lakeland florida real estate
Lakeland Florida Real Estate Update for May 2010
June 18, 2010 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment
For the month of May, the Lakeland real estate market has shown slight improvement, but compared to previous year, it has been much of the same for when considering sales prices. A total of 221 Lakeland homes were sold in May with average and median prices still declining from the previous year. Distressed properties are still driving down market values with over 57% of market share.
Lakeland Homes sold in May: 221 - previous month: 244 – previous year May 09: 158 sold
May – average sales price $121,337
Previous month: $110,880 (8.62%) – previous year May 09: $124,689 (-2.69%)
May – median sales price $106,000
Previous month: $95,500 (9.90%) – previous year May 09: $119,450 (-12.67%)
The graph below represents average and median prices in Lakeland for various categories. When our media provides us with a real estate market reports, generally these reports outline only Single Family Homes and Condominiums. Lakeland Florida has a variety of homes, such as manufactured homes, townhomes, villas and duplex units.
What are the various average prices in each Lakeland zip code?
Take a look at my spreadsheet below. I’ve separated the report by zip code instead of school zones; it gives you a more accurate report in my opinion. The data and graphs for this report were obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include “For Sale By Owner”. The numbers highlighted in pink represents the zip codes where average sold prices have exceeded.
A total of 2447 Lakeland homes are for sale and under contract resulting in a 12 months supply.
Let’s break it down for you to see the supply and demand for common properties for sale versus the distressed market in the Lakeland real estate market.
Common properties only – Inventory active and pending 1464 homes resulting in 8 month of supply.
Distressed properties – Inventory active and pending 983 homes resulting in a 8 month of supply.
Distressed properties in Lakeland, Florida
For the month of May, Lakeland’s real estate market of distressed homes had a market share of 57%. There were a total of 127 properties sold in May, according to Mid-Florida Regional MLS.
Check back soon for May’s detailed Lakeland Florida Real Estate report that highlights bank-owned properties (REOs) and Lakeland Short Sales.
If you are interested in a specific area or neighborhood, feel free to contact me at petra@petranorris.com or click the search button below.
lakeland florida real estate
Carillon Lakes in Lakeland FL – A Gated Family Oriented Community
May 13, 2010 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment
Conveniently located minutes from Polk Parkway and Interstate 4, Carillon Lakes gated community is situated southwest Lakeland, Florida and has almost 650 
homeowners according to their newsletter. Carillon Lakes community has a lot to offer for families and retirees such as swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball court, fitness center, playground and a club house at the Town Center which can be rented for family gatherings such as birthday parties.
Carillon Lakes was developed over ten years ago and it is a deed restricted community. There are a variety of homes and condominiums situated throughout this lovely neighborhood that was developed in the early 2000. This community provides plenty of activities for its residents as well as for children. The community’s monthly calendar is filled with entertainment like, water aerobics, book buffs, game night, investment clubs and much, much more. Carillon Lakes has its own web site and publishes a monthly newsletter. The appearance of this community shows pride with manicured lawns and walkways throughout the community and its surrounding lakes.
A short distance to major employers such as Publix Supermarkets corporate office and GEICO Insurance as well as shopping at the Lakeside Village, Target and many restaurants situated along Harden Boulevard makes Carillon Lakes in Lakeland Florida a convenient location.
Carillon Lakes Homes for sale offer great contemporary architectural style built single family homes and condominiums from 1400 – 3000 square feet of living space at very affordable prices. These homes offer a variety of style and size from a three bedroom to five bedroom homes. A great buy for first-time home buyers, folks who want to down size, and investors. Prices currently range from under $125,000 – $230,000 with an average price of $150,000.
