate Update - 11/01/09-11/15/09

Update for the Lakeland real estate market! Currently, there are 1943 homes for sale throughout Lakeland – as of 11/19/09. Newly listed homes for the period of November 1^st through November 15^th totaled 153 Lakeland homes recently came on the market. A decline from the previous my previous report. Average sales price of $176,647 or $89.01 per square foot with area Realtors®.

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

3 duplex listed with an average sales price of $93,276

6 condos listed with an average sales price of $152,183

7 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $72,614

6 Townhomes/Villas listed with an average sales price of $92,866

130 single family homes with an average price of $191,121

Lakeland’s newest homes listed! The priciest Lakeland real estate is a 1996 pool home is located on Scott Lake; featuring 5 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths with over 6,100 square feet of living space currently offered for $2,995,000. On the contrary, the cheapest Lakeland home newly listed is a 2 bedroom 2 baths listed for only $30,000 – just over $26.00 per square foot – located in the Rolling Glen subdivision.

Please continue to read for a more detailed report by clicking this link

Lakeland Florida Harrison School for the Arts – Fall Orchestra Concert

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:16:25 -0600

Lakeland Florida Harrison School for the Arts – Fall Orchestra Concert

The Harrison Orchestra Students under the direction of Robert Lambert & Matt Davis will be performing repertoire from some of your favorite composers at their annual Fall Orchestra Concert on Thursday, November 19^th, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. on the main state of the Harrison School for the Arts Theater located at 750 Lakeland Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland Florida 33801

Come enjoy an evening of orchestral music at the Fall Orchestra Concert. This concert provides an opportunity for you to hear the pieces that will be performed on orchestra’s trip to La Croix Valmer, France in June 2011.

Crown Imperial - William Walton (20th century British composer)
An American in Paris - George Gershwin
Selections from Camelot - Lerner & Loewe/ arr. Robert Russell Bennett
Brook Green Suite - Gustav Holst, and much more….

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

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

Mark your calendar for these upcoming performances of The Harrison Fine Arts Series for 2009/10:

Parallel Realities, Visual Arts Exhibit - Friday, October 23, 2009 - Friday, December 18, 2009

Jazz Band Concert - Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 7:30 PM

Music of the Season - Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 7:30 PM

Visual Arts Senior Showcase - Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - Sunday, February 28, 2010Reception, January 22 at 6:00 PM @Polk Museum of Art

Eighth Grade Small Works Invitational 2010, Visual Arts Exhibit

Friday, January 29, 2010 - Friday, February 12, 2010 - Reception at 5:00 PM

Winter Dance Concert - Friday, January 29, 2010 - Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Sit and Spin, Visual Arts Exhibit - Thursday, February 18, 2010 - Friday, March 19, 2010

Reception at 6:00 PM

The Three Musketeers

Friday, March 05, 2010 - Saturday, March 06, 2010

at 7:30 PM in the Black Box Theatre

Sunday, March 7, at 2:00 PM

The Three Musketeers

Friday, March 12, 2010 - Saturday, March 13, 2010

at 7:30 PM in the Black Box Theatre

Sunday, March 14, at 2:00 PM

Harrison Wind Ensemble Concert - Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Chamber Music Concert - Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Piano Concert - Thursday, April 08, 2010 at 7:30 PM

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Friday, April 23, 2010 - Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Sunday, April 25, at 2:00 PM

Idealistic Notions, Professional Visual Arts Exhibit

Friday, April 23, 2010 - Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - Reception at 6:00 PM

String Orchestra Concert - Monday, April 26, 2010 First United Methodist Church, Lakeland at 7:30 PM

Spring Dance Concert - Friday, May 07, 2010 - Saturday, May 08, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Symphony Orchestra Concert - Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Spring Choral Concert - Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Jazz Band Concert - Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Housing Market Predictions: We've Heard Them All, Except the One That Matters ... Yours!

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:26:13 -0600

We have heard experts on the housing market predictions, we Real Estate professionals also know that Real Estate is local.

We do our best answering questions about the Real Estate Market. This is your chance to voice your opinion - What is your prediction? When do you think the housing market will recover?

I invite you to go to the original author and voice your opinion.

Thank you!

