Polk County

Polk County Existing Home Sales for January 2010

February 27, 2010 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment 

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

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

Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for January 2010 for existing home sales – single family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes, duplex, villas, and townhomes -including distressed properties in Polk County. Please take note only sales recorded by Realtors® are taken into account. The source for this data is Mid-Florida Regional MLS Service, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

City                        Average Sold Price          Median Sold Price           # of Homes Sold

AUBURNDALE 110,675 111,950 16
BARTOW 106,201 80,000 8
CLERMONT 88,000 88,000 1
DAVENPORT 117,716 110,000 122
DUNDEE 75,000 75,000 2
EAGLE LAKE 9,100 9,100 1
FORT MEADE 140,750 106,500 4
FROSTPROOF 64,283 63,000 3
HAINES CITY 91,398 79,900 32
KATHLEEN 40,000 40,000 1
KISSIMMEE 138,545 100,000 11
LAKE ALFRED 92,450 92,450 2
LAKE HAMILTON 60,500 60,500 2
LAKE WALES 64,199 45,000 19
LAKELAND 126,320 112,900 145
MULBERRY 108,136 118,620 14
POINCIANA 85,345 72,000 51
POLK CITY 38,451 47,000 3
WINTER HAVEN 112,701 91,000 63

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

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

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

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

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

Polk County Existing Home Sales for December 2009

January 30, 2010 by Petra Norris · 1 Comment 

Overall Polk County Home Sales rose and prices fell in 2009 from the previous year.

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

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

Take a look at the city you live in and see what the numbers are for December 2009 for existing home sales – single family homes, condominiums, manufactured homes, duplex, villas, and townhomes -including distressed properties in Polk County.  Please take note only sales recorded by Realtors® are taken into account. The source for this data is Mid-Florida Regional MLS Service, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

City                              Average Sold Price          Median Sold Price           # of Homes Sold

ALTURAS 170,000 170,000 1
AUBURNDALE 130,567 119,000 18
BABSON PARK 125,000 125,000 1
BARTOW 124,190 116,000 10
CLERMONT 69,167 71,000 3
DAVENPORT 131,928 123,925 126
DUNDEE 89,100 89,900 5
EAGLE LAKE 64,500 64,500 2
FORT MEADE 70,000 50,000 3
FROSTPROOF 66,167 56,500 3
HAINES CITY 102,388 87,500 42
HOMELAND 54,900 54,900 1
KISSIMMEE 75,317 67,500 15
LAKE ALFRED 88,207 94,200 6
LAKE WALES 100,233 80,000 21
LAKELAND 123,866 113,950 194
MULBERRY 128,936 133,500 17
POINCIANA 81,444 74,950 80
POLK CITY 72,430 63,000 10
WINTER HAVEN 98,405 92,500 78

Let me break down December 2009 Polk County existing homes sales into various categories:

  • 571 Single family homes, townhomes, villas and ½ duplex – median sold price $105,100 – 150 Average Days on Market
  • 26 Condominiums – median sold price – $72,250 – 136 Average Days on Market
  • 38 Modular, manufactured/mobile homes in park/out of park – median sold price $52,750 – 181 Average Days on Market

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

There were only 258 existing homes sold, not categorized as distressed properties, at a median sold price of $125,000 with 162 average days on market, which counted for 41% of our total sales. The distressed properties however; which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales counted for 59% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of December.

  • 300 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $77,250 – Average Days on Market 45
  • 78 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $110,140 – Average Days on Market 196
Polk County

Lakeland and Polk County Florida Real Estate Update: Save Money by filing Property Tax Homestead Exemption

January 12, 2010 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment 

Beat the rush and file your Polk County property tax homestead exemption on your Lakeland real estate or anywhere in Polk County Florida early, because – believe it or not – March 1st, 2010 deadline is fast approaching.