If you are interested more about this Carillon Lakes in Lakeland and other communities and subdivisions please contact me at petra@petranorris.com
Carillon Lakes School Zone – Lakeland FL:
**Elementary School: Jesse Keen Elementary
**Middle School: Sleepy Hill Middle
**High School: Kathleen High
**Please note that Carillon School Zone in Lakeland Florida -Polk County – occasionally changes and should be verified by the Polk County School Board.
lakeland florida real estate
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Legacy is Lakeland’s Treasure
June 11, 2009 by Petra Norris · 2 Comments
I love Lakeland, Florida. I’ve lived here for years – working as a Lakeland real estate professional – and it seems that there’s something new to enjoy all the time. Though my family and I enjoy all that the city has to offer, I think we’d all agree that Lakeland’s Florida Southern College campus is one of our very favorite parts of living here.
Frank Lloyd Wright was known for generating new and innovative architectural spaces that fit seamlessly into a given area’s natural surroundings. With Florida Southern’s campus, he did just that.
Unlike a lot of central Florida, Polk County has a good amount of topography. Lakeland benefits from this as well, and the 12 architectural structures Wright designed for Florida Southern College – the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world – fit organically into the college’s rolling landscape.
Some of My Favorite “Children of the Sun”
Though there are 12 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings on Florida Southern College’s campus, Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, the Water Dome, and the Esplanades that stretch along the campus grounds are my favorites.
Annie Pfeiffer Chapel
When you see pictures of Florida Southern College, Annie Pfeiffer Chapel is often the image you see. The chapel’s construction lasted from 1939-1041, and it was built using student labor – as were several of Wright’s buildings on the campus. Of all of Wright’s buildings at Florida Southern, Annie Pfeiffer shines as a true example of his work. Fit snugly into the hill upon which it sits, the chapel really does appear to be born from the ground – lifting into the sky – playing upon Wright’s “Child of the Sun” theme for his FSC campus architecture project.
The Water Dome
The Water Dome at Florida Southern Campus is located in front of Roux Library and is a showcase of beauty and serenity both day and night. Actual construction on the Water Dome in 1948, but was only just competed in 2007 due to financial and technical limitations.
There was a lot of press around this phase of Wright’s FSC design “coming to life,” and you’ll see why when you view the Water Dome first hand. The fountain is geometrically perfect 160 feet across. Around its perimeter are high-pressure water nozzles that propel water 45 feet into the air to create a “dome” of water.
The following video provides some history behind the Water Dome at Florida Southern College.
The Esplanades
Wright’s desire to set his buildings at Florida Southern College within the landscape rather than flattening the land to set them upon it is clear when you roam underneath the vast expanse of esplanades covering the campus. The main idea for these covered walkways – in Wright’s mind – was for the esplanades to wind through the grounds and bring you suddenly upon one of the architect’s buildings.
In all, Frank Lloyd Wright’s collection of buildings at Florida Southern College are a definite “must experience” when you next find yourself in Lakeland, Florida. Yes, I’m a Lakeland real estate agent, but I love just showing my city to newcomers as well. If you find yourself in the area looking, please call me at 863-619-6918. I’d love to share one of my city’s landmarks with you.
Additional Resources
- Restoring a Campus-Full of Frank Lloyd Wright – NPR.org
- Florida Southern College Preservation and Restoration Project – Official Site
lakeland florida real estate
Lakeland Florida First Friday Celebration “School’s out for the Summer”
June 4, 2009 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment
Hooray! Friday, June 5th marks the first day of vacation for students in Polk County! What better way to come to downtown Lakeland and join a fun-filled event of First Friday’s Celebration “School’s out for the Summer” to start your summer off filled with activities around Munn Park.
Parents and kids are you ready to have some fun? The party starts at 6:00 PM and contests in blowing the largest bubble. I’m sure there are some great hula-hoopers in Lakeland, there will be a contest for a squirt-gun shootout, sidewalk chalk art contest, a contest for summer themed art, which takes place along Kentucky Avenue.
Downtown Lakeland Partnership teaming up with our local downtown merchants, Explorations V Children’s Museum and the Polk Museum of Art, who are making sure, you will have a great start to your summer vacation during the June 5th First Friday “School’s out for the Summer” Celebration.
More activities are planned for the kids such as a bounce house, face painting at Lofty Ideas and a DJ at Lloyd’s of Lakeland on North Kentucky. Traditions Unlimited will feature making paper flowers and Brooke Pottery will host the 2009 Annual Ornament Contest and Kathy Cooper, owner of Gold Leaf Creative Arts, will instruct children creating their special Florida animals made out of clay.