Via Paul Slaybaugh, Scottsdale AZ Real Estate (Realty Executives):

Housing will not fully recover until 2012. That is when the glut of backlogged foreclosures is expected to be phased out of the market.

Housing will recover by the end of the year. Now that inventory has contracted to average levels for what constitutes “normal” regional markets in major metropolitan areas where prices have declined as much as 50% in the past three years, and month to month sales have steadily increased over the past six months, demand has realigned with supply to arrest the freefall in values.

The housing recovery began in early 2009. Median price increases in some markets indicate that even while many pundits were openly wondering when the bottom of the market would appear, it was actually several months in the rearview mirror.

Many factors and variables, and just as many divergent opinions to boot. So many, in fact, that you almost have to choose amongst the purported experts to determine whether you fall in the half empty or half full category. Job rates, interest rates, unemployment rates … psychiatric rates, for spending too much time poring over the data and extrapolations will render one in need of a head exam.

Overanalysis 101.

You don’t need flow charts to tell you where things stand at the moment. You won’t need a market report to tell you when things are better.

You’ll know the market has recovered when you no longer dread the trip to the mailbox or evening phone calls.

You’ll know the market has recovered when you can confidently re-enable automatic bill pay from your checking account instead of prioritizing which ones get paid this month by how far past due each is.

You’ll know that the market has recovered when you don’t have to decide whether you or a loved one is really ill enough to warrant the cost of a trip to the doctor.

You’ll know the market has recovered when you no longer have to explain to the kids why you can’t go to the zoo or stop for ice cream today.

You’ll know the market has recovered when sleep comes as readily as worry formerly did.

You can stop looking to someone else to tell you when the market is fully healed as the housing implosion is the root of these greater ails. It’s far easier to take stock of your own life, and those of your friends and family, to see where along its arc the pendulum is currently settled. As the finance/housing sector dragged our economy into the muck, it will again lead us back to dry ground. No need to watch the stars for celestial clues. Just do what no pundit can and watch your own life for improvement. You’ll know housing has recovered when both of your own feet are planted squarely on terra firma.

Most importantly, beware the forecasts that don’t jive with your own internal index. Those who would adamantly assert the rosiest or bleakest prognosis are likely more interested in influencing your behavior than in your well being.

“Buy now before prices shoot back up!”

“Sell now before prices erode further!”

When you stop listening to yourself, you risk placing all of your trust in the megaphones of those who have a vested interest in your fear.

Is the housing market improving? Is now the time to buy? The time to sell? For months, I have been asked to provide the answers to these questions. I have dutifully provided my vague predictions with the obligatory caveat that no one truly knows how a free market will behave from one day to the next. I realize, though, that in supplying answers to those who actually give the market context, that we have all been looking at this thing from the wrong perspective. It makes zero difference where I think the market stands at present, and where it is headed. The very consumers who ask me these questions are the ones who will ultimately provide the truth or fallacy to my various hypotheses. So I turn the tables and ask the consumer, the actual authority, the very same question.

“What is the state of the Real Estate market?”

Feel free to comment here or send me an email with your thoughts. Looking for opinions from consumers and laypersons, not agents or financial wizards (all comments welcome, though). I will post the results in a follow-up piece.

Mr. Homeowner & Mrs. Homebuyer, the floor is now yours.

Property Tax Bill - This Is Not A Bill - Do Not Pay - Your Escrow Account Defined

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:07:26 -0600

Many home owners have received their property tax bill for 2009 in the mail. Unless you own your home free and clear, your bill generally will state:

This Is Not A Bill - Do Not Pay!

To many first time home owners and especially to many future first time home buyers wanting to purchase a Lakeland Real Estate, this is a new terminology to them. The bill also states that your bill has been forwarded to your Escrow Agent.

One of the things I love most about my job as a Lakeland real estate professional is that I get to educate my buyers about the real estate purchasing process. With a doubt, a term that is often not very well understood by new Lakeland home buyers is the term Escrow Account. So, I’ve written down a brief overview for you here.

An escrow account is a specially designated savings account into which funds are deposited for a defined purpose.

With respect to Lakeland real estate and mortgages, your escrow account is used to hold money in a neutral account prior to closing, and later to pay real estate tax bills and homeowners insurance payments.