If you took residency on your newly purchased home after January 1, 2009, which includes mobile home if the land the mobile home sits on is owned by the same owner, you may qualify for the initial $25,000 Homestead Exemption. In addition, you may also qualify for an additional $25,000 homestead under Amendment 1 that began with the 2008 tax year for a total of $50,000.  You surely want to file for a 2010 property tax exemption, also known as homestead exemption.  Have you owned a home previously in Florida? You may be eligible for “Save our Home”. Saving money these days is on everybody’s mind – there are other ways of qualifying for additional savings:

  • Amendment 7, which was voted by Florida voters on November 7, 2006 and is intended to be an additional discount on taxes owed after all other ad valorem tax exemptions are computed for eligible veterans 65 years and older.
  • Senior exemption, widow, disability, veterans and total exemption – if qualified you may be eligible to save up to an additional $5,000. Widow or widower must provide a copy of their late spouse’s death certificate. Disability exemptions applicants must provide an attest from a certified Florida physician.  Veteran exemptions applicants must show proof of percentage (minimum 10%) of service-connected disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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

Where to file?

Bartow Office

255 N. Wilson Ave                     Phone: 863-534-4777

Bartow, FL 33830                      Fax: 863-534-4753

Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (M-F)

Lakeland Office

912 E. Parker St.                          Phone: 863-413-2549

Lakeland, FL 33801                   Fax: 863-413-2550

Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (M-F)

Winter Haven Office

3425 Lake Alfred Rd.                 Phone: 863-401-2424 3

Gill Jones Plaza                         Fax: 863-401-2428

Winter Haven, FL 33881

Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm (M-F)

Website: http://www.polkpa.org

Polk County

Real Estate Market Update for Polk County – November 2009

December 29, 2009 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment 

I was recently asked by a reader why are my Real Estate Market Statistics being published later in the month. I simply replied that I want to be as accurate as I possibly can to my readers and followers.  Generally, I blog about my monthly Lakeland Real Estate Market Report around the 15th of each month for the preceding month and for my Polk County Real Estate Market towards the end of the month.

Generating monthly market reports too early can lead to erroneous statistics which I learned the hard way.  Realtors® get their information from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and although we have to input listings, changes to a listing and information when a property was sold within a short time, real estate agents fail to report the data in a timely manner.

As far as my Polk County market reports concerns,  the same thing applies for reporting requirements from each real estate agent and with thousands of properties being listed in the MLS and hundreds of listings sold every month, accuracy and timing of my Real Estate Market reports is important to me.  And for an added bonus, I wait until I receive the National and Florida Real Estate Market Report so you’ll see not only what happens in Polk County, but on state and national level as well.

So without further ado, here is my real estate update for the month of November 2009 in and around Polk County.

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

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

The Polk County’s overall housing prices improved slightly.

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

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

City                            Average Sold Price     Median Sold Price   # of Homes Sold

AUBURNDALE 110,156 125,000 21
BARTOW 92,496 79,000 21
CLERMONT 54,833 62,500 3
DAVENPORT 137,355 132,500 110
DUNDEE 78,342 86,625 3
EAGLE LAKE 82,425 88,350 4
FORT MEADE 74,467 67,500 6
FROSTPROOF 103,925 70,000 6
HAINES CITY 118,744 115,000 43
HOMELAND 27,500 27,500 1
INDIAN LAKE ESTATES 43,000 43,000 1
KATHLEEN 160,000 160,000 1
KISSIMMEE 99,265 70,000 17
LAKE ALFRED 89,283 97,350 6
LAKE WALES 79,657 57,500 14
LAKELAND 122,591 119,000 174
MULBERRY 112,090 125,100 25
POINCIANA 94,498 79,500 57
POLK CITY 50,667 50,000 3
WINTER HAVEN 102,082 90,000 73

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

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

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

The data for this report was obtained from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS, it is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report does not include “For Sale By Owner”.

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


Polk County

September Homes Sales rise overall in Polk County

October 31, 2009 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment 

statistics_iClipartThe Polk County Florida housing market rose overall in September with 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”.

Florida overall real estate statistics

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.

Polk County

What exactly do National and Florida home sales statistics for August 2009 really say?

October 5, 2009 by Petra Norris · 1 Comment 

statistics_iClipartThis real estate market report covering not only the Lakeland real estate market, it  specifically covers the whole real estate market in  Polk County.  It was published in the October 3, 2009 edition of Polk Homes of The Ledger.  I realize that some of my readers do not subscribe to The Ledger and therefore missed out on my article. So without further ado, here is the unedited version of my article with links to various sites for your information.

