Top Five Things To Do With Grandkids Around Lakeland Florida
Summer vacation, Spring break, Thanksgiving break, Winter break…. What do they all have in common? It is the time to spend with Grandkids! Whether your grandkids are young or on the verge of becoming adults, as grandparents we cannot wait to see those faces, which always brings a smile to our hearts. I’m always delighted to spend time with my grandkids when they come to visit us in Lakeland Florida. However, the dilemma I face is what can I do to entertain them. Sure we live in the Sunshine State and there is always Disney, Universal, and Busch Gardens however with a tight budget, trips out of town are not always attainable. So what is it we can do with our grandkids right here in Lakeland?
Here is my top five things to do with your grandkids around Lakeland Florida:
There are ample parks around Lakeland. Common Ground Park is located on Edgewood Drive and has received numerous praises for its innovative ideas. This park is a haven where children of all abilities can socialize and play right next to each other. It is a park where children who may not normally get to play in your average playground because of an unleveled or less than solid ground can move around the different obstacles without the worry of footing.
We have Barnett Park, which is situated next to the beautiful Lake Mirror. With its great central location in Lakeland it is easily and quickly accessible to people from all parts of town. Lakeland has essentially in one area three different parks including a small water park to enjoy during those hot summer days. There is an area for older kids to climb and swing. The third area for preschoolers is called Sunflower Preschool Park. A Playground modeled off of Common Ground Park. It is geared toward the 2-5 year old age range. It was developed after parents realized the toys at Barnett Park were geared more toward their older kids, which left the little ones with nothing to truly entertain themselves.
Downtown Lakeland is always a fun
place to go especially during First Fridays. For the little ones stop by Explorations V museum, a great educational but fun place for kids to learn about different things going on in our area. First Fridays is even a great activity for the older grandchildren since there are plenty of activities going on to entertain a wide range of people. Between great foods, live musicians, and Ice Cream what’s not to love.
New to the Lakeland Florida area is Legoland Florida. Legoland is situated in the same location of Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, FL. I was saddened to hear that Cypress Garden’s which had become a staple to the Central Florida region was closing. It didn’t come as a surprise when our economy took a turn for the worse and so many large theme parks within a 60 mile radius drive. However when hearing Legoland Florida was now going to occupy this same location I was excited because it meant a whole new realm of possibilities. Legoland even held onto some of the charm of the former Cypress Gardens with a ski show, historical botanical gardens, and Lego Southern Belles. And coming Summer 2012 is the Legoland Waterpark.
When it is a teenager needing to be entertained there is the ample options of shopping and movies at the Lakeside Village. Lakeside Village features many places to shop for people of all ages. Know of a movie coming out which your teenage grandchildren maybe interested in why not try a midnight showing! Show those kids that even though we like to go to bed early and get up early doesn’t mean that every once in a while we can’t stay up late and enjoy a nice night out on the town with them.
While Lakeland Florida is a great place to retire due to our warm winters and suburban towns centrally located to larger cities, there are still plenty of activities to entertain our grandchildren when they come to visit us here in Lakeland.
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There are so many things to do in Polk County with cities such as Winter Haven and Lakeland. Legoland Florida is located in Winter Haven, FL – Polk County, which was the former ground of Cypress Gardens also known as one of the oldest Florida attractions that closed its doors in 2009. Legoland is greatly suited for kids under 13 years of age. The officials of Legoland even held onto some of the charm of the former Cypress Gardens such as the waterski show, historical botanical gardens and the Southern Belles.
- Mallory Square in Key West
- Miami’s South Beach
- Washington, D.C.
- New York City skyline
- Kennedy Space Center
- Casinos of Las Vegas
- Daytona International Speedway
The annual Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival takes place around Lake Mirror and in the Downtown Lakeland Florida area on October 14 – 16, 2011. Best of all – it’s free!The honorary chairman for this year’s Festival is Bob Tullius, he is best known for his highly successful team Group 44 racing team. Mr Tullius is best known for creating the Jaguar XJR-5 protoype racing cars which competed in IMSA’s premier GTP class and the LeMans during the 1980′s.