Once your mortgage is in effect, escrow accounts are managed and disbursed by lenders or their designated servicing companies.

Lenders generally require, whether you opt for an FHA, VA guaranteed or a conventional mortgage, that you “escrow” your scheduled monthly home owners insurance (hazard insurance) as well as a set amount for your property taxes. The lender basically wants to be sure that you will be able to cover these bills when they come due. When the time does come for them to be paid, your lender cuts a check to each entity from your escrow account. You do not have to pay these bills directly.

Remembering all Veterans!

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:27:41 -0600

Dear Veterans!

I am not a U.S. citizen although have been married to a retired military vet for over 25 years now and shared with him the last ten or so years of his military service during the cold war. I've never felt such an outpouring of thankfulness amongst this nation until after Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Luckily my husband was never called upon to fight in front of enemy lines. His service started in 1975 and ended in 1995 in the maintenance field with a short deployment to Iraq.

My husband's dad Charles served in the Korean War in the Air Force. My brother-in-law Charles served in Vietnam, my other brother-in-law Allen served around the same time as my husband Jim. My son-in-law David is serving as a Marine reservist and already had a tour of duty in Iraq. My other son-in-law Andrew graduated from the Air Force Academy and is committed for a few years at least. To my friends who served along with my husband. I'm very thankful for their service.

In addition to my family, I want to personally thank those of you who faught for our freedom in front of enemy lines, families who lost their fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers aunts and uncles, the sacrafices you have done and continue to do so - My heartfelt thanks!

Have a blessed and safe Veterans Day! For those who serve and will be serving in front of enemy lines - stay safe!

Sincerely,

Petra Norris

Lakeland Florida Harrison School for the Arts – Fall Piano Concert

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:15:49 -0600

Lakeland Florida Harrison School for the Arts – Fall Piano Concert

The Harrison Piano Students under the direction of Rebekah Haubry will be performing solos and ensembles repertoire from some favorite composers, such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, and many more at their annual Fall Piano Concert on Thursday, November 12^th, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. on the main state of the Harrison School for the Arts Theater located at 750 Lakeland Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland Florida 33801

Come enjoy an evening of piano music at The Fall Piano Concert. This concert provides an opportunity for the students to demonstrate their accomplishments of their first semester’s study of solo and ensemble literature.

Freshmen

Michelle Castillo, Angie Lee, Forin Huang, Holly Scott

Sophomores

Richard Anderson, Derik Thomas, Alvaro Ulloa

Juniors

Amanda Callihan, Angel Lee, James Maffett, Sabrina Morby, Matthew Oliver

Seniors

Mary-Catherine Savant, Lorel Schmitzberger, Shelli Sokolski, Benjamin Vickers

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

Mark your calendar for these upcoming performances of The Harrison Fine Arts Series for 2009/10:

Parallel Realities, Visual Arts Exhibit - Friday, October 23, 2009 - Friday, December 18, 2009

Symphony Orchestra Concert - Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 7:30 PM

Jazz Band Concert - Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 7:30 PM

Music of the Season - Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 7:30 PM

Visual Arts Senior Showcase - Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - Sunday, February 28, 2010Reception, January 22 at 6:00 PM @Polk Museum of Art

Eighth Grade Small Works Invitational 2010, Visual Arts Exhibit

Friday, January 29, 2010 - Friday, February 12, 2010 - Reception at 5:00 PM

Winter Dance Concert - Friday, January 29, 2010 - Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Sit and Spin, Visual Arts Exhibit - Thursday, February 18, 2010 - Friday, March 19, 2010

Reception at 6:00 PM

The Three Musketeers

Friday, March 05, 2010 - Saturday, March 06, 2010

at 7:30 PM in the Black Box Theatre

Sunday, March 7, at 2:00 PM

The Three Musketeers

Friday, March 12, 2010 - Saturday, March 13, 2010

at 7:30 PM in the Black Box Theatre

Sunday, March 14, at 2:00 PM

Harrison Wind Ensemble Concert - Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Chamber Music Concert - Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Piano Concert - Thursday, April 08, 2010 at 7:30 PM

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Friday, April 23, 2010 - Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Sunday, April 25, at 2:00 PM