Teens and Adults – are you dressed for summer? The Polk Museum of Art is sponsoring on South Kentucky Avenue a community art project showcasing your idea of “Summer Fun”. A people’s Choice Award for a cool summer look – you live in Florida only a short drive to the beach. Hmm… flip flops, summer shirt and a cool hat made out of straw perhaps – think Key West or Hawaii, you get the point. Try it and have fun!
Prizes will be provided for various activities by the Downtown Lakeland Partnership and Downtown Lakeland merchants.
Garden Bistro, one of my favorite restaurants, will be open for dinner 6 – 8 P.M. It doesn’t get any better than dinner at the Bistro and music by Sofa Kings 7:00 – 11:00 on the Patio. Garden Bistro is next to Hollis Garden on Lake Mirror.
Entertainment along the streets and the car show on Tennessee Avenue next to Munn Park from 6:00 PM- 9:00 PM. Shops and Restaurants are open late!
I love summer – and First Friday in Lakeland is a great way to kick it off! Remember, if you are thinking about moving, consider Lakeland, Florida! As your Lakeland real estate professional, I’m here to help you find the home of your dreams!
lakeland florida real estate
Lakeland Harrison School for the Arts – Spring Choral Concert
May 19, 2009 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment
Lakeland Florida Harrison School for the Arts – Spring Choral Concert
The Harrison Choral Department under the direction of Judy McLaurin and Chad Brady will present the “Spring Choral Concert” on May 21st, at 7:30 p.m. on the main stage of the Harrison School for the Arts Theater located at 750 Lakeland Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland Florida 33801
The Harrison Chamber Singers and the entire Choral Department will showcase some of their favorite pieces of their 2008/2009 season. This will be the last concert for this season with summer vacation upon us. As always, I was impressed by the many talents this school had to offer in the various art departments. I’m looking forward to the opening of the new building adjacent to the main stage and the many future outstanding performances.
Tickets are $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.
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Lakeland Florida Harrison School for the Arts – Spring Choral Concert
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.
P.O. Box 92050 – Lakeland, FL 33804-2050
Telephone (863) 618-6919
lakeland florida real estate
Lakeland Real Estate – Weekly Update on New Listings 05/03/09 – 05/09/09
May 15, 2009 by Petra Norris · 2 Comments
Lakeland real estate Just Listed – Weekly Update! The Lakeland real estate inventory continues to fall to 2073 properties in Lakeland (May 15, 2009) from the previous week. There were 59 homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $164,878 or $93.59 per square foot with area Realtors®, resulting in a decrease of homes listed from the previous week. The types of homes and average prices being actively marketed according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows:
4 duplex units listed with an average sales price of $74,875
2 condos listed with an average sales price of $84,000
6 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $78,733
47 single family homes with an average price of $186,977
The priciest home that came newly on the market here in Lakeland, Florida is a 1926 Two-Story Single Family Home, a historic landmark in the Dixieland neighborhood; featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 baths with over 3,000 square feet of living space currently offered for $649,900. On the contrary, the cheapest home newly on the market is a 2 bedroom 1 bath property listed for $45,000 – under $23.00 per square foot – located in Chestnut Woods Subdivision.
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”.
Take a look at the breakdown by zip code:
33801 – 06 with an average sales price of $77,766
33803 – 09 with an average sales price of $205,233
33805 – 03 with an average sales price of $82,800
33809 – 14 with an average sales price of $130,678
33810 – 11 with an average sales price of $206,077
33811 – 03 with an average sales price of $137,933
33812 – 00
33813 – 11 with an average sales price of $222,781
33815 – 02 with an average sales price of $102,500
Weekly update on distressed properties in Lakeland
A total of 465 properties are currently actively being marketed that are facing foreclosure. There were 17 Lakeland homes newly listed in the distressed category with average prices of $140,311 or $69.69 per square foot. Distressed homes are categorized as “Bank-Owned”, “Require 3rd party approval (Short Sale)”, “Pre-foreclosure”, and “In-Foreclosure”.