Noon: Lunch Parade to the Lake Mirror Promenade led by Scottish bag-piper as tuxedo-clad Terrace Hotel waiters deliver lunch to Concours d’ Elegance participants.
Since I have been going for the past couple of years to Lakeland’s Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival, I would like to share with you the collection of photographs I took. Enjoy!
Lakeland Florida – Botanical Hollis Garden
Understanding Absorption Rate for Lakeland FL Home Sellers and Buyers
In today’s housing market, it is very critical that Lakeland home sellers and buyers understand the housing market and more importantly understand absorption rate. First and foremost and realistically, there are only a certain number of homes that will sell in any given period. While absorption rate is not an exact science, the key to you selling or buying a Lakeland Florida home understands the local real estate market and trend providing you with a clear vision when it comes to making an informed decision.
Absorption rate is an assessment of the current housing inventory, including properties under contract (pending) because a prospective buyer can walk at any time, divided by current rate of sales, expressed in months of supply. In any local real estate market, the absorption rate is generally considered the best indicator of whether the housing is either a seller’s or a buyer’s market.
- Normal Market – Absorption Rate is between 5 and 6 months.
- Sellers Market – Absorption Rate is lower (1-4 months)
- Buyers Market – Absorption Rate is higher (7+ months)
Housing economists and experts use the absorption rate in real estate to predict the housing market, while Lakeland Fl sellers and buyers may heard the phrase through the media but really don’t know what absorption rate represents. Since April 2009, appraisers are required to use absorption rate for all government loans.
To simply define absorption rate in Lakeland Florida, it is the number of months it will take to sell all homes for sale. For example a 12 months supply would mean that at the current rate of sales and no additional homes coming on the market, it would take 12 months for the inventory to deplete.
Currently, Lakeland Fl has a total of 2375 homes for sale and under contract (pending) according to the multiple listing as of December 16, 2010, there were 2301 Lakeland homes sold from Nov 2009 – Nov 2010. The absorption rate for Lakeland, Fl homes is calculated as follows:
2301/12 = 191.75 average monthly home sales - 2375/191.75 = 13.83 months housing supply.
Just like in any industry, supply and demand play an important role. If the demand is slow coupled with increasing supply will give you lower prices that results in a buyer’s market. Likewise, if supply is limited, homebuyers will typically pay more for the home – seller’s market.
When it comes to calculating the absorption rate for a local Lakeland neighborhood, it really brings the local housing market for sellers and buyers into perspective, especially within a specific neighborhood/community. For sellers, it will define the market in how to price the home realistically when comparing their competition with the result of a faster sale. For the buyer, the absorption rate can provide a negotiation tool to obtain a lower price.
Stay tuned for my next blog when I’ll show how absorption rate affects in determining a price for a perspective Lakeland home seller within a neighborhood.
Copyright © 2010 By Petra Norris * Understanding Absorption Rate for Lakeland FL Home Sellers and Buyers*
Although it doesn’t snow in Lakeland, Florida. Kids will surely have a blast at the 29th Annual Snowfest at Lake Mirror on Saturday December 4, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., which is hosted by the City of Lakeland Parks 7 Recreation Department. I remember when I first took my children to the Snowfest, missing playing in the snow in Germany, their faces lit up with joy when they climbed Snow Mountain and slid down. All they had to bring is one canned food item or $1.00 cash. After all these years the price has not gone up. Kids will enjoy jumbo inflatables ($1.00) and a visit from Santa.
In addition to the Snow Fest, the City of Lakeland will open the Sunflower Preschool Playground, unlike the Common Ground that is specifically designed for children of all ages and abilities, the Sunflower Preschool Playground is designed for children with ages from 3-5 years.