Idealistic Notions, Professional Visual Arts Exhibit

Friday, April 23, 2010 - Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Reception at 6:00 PM

String Orchestra Concert - Monday, April 26, 2010 First United Methodist Church, Lakeland at 7:30 PM

Spring Dance Concert - Friday, May 07, 2010 - Saturday, May 08, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Symphony Orchestra Concert - Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Spring Choral Concert - Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Jazz Band Concert - Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Free Arts & Entertainment Event in Lakeland Florida - Saturday Nov 14th 2009

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:34:13 -0600

Free Arts & Entertainment Event in Lakeland Florida - Saturday Nov 14th 2009

Did you enjoy this past weekend's free events honoring the people who service? Check out this Saturday's free art & music event on November 14, 2009 from 11am-5pm. This event takes place downtown Lakeland at the Lake Mirror Amphitheater.

This event would help bring unity to the community of Lakeland through a common passion; creative arts. It would be a place for talented artists within our community to release their gifts, bringing a positive influence into our city. Artists would have the opportunity to network & share with other artists of the same vein and hopefully it would provide profit for them by selling their pieces/music. To simply put it, they want to promote art.

There will be all sorts of live entertainment throughout the day, featuring: The Florida Dance Theatre, Southeastern's fX Percussion Group, Joe Gavin, John Conklin, Terra Terra Terra and more!

If you would like to learn more about the event, please visit their website: http://www.kristinacollins.org/events.html

First Friday in Lakeland Florida – Local Event “Honoring Service” – November 6th, 2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:43:18 -0600

First Friday in Lakeland Florida – Local Event “Honoring Service” – November 6th, 2009

Being married to a veteran, who served 20 years in the Army and both of my sons (SIL) serving in the military, one as a Marine reservist and the other active duty in the Air Force, this is very dear to my heart. Veterans Day is November 11^th and Lakeland, Florida’s First Friday local event “Honoring Service” could not have been timed any better.

With all Lakeland First Friday events, Downtown Lakeland Partnership has always done an outstanding job organizing, which proved at last month event of “Art Walk”. I’ve never seen that many people downtown Lakeland comingling, shopping, dining and having a good time.

What can you expect to see in and around Munn Park?

It all starts at 6:00 p.m. with the National Anthem that will be performed by the Harrison School for the Arts string quartet in front of Brooke Pottery.

Color guard demonstration by Lake Gibson High, Lake Region, and George Jenkins High Schools.
Dance and ROTC performances throughout the evening are scheduled – Kentucky Avenue will close from Lemon Street to Oak.
Music and Entertainment
Student art displays along the streets

At 7:00 p.m. between Main and Lemon Street, you’ll be entertained by clogging and nutcracker dances.

Girl Scouts are sponsoring card making activities to be sent to troops overseas.
Massages will be offered
Prizes to win, sign up for drawings and more.
Lifestyle Fitness Center will also have you entertained

There is so much more from Nonperishable Food Drive organized by Brooke Pottery to benefit the Talbot House to Operation Drop Zone donating items for our active military members deployed overseas. Think about our military veterans when you shop downtown Lakeland!

Also, Senator Paula Dockery, who just announced her run for governor will be there to talk with you.

Stop by at the classic car show!

Is Your Twitter Account Sending SPAM?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:15:09 -0600

Is Your Twitter Account Sending SPAM?

The other day I received a direct message (DM) from a local follower, who I trust because they are dedicated to developing a community consensus on Lakeland’s future. The message read “I make money online with google. I learned how here…”link” I clicked on the (SPAM) link; clearly, I was not thinking straight this should have put up a big red flag in my brain… I even responded to the DM as follows, “I’m always skeptical when it comes to ad like this – does it really work –be honest and how did you go about it”. What was I thinking?

Today, I received a message from my follower saying that their Twitter account has been compromised and to please follow the direction with the link. I followed the instruction from a good friend Chuck Welch and followed “8 Steps if Your Twitter Account is Sending Spam” to the tee.

If you got caught up with a SPAM direct message from a trusted follower, please take extra caution to prevent spammers from hacking into your account.