For more information on the location of the properties newly listed in Lakeland, pricing and size of the homes click on map picture which leads you to the interactive Community Walk map created by Chuck Welch of Lakeland Local.
Would you like to do your own search for properties? Look no further, click on the “Search for Homes” icon to begin your Lakeland real estate search – or contact me directly at (863) 619-6918. I’m here to help!
lakeland florida real estate
Lakeland Real Estate – First-time Homebuyers…Time is running out!
April 27, 2009 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment
Only 7 Months left…..Time is running Out for Lakeland, Florida First-time Homebuyers to receive $8000 tax credit.
Folks, you may think “oh, I’ve got plenty of time”…. 7 months is not too far off, it will be here before you know it. By now, I’m sure, everyone knows about the $8000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers – just in case you might have missed this important news. Here is a little recap to qualify, home buyers must not have owned a home for the past three years and have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) that is less than $95,000 for single filers and $170,000 for a joint tax return.
Thinking that a sales contract that is signed, sealed and delivered by November 30th is sufficient, you may be surprised to know that it is not good enough to get the $8000 tax credit – you must close by November 30, 2009 to receive this credit.
If you are still sitting over the fence for the prices to drop and wait until a few weeks before the November 30th deadline to buy your Lakeland home, you may encounter problems with title companies and other parties involved in the transaction. Generally, a transaction from contract to close may only take a few weeks for a resale on an existing home. For a new construction the time frame from start to finish could take up to six month depending on floor plan, size, and location.
I suspect there will be a blitz of first-time Lakeland home buyers who are waiting until the last minute and that is when title companies, home inspectors, appraisers, not to mention lenders and underwriters could get swamped with files during November – don’t wait until it’s too late!
The IRS will only allow actual closing dates and does not allow “planned closing date”.
Interested in a home here in Lakeland, Florida? Begin your Lakeland home search today! Click on the “Search for Homes” icon below to see what Lakeland real estate options are in store for you!
lakeland florida real estate
Lakeland Real Estate – Homes for Sale Update 04/12/09 – 04/18/09
April 24, 2009 by Petra Norris · 2 Comments
Lakeland Florida Homes For Sale Weekly Update! There were 76 homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $190,049 or $97.87 per square foot with area Realtors®, an increase of 11 homes listed from the previous week. While the total inventory remained steady in the previous week (2137 properties as of Friday, April 24th) in Lakeland, the types of homes being actively marketed changes daily according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS).
Amongst the newly listed properties, here is a breakdown of each property category:
4 condos listed with an average sales price of $172,400
7 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $70,800
1 townhome/villa with a sales price of $74,900
64 single family homes with an average price of $205,994
The priciest home that came newly on the market here in Lakeland, Florida is a 2008 custom built pool home, in the Highlands in the Woods subdivision; featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 baths with over 3,500 square feet of living space currently offered for $625,000. On the contrary, the cheapest home newly on the market is a 3 bedroom 1 bath Bank-Owned property listed for only $24,900 – under $25.00 per square foot – located in the Webster & Omohundro Subdivision.
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”.
Take a look at the breakdown by zip code:
33801 – 04 with an average sales price of $86,300
33803 – 11 with an average sales price of $195,554
33805 – 08 with an average sales price of $119,945
33809 – 08 with an average sales price of $226,887
33810 – 14 with an average sales price of $138,085
33811 – 07 with an average sales price of $187,214
33812 – 02 with an average sales price of $279,462
33813 – 20 with an average sales price of $265,767
33815 – 02 with an average sales price of $27,400
Weekly update on distressed properties in Lakeland
A total of 496 properties are currently facing foreclosure. There were 19 Lakeland homes newly listed in the distressed category with average prices of $146,639. Distressed homes are categorized as “Bank-Owned”, “Require 3rd party approval (Short Sale)”, “Pre-foreclosure”, and “In-Foreclosure”.