Step back in time (18th Century) and experience the Holiday Celebration of America’s Founding Fathers. A 90 minutes of interactive 18th century dancing, tavern fare, theatre and games with groups entering every 15 minutes. The Colonial Christmas will be at the home of Josh and J Lenora Bresler at 987 Lake Holllingsworth Drive in Lakeland Fl on December 4th from 6:00 p.m – 9:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 5th from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tickets for adults is $15.00 and children under 18 years of age is $10.00. Please call (863) 644-1408 for tickets or at the door. Proceeds to benefit Geneva Classical Academy.
“Holiday Art Fest”
Downtown Lakeland is filled with art and the annual Holiday Art Fest, on Friday December 10th, 2010 starting at 6:00 p.m., is a treat for art lover. Local artists showcase their creation along the streets downtown Lakeland. You will be in the right place looking for that special gift for that special someone. While you shop for that unique gift, you also are entertained with holiday music from students from local schools.
“Holiday Music Concerts”
Holiday Music Concerts are happening in area churches, schools and various organizations and here are some of my favorites that I have enjoyed in years past. These musicians and singers are volunteering their time with rehearsals and practicing their music to perfection for your enjoyment. Please attend these Holiday Music Concerts in Lakeland and support your area churches, schools and local community musicians.
Florida Southern College – Christmas Gala - December 4th, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. – Single Tickets are $15.00. Patrons have reminded them that their Christmas season begins with “The Gala”. Florida Southern College talented student will perform sacred and secular music.
Imperial Symphony Orchestra – Home for Christmas - December 7th, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at Youkey Theater in the Lakeland Center. If you have never seen a concert presented by the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, this is a must go event. Local musicians under the baton of Mark Thielen, will play holiday favorites such as White Christmas, A Christmas Festival, Pie Jesu, Sleigh Ride, Stille Nacht – Heilige Nacht, A Canadian Brass Christmas and much more. Tickets for adults are $20, $30, $40 and children under 12 years are free when accompanied by an adult. Full-time students with ID are free.
Harrison School for the Arts – Music of the Season - December 9th, and December 10th, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrison Arts Theater. Due to popular demand and sold out concerts of years past, the Harrison School for the Arts will have two Music of the Season performances. These talented high school students of the Choral and Orchestra Department will present secular, sacred and holiday favorites for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets are $5.00 for students and seniors (over 55 years of age) and $7.00 for adults.
Performing Arts – Live Holiday Production
Gift of the Magi, directed by Paul L. Hughes and starring Lakeland’s own Quentin Darrington (directly off of Broadway starring in Ragtime) and Dejah Gomez (also in roles on Broadway such as the Lion King as well as back up singer to Sting, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and many more). Saturday, Dec. 5th @ 7:30 and Sunday, Dec. 6th @ 2 PM.
The Nutcracker, part of the Polk Theatre’s 2010/2011 Performing Arts Series starring Florida Dance Theatre. Saturday, Dec 11 @ 7:30 PM and Sunday, Dec 12 @ 2 PM.
A stable Lakeland real estate Market is a key factor for the housing market to rebound. For the month of January a total of 145 homes were sold overall. Last year’s overall Lakeland Florida real estate market was somewhat of a roller coaster ride with home prices up and down throughout the year. Will the roller coaster ride continue in 2010? From the graph below you can see that average Lakeland home prices have increased since October 2009 by almost 9%.
Lakeland Homes sold in January: 145 – previous month: 194 – previous year January 09: 115 sold
January – average sales price $126,320
Previous month: $123,866 (+ 2%) – previous year January 09: $130,334 (-3.08%)
January – median sales price $112,900
Previous month: $113,950 (-0.92%) – previous year January 09: $96,000 (17.6%)
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.