Lakeland FL Real Estate Market Update - October 16 through October 31, 2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:10:22 -0600

Update for the Lakeland real estate market! Currently, there are 1940 homes for sale throughout Lakeland – as of 11/03/09, still balanced no major increase in inventory for the past few weeks. Newly listed homes for the period of October 16th through October 31^st totaled 192 Lakeland homes recently came on the market. Average sales price of $177,940 or $85.32 per square foot with area Realtors®.

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

2 duplex listed with an average sales price of $36,299

5 condos listed with an average sales price of $104,560

16 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $96,212

11 Townhomes/Villas listed with an average sales price of $110,561

158 single family homes with an average price of $195,022

Three Lakeland homes exceeding $1 million were just listed. The priciest Lakeland real estate was a former “Home of the Year” in the 2006 Spring Parade. This custom built pool home is located in the Lazy Creek subdivision; featuring 5 bedrooms and 5 baths with close to 6,000 square feet of living space currently offered for $1,499,000. On the contrary, the cheapest Lakeland home newly listed is a 2 bedroom 1 bath listed for only $10,000 – just under $12.00 per square foot – located in the Palma Ceia Court subdivision.

For a more detailed report, please continue to read by clicking this link!

Writing about the same topic – An Inspiration!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:00:24 -0600

The past few days I’ve seen a dozen or so articles written about the $8,000 tax credit and a few have been featured here on Active Rain. Recently, I’ve read blogs about Real Estate Teams, both very great articles with their own views and it actually inspired me to write about this very subject here, “An Inspiration”.

My inspiration came within the comment section. One of the authors commented that it would have been appreciated if the writer wrote an inspiring comment within the author’s blog. I have seen within the comment sections of various blogs great comments, which could have been easily its own blog post. Commenter’s are often very passionately about a subject whether they agree or disagree and neglect writing their own blog post. Why not share this very same topic with your own readers?

I would love to see bloggers write their own blog post when they have a different point of view or expanding on this very same topic. Primarily, we are real estate agent graving for discussions and topics on real estate. This is how we learn and share our knowledge with our readers who are from all different parts of the country and world.

I ask myself this question before I start writing a post: Who do I want to reach out to?

Would you consider writing about the same topic if you were inspired?

Polk County and Florida Existing Home Sales Rise Overall in September

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:23:36 -0500

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

AUBURNDALE	99,111	92,000	23
BABSON PARK	285,000	285,000	1
BARTOW	79,453	80,000	15
CHAMPIONS GATE	150,000	150,000	1
DAVENPORT	136,818	121,000	133
DUNDEE	91,167	83,500	3
EAGLE LAKE	155,000	155,000	1
FORT MEADE	36,680	30,000	5
FROSTPROOF	22,000	22,000	1
HAINES CITY	98,482	78,000	28
HIGHLAND CITY	65,000	65,000	1
INDIAN LAKE ESTATES	37,000	37,000	1
KISSIMMEE	109,117	88,000	19
LAKE ALFRED	107,200	98,000	5
LAKE WALES	98,896	80,000	25
LAKELAND	129,025	121,000	183
MULBERRY	96,436	102,555	15
POINCIANA	79,361	70,000	61
POLK CITY	93,178	62,347	7
SOLIVITA	185,000	185,000	1
WINTER HAVEN	107,469	99,500	67

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”.

Lakeland Florida CommonGround Park – a Place for Children of all Abilities

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:26:17 -0500

Lakeland's CommonGround Park was originally thought of from two Lakeland-area mothers of children with special needs, who contacted the Parks and Recreation Department with their suggestion. After four years of fundraising, planning and construction, this park opened up for all children ages 2-12 earlier this year. CommonGround Park's playground is designed to have fun play experiences, as well as aid children in their cognitive, physical and emotional development.

I just love when Lakeland's community leaders, various fund raising organizations, such as the Rotary Clubs, businesses and volunteers come together and create such a place for children.

Located in Lakeland's Edgewood Park, at the corner of Edgewood Drive and Buckingham Avenue, CommonGround uses the space very efficiently with two separate playground areas, a rock-climbing wall, an astroturf mound for kids to roll down, and much more for all children of all abilities. Play zones are exceptionally designed, so children can play side-by-side.

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until dusk!

Foreclosure Epidemic may be saved by Short Sale Remedy

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:09:16 -0500

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.