For more information on the location of the properties newly listed in Lakeland, pricing and size of the homes click on map picture which leads you to the interactive Community Walk map created by Chuck Welch of Lakeland Local.
Would you like to do your own search for properties? Look no further, click on the “Search for Homes” icon to start your Lakeland real estate search – or contact me directly at (863) 619-6918.
lakeland florida real estate
Home Buyer’s Representation – Why should I hire a Buyer’s Agent
April 20, 2009 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment
This question – why should I hire a buyer’s agent? – comes up more and more of home buyers, who consider hiring a Lakeland buyer’s agent. There are Lakeland, Florida home buyers, who say the following:
- I can search for homes on the internet, so why should I hire an agent.
- I can get home values on sites such as Zillow and Trulia, no need for a real estate agent.
- I can save thousands of dollars in commission, no buyer’s agent needed.
As an experienced Lakeland buyer’s agent I can do this and so much more:
I can search the Multiple Listings Database (MLS) and instantly sent you a notification of homes that came on the market, when price reductions occur, keep an eye on “For Sale By Owners”, expose you to more choices of homes other buyer’s agent may not be aware of, search the history of a home so you don’t have to waste hours of your valuable time.
Prepare a comparable market analysis (CMA) just for you, the home buyer, on properties of your interest with up-to-date information that you can’t get from Zillow or Trulia.
Complete the real estate sales contract and help with the negotiations based on market conditions, property conditions, any information I may find about the seller’s situation. Oversee deadlines and follow up with inspections, financing, title requirements, which can save you thousands of dollars.
You don’t want to make the same mistake like the seller in this news report, who was not represented by an experienced buyer’s agent.
This news report follows immediately after this short commercial.
lakeland florida real estate
Lakeland Real Estate for Sale – Weekly Update on New Listings 04/05/09 – 04/11/09
April 15, 2009 by Petra Norris · 1 Comment
Lakeland Florida Homes for Sale – Weekly Update! There were 65 homes newly listed in Lakeland with an average sales price of $163,277 or $89.92 per square foot with area Realtors®, not much of a change of homes listed from the previous week. While the total inventory (2130 properties as of Wednesday, April 15th) in Lakeland did not change from last week, the types of homes being actively marketed changes daily according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS).
Amongst the newly listed properties, here is a breakdown of each property category:
6 condos listed with an average sales price of $183,233
10 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $67,850
2 townhomes/villas with an average sales price of $116,250
47 single family homes with an average price of $183,034
The priciest home that came newly on the market here in Lakeland, Florida is a 2002 Mediterranean Pool Home, a former Parade Model Home, in the Eaglebrooke Golf Community; featuring 5 bedrooms and 4 ½ baths with almost 6,000 square feet of living space currently offered for $1,295,000. On the contrary, the cheapest home newly on the market is a 3 bedroom 2 bath Bank-Owned property listed for only $27,900 – under $27.00 per square foot – located in Lake Beulah Heights Subdivision.
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”.
Take a look at the breakdown by zip code:
33801 – 06 with an average sales price of $82,966
33803 – 09 with an average sales price of $158,933
33805 – 03 with an average sales price of $123,300
33809 – 08 with an average sales price of $147,650
33810 – 17 with an average sales price of $138,174
33811 – 04 with an average sales price of $135,225
33812 – 07 with an average sales price of $189,728
33813 – 10 with an average sales price of $288,785
33815 – 01 listed for a sales price of $27,900
Weekly update on distressed properties in Lakeland
A total of 489 properties are currently facing foreclosure. There were 20 Lakeland homes newly listed in the distressed category with an average price of $122,102 or $71.65 per square foot. Distressed homes are categorized as “Bank-Owned”, “Require 3rd party approval (Short Sale)”, “Pre-foreclosure”, and “In-Foreclosure”.
For more information on the location of the properties newly listed in Lakeland, pricing and size of the homes click on map picture which leads you to the interactive Community Walk map created by Chuck Welch of Lakeland Local.
Would you like to do your own search for properties? Look no further, click on the “Search for Homes” icon to start your Lakeland real estate search – or contact me directly at (863) 619-6918.