Lakeland homes sold that are priced right will sell quickly. In my analysis of last month activity shows that home owners, who are having their properties marketed at the right price, achieve 97% of their list price. Here is a breakdown:
- 0-30 days – 96.92% average sold price/list price ratio
- 31-60 days – 98.22% average sold price/list price ratio
- 61-90 days – 95.4% average sold price/list price ratio
- 91-120 days – 93.23% average sold price/list price ratio
- 121+ days – 92.28% average sold price/list price ratio
For more information on the location of these sold homes in Lakeland, price and size of the home click on map picture which leads you to the interactive Community Walk map created by Chuck Welch of Lakeland Local.
Distressed properties in Lakeland, Florida
For the month of January, Lakeland’s real estate market of distressed homes and bank-owned (REO) properties had a market share of 60%. There were a total of 88 properties sold in January compared to 60 distressed Lakeland homes sold the year prior, according to Mid-Florida Regional MLS. After further evaluation of my Lakeland Real Estate Market and to my readers who follow the distressed market report closely deserve clarity. Starting out with January’s Real Estate Report, the distressed market report will have its own report. Please check back soon for your 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.
Update for the Lakeland real estate market! There are 1903 homes for sale throughout Lakeland, Florida – as of 02/06/10; the number of homes for sale remained constant for the month of January. Newly listed homes for the period of January 15th through January 31st increased slightly to 169 Lakeland homes. The average sales price of Lakeland homes listed with area Realtors® decreased to $160,386 from my previous report.
The types of homes and average prices just listed in Lakeland, Florida according to the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) are as follows:
1 duplex unit with a sales price of $95,800
7 condos listed with an average sales price of $97,243
15 mobile homes listed with an average sales price of $65,793
14 Townhomes/Villas listed with an average sales price of $92,798
132 single family homes with an average price of $182,141
Lakeland’s newest homes listed! The priciest Lakeland real estate is a 1995 home on approximately 6 acres; featuring 5 bedrooms and 6 baths with over 5,100 square feet of living space currently offered for $675,000 located in the Oakmont Acres. On the contrary, the cheapest Lakeland home newly listed is a bank owned 3 bedrooms 2 baths home listed for $19,900 – just under $19.00 per square foot – located in the Winston Heights subdivision.
All 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 – 20 with an average sales price of $100,815
33803 –22 with an average sales price of $171,534
33805 – 12 with an average sales price of $112,441
33809 – 24 with an average sales price of $146,849
33810 – 35 with an average sales price of $138,452
33811 – 19 with an average sales price of $185,471
33812 – 11 with an average sales price of $277,163
33813 – 23 with an average sales price of $209,878
33815 – 03 with an average sales price of $65,233
Update on distressed homes in Lakeland
A total of 573 properties are currently actively being marketed that are facing foreclosure. There were 51 Lakeland homes newly listed in the distressed category with average prices of $109,719 or $62.43 per square foot. Distressed homes are categorized as “Bank-Owned”, “Require 3rd party approval (Short Sale)”, “Pre-foreclosure”, and “In-Foreclosure”.
January update on Lakeland Real Estate “Sold & Pending”
So far 142 Lakeland properties have sold that have been recorded in the Multiple Listing – an increase from the previous year – check back soon for the Lakeland real estate market report. Currently, there are 475 Lakeland homes have gone to “pending”, awaiting closing.
Looking for a specific home in Lakeland Florida – look no further, feel free to contact me at petra@petranorris.com or click the search button below.
Hi folks! It is time for our annual Tiger Town Pig Festival next to Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland Florida. At this free event, yes free and even parking is free, you will find the best barbeque around – every taste buds will be mesmerized by the variety of finger lickin’ barbeque with all sorts of variety.
In its 14th year, Lakeland Pig Fest is well known for its barbeque competition enticing professional barbeque teams to travel to our beautiful city and compete in four categories: Ribs, Chicken, Pork and Brisket. Of course they are interested in the $10,000 in prize money and the $1000.00 Big Green Egg Prize Package.
Gates open on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. with live music on the mainstage performed by Bitter Edge followed by Damon Fowler.
The gates open on Saturday, January 30th at 10:00 a.m. for some barbeque braggin’ rights competition.