Lakeland Real Estate Snapshot for September 2009

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:05:16 -0500

Although sale prices continue to impact our real estate market negatively for the month of September, Lakeland sales activity peaked for the second time this year.

Lakeland Homes sold in September: 183 - previous month: 166 – previous year September 08: 158 sold

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

Lakeland	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Grand Total
33801	20	12	15	21	13	16	17	12	20	146
33803	11	10	16	18	16	19	26	19	22	157
33805	12	11	12	9	5	10	14	14	8	95
33809	13	12	16	11	18	17	16	17	25	145
33810	25	31	34	31	46	37	40	33	42	319
33811	10	16	17	18	18	22	20	15	22	158
33812	10	5	8	13	7	9	16	15	10	93
33813	9	25	27	28	26	33	35	38	29	250
33815	5	3	7	5	7	6	4	3	5	45
Grand Total	115	125	152	154	156	169	188	166	183	1408

Lakeland Real Estate average and median home prices

September - average sales price $129,025

Previous month: $136,325 (-5%) – previous year September 08: $164,462 (-22%)

September - median sales price $121,000

Previous month: $130,000 (-7%) – previous year September 08: $149,900 (-19%)

Prices peaked during the summer month and with fall on the horizon home prices are dropping.

The graph below represents average and median prices in Lakeland for various categories.

What are the various average prices in each Lakeland zip code?

Distressed properties in Lakeland, Florida

For the month of September, distressed homes and bank-owned (REO) properties had a market share of 54% in the Lakeland Real Estate market. There were a total of 98 properties sold in September compared to 43 distressed Lakeland homes sold the year prior, according to Mid-Florida Regional MLS.

Average days on market (DOM) for bank-owned properties are 85 days
Average days on market (DOM) for other distressed properties are 183 days.

27 Distressed Homes Sold - average sold price $147,775 – median sold price $116,400

71 Bank-owned (REO) sold – average sold price $95,380 – median sold price $72,500

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.

Lakeland’s Harrison School for the Arts presents “Brigadoon”

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:46:38 -0500

It is no secret around here in Lakeland Florida that October is when the students at Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts present their annual musical theater production. This year’s classic, “Brigadoon”, will be a remembrance of past musicals' great successes. Musicals like “Singing in the Rain”, “Starting Here, Starting Now”, “King and I” and “Pirates of Penzance” brought exhilaration and a full house to Lakeland’s Harrison School for the Arts theatre. This year you will be astonished by these High School kids from departments such as musical theater, music, dance, orchestra and theater departments, showcasing their exceptional talents.

Imagine you are going to bed at night and the next day you wake up a century later….. then you don’t want to miss this romantic Lerner & Loewe classic musical, which tells the story of two Americans who discover a mysterious Scottish village that appears for only one day every hundred years. Containing such songs as Heather on the Hill, I’ll Go Home With Bonnie Jean, and Almost Like Bein’ in Love in Brigadoon you will find that anything truly is possible…even miracles.

Photos were taken and provided by Andy Glogower http://innerglowphoto.com/

Performances: October 22, 23, 24 at 7:30 p.m. – October 25 at 2:00 p.m. ****Reserved Seating****

Ticket prices: $8.00 for student/seniors - $10.00 for adult ticket

Box Office hours: October 22^nd6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

October 23^rd 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

October 24^th 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

October 25^th 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Purchase Tickets online at www.harrisonarts.com

Lakeland Fl Real Estate Market Update - October 1 through October 15, 2009

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:25:51 -0500

Update for the Lakeland real estate market! Currently, there are 1934 homes for sale throughout Lakeland – as of 10/20/09, which remained balanced for the past few weeks. Newly listed homes for the period of October 1^st through October 15^th totaled 185 Lakeland homes recently came on the market. Average sales price of $154,469 or $89.68 per square foot with area Realtors®.

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

7 condos listed with an average sales price of $112,385

16 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $96,662

8 Townhomes/Villas listed with an average sales price of $89,521

154 single family homes with an average price of $165,762

The priciest Lakeland real estate just listed is a 2008 pool home located in the Crescent Woods subdivision; featuring 4 bedrooms and 4 1/2 baths with over 4,400 square feet of living space currently offered for $895,000. On the contrary, the cheapest Lakeland home newly listed is a 2 bedroom 1 bath listed for only $10,000 – just under $15.00 per square foot – located in the Palma Ceia Court subdivision.