The National Association of Realtors® reported a decline in existing home sales in four regions. The seasonally adjusted sales declines were as follows:

  • Northeast –  existing home sales fell 2.2%
  • Midwest – sales dipped by 6.6%
  • South – sales decreased by 3.1%
  • West – sales declined 2.7%

What do the stats really say? Absolutely nothing! It is like talking about the national weather forecast – there is nothing to write about. Let me examine the real estate statistics reported from the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). They report that existing homes sales rose 28% compared to August 2008. Again, nothing more than the Florida weather report – nothing to write about. Often these published statistics lead to more questions, such as how many of these homes were short sales, bank owned properties, or regular sales. None of this is reported nationally and state wide.

I’ve had my share doing market reports for Polk County and Lakeland real estate in the past and always expressed what is exactly selling. Real estate is very local and the housing report, according to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the month of August is as follows:

551 existing home sold – a decrease of 7.7% from the previous month (597 sold homes) in Polk County – an increase in sales activity of 22% from the previous year. Overall Polk’s median price for existing homes declined almost 6.5% from the previous month to $101,000 and dipped 27% from the previous year of $138,950.

At the time of this report, there were a total of 6106 properties for sale and 1748 properties currently under contract that have not closed. Where is the real estate market headed? Real Estate professionals use an absorption rate – though not an exact science, it is based on current and pending inventory and recent sales. Taking all the figures into consideration, we currently have about 15 month of supply – a true buyer’s market.

Let me break it down even further for you. I’m sure you’d like to know how your city was performing in August 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

137,338

117,000

13

BARTOW

85,433

51,500

12

DAVENPORT

124,509

110,000

103

DUNDEE

73,500

73,500

2

EAGLE LAKE

74,500

74,500

1

FORT MEADE

29,900

29,900

1

FROSTPROOF

73,833

80,000

3

HAINES CITY

146,554

115,000

35

INDIAN LAKE ESTATES

115,000

115,000

1

KISSIMMEE

86,919

91,750

20

LAKE ALFRED

97,663

98,500

8

LAKE WALES

113,364

114,500

22

LAKELAND

136,324

130,000

166

MULBERRY

130,492

137,950

12

POINCIANA

80,132

69,900

77

POLK CITY

49,057

49,100

7

WAVERLY

17,500

17,500

1

WINTER HAVEN

137,597

105,200

67

Let me share with you what the National Association of Realtors® and Florida Association of Realtors® doesn’t tell you – the distressed market!

Distressed properties, which includes Bank owned, pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure and short sales count for 53% of our total sales in Polk County for the month of August.

223 sold homes were Bank Owned – median price $79,000

70 sold homes were Short Sales – median price $115,000

Last year August 2008, there were 111 properties sold as distressed properties – an increase of 164%

Buying distressed properties can be very time consuming and tedious. Are you looking for a great deal and overwhelmed with an abundance of inventory on the market. Hire a local Realtor®, who knows the local market and is working diligently for you to get the best deal.

The data 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”.

Polk County

Lakeland Florida First Friday Celebration “School’s out for the Summer”

June 4, 2009 by Petra Norris · Leave a Comment 

schools-outHooray! 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!

artist1musicclassiccarshow

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!

Polk County

Lakeland First-Time Homebuyers $8000 Income Tax Credit

February 19, 2009 by Petra Norris · 2 Comments 

The $789 Billion stimulus package was unveiled signed, sealed and delivered to the American people.

First-Time Homebuyers listen up! It is now the best time to buy homes in Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, and all the surrounding cities in Polk County, Florida.

  1. Prices for Homes in Lakeland, Florida and throughout Polk County have dropped to 2004 level.
  2. Interest rates are at an all time low, lingering around 5%
  3. Housing Inventory have reached it’s highest level
  4. Now, you can deduct $8,000 when buying your first Lakeland home.

Click here to search Lakeland area homes

Check out this reference chart! There was some confusion about the tax credit with the $15,000 credit being axed by the plan and the new $8,000 tax credit compared to the $7,500.

firsttimehomebuyertaxcredit