On both days there is plenty of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy including: NASCAR Simulators, Interactive Children’s area, Live Music, Tasting Opportunities and some world class barbeque.
A tad bit of history lesson! It started all in 1994 when a small group of local businessmen attended the Blue Ridge Mountain town of Tyron, N.C. to watch a barbeque championship. From then on, a festival committee was established and Lakeland’s Pig Festival welcomed its first barbeque competitors in 1997. Since then, professional teams and backyard teams travel great distances to compete separate in now five different categories in Ribs (loin and spare), Pork (shoulder and butt), Chicken, Brisket (beef) and Sauce. The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) Professional Competition and Judging School considers Lakeland’s Pig Fest to be one of the finest events sanctioned by KCBS. Lakeland’s annual Pig Fest held at Joker Marchant Stadium has since then grown to over 300 Barbeque Teams competing for prize money and attendance growing quickly each year.
The Junior League of Greater Lakeland became in 2005 the lead organizer for this great event and they do an outstanding job providing volunteers to see that this free event is run smoothly. The event in itself is free, such as the concerts – as you walk towards the gate, let me suggest you buy “Pig Dollars” near the entrance for food and drinks and also some for your kids, since I’m sure they want to take part in arts & crafts, climbing and jumping. Don’t worry if you run out of the “Pig Dollars or “Pig Bucks”, there are various locations throughout the area for you to buy more.
Lakeland real estate ended the year on a high note in sales. With 194 homes sold overall, a 43% increase from the previous year, the month of December proved to be the best month for 2009 with an average sales price of $123,865, a 1% increase from the previous month.
Lakeland Homes sold in December: 194 – previous month: 174 – previous year December 08: 136 sold
While home prices are at 2004 level and still showing signs of downward market adjustments, the adjustments for December compared to last year’s figures are no longer in double digits. Although the distressed properties continue to power market values for Lakeland Real Estate, I suspect in the coming month that we see the market will stabilize.
December – average sales price $123,865
Previous month: $122,590 (+ 1%) – previous year December 08: $134,370(-7.82%)
December – median sales price $113,950
Previous month: $119,000 (-4.24%) – previous year December 08: $125,420 (-9.15%)
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.
Which zip codes represents the most sales activities since January 2009?
| Zip Code | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 33801 | 20 | 12 | 15 | 21 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 12 | 20 | 27 | 20 | 31 | 224 |
| 33803 | 11 | 10 | 16 | 18 | 16 | 19 | 26 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 20 | 24 | 226 |
| 33805 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 135 |
| 33809 | 13 | 12 | 16 | 11 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 17 | 25 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 206 |
| 33810 | 25 | 31 | 34 | 31 | 46 | 37 | 40 | 33 | 42 | 46 | 43 | 40 | 448 |
| 33811 | 10 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 22 | 20 | 15 | 22 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 208 |
| 33812 | 10 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 7 | 9 | 16 | 15 | 10 | 9 | 13 | 14 | 129 |
| 33813 | 9 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 26 | 33 | 35 | 38 | 29 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 321 |
| 33815 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 56 |
| Total | 115 | 125 | 152 | 154 | 156 | 169 | 188 | 166 | 183 | 177 | 174 | 194 | 1953 |
Distressed properties in Lakeland, Florida
For the month of December, Lakeland’s real estate market of distressed homes and bank-owned (REO) properties had a market share of 53%. There were a total of 103 properties sold in December compared to 49 distressed Lakeland homes sold the year prior, according to Mid-Florida Regional MLS.
Average days on market (DOM) for bank-owned properties are 49 days
Average days on market (DOM) for other distressed properties are 146 days.
28 Distressed Homes Sold – average sold price $118,425 – median sold price $122,000
75 Bank-owned (REO) sold – average sold price $94,819 – median sold price $80,000
For more information on the location of these sold homes in Lakeland, price and size of the home click on map picture which leads you to the interactive Community Walk map created by Chuck Welch of Lakeland Local.
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.