Please continue to read for more details by clicking this link

Lakeland Florida – Mercedes-Benz Lake Mirror Classic Extravaganza 2009

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:29:53 -0500

Celebrating its 10^th anniversary, the annual Mercedes-Benz Lake Mirror Classic takes place around Lake Mirror and in the downtown Lakeland area on October 16/17, 2009. Lakeland expects an estimated 35,000 people wandering around Lake Mirror for the two day event which is considered as one of the best shows in the Southeast. Visiting the extraordinary event will mesmerize car enthusiasts around Lakeland and the country.

This two-day charity event raises money for Lakeland’s non-profit groups, such as the Junior Achievement, Pied Piper Players, Boy Scouts, the First Tee, Historic Lakeland, and Lakeland Regional Cancer. More than $200,000.00 has been raised or donated helping them raise needed funds through the sale of food and beverage at the event.

The honorary chairman for this year’s Festival is Hall of Famer and endurance racer Hurley Hawood, known as a one-of-a-kind driver winning the 24 Hours of Daytona five times – a pioneer and a legend indeed.

What can you expect at Lakeland’s Lake Mirror Classic?

Friday, October 16^th from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. there will be a free Budweiser Hot Rod Rendezvous at the Lake Mirror Amphitheater with a free outdoor concert featuring live music by Jr. and the MDs, 100 hot rod and custom cars.. The Hot Rod Rendezvous will benefit the Junior Achievement of Polk County

Saturday, October 17^th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Lake Mirror Park and downtown Lakeland, Judged Concours d’ Elegance – “contest of elegance” for 100 selected cars in the following categories:

Brass Era Vehicles
Pre-War Classics 1925-1942
Pre-War Production Cars 1900 - 1942
Post-War Production Cars 1945-1962
Commercial Vehicles thru 1959
Muscle Cars 1964-1972
Domestic Sports Cars Thru 1972
Foreign Sports Cars Thru 1972
Cars of Particular Interest

Art Deco Automobiles featuring 1930 Mercedes-Benz 130H (German), 1938 Panhard Dynamic (France), 1937 Tatra T87 (Czechoslovakia), and the Peugeot Darl’ mat (France). Classic Wooden Boat show at Lake Mirror, Classic Motorcycles

Noon: Lunch Parade to the Lake Mirror Promenade led by Scottish bag-piper as tuxedo-clad Terrace Hotel waiters delivers lunch to Concours d’ Elegance participants.

2:00 p.m.: Parade of Classic Wooden Boats at Lake Mirror

3:00 p.m.: Awards Ceremony of Concours d’Elegance trophy presentation

I invite you to check out the photos by clicking on the picture I took at last year’s event of the Lake Mirror Classic – you don’t want to miss it – Truly Amazing!

Lakeland Florida - Lake Mirror Classic 2008

A First Time for Everything - My First Video

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:51:23 -0500

A First Time for Everything - My First Video in front of the Camera

I know videos have been around for a long time now and I have been in videos one time or two - always in family gatherings. Being in front of the camera is a little challenging to say the least. Worried what and how I say things - I remembered years ago when I took my first speech class in college and had to stand in front of the class and talk about a subject I researched. I was very nervous to say the least, but after a few speeches behind my belt, I became less nervous. "Practice makes Perfect"

Real estate and real estate marketing, especially online and video marketing has evolved in recent years and a lot of real estate agents still go about the old ways, i.e. direct mailings, print advertisement, etc. My online presence has grown since me joining Active Rain, still missing pieces to the puzzle - videos.

Folks been asking me about doing videos for some time now, suggesting videos about Lakeland Florida, Lakeland real estate, community events and such. It has been always on my mind and it is just getting over this challenge is a challenge in itself. Recently, I commented on Mike Mueller's video blog and he suggested to jump right in, get started and don't look back. The more videos you do, the better you get. "Practice makes Perfect"

So, here it is without further ado, my first video in front of the Camera - any suggestions